Joan A. Scott, MS, CGC
Director
Genetics & Public Policy Center

Joan Scott, MS, CGC, is the Director of the Genetics and Public Policy Center, as well as a research scientist in the Berman Institute of Bioethics at Johns Hopkins University. She leads the Center’s efforts to address legal, ethical, and policy issues related to advances in genetics, genetic testing quality and oversight, and public engagement in genetic research.

Joan is a certified genetic counselor with more than 30 years of experience. Her career has focused on the application of genomic discoveries to healthcare. Prior experience in clinical genetics, laboratory medicine, and the biotechnology industry now informs the work she does at GPPC. Before coming to the Center in 2002, Joan was a director at GeneLogic, Inc. for four years, overseeing the operations of a large biobank for use in genomic discovery. She also has served as general manager and director of Genetic Services at the clinical diagnostic lab OncorMed from 1994 to 1998. Clinically, she has practiced in a variety of academic, outreach, and private-practice settings, including pediatric, adult, and reproductive genetic clinics. She is a past president of the National Society of Genetic Counselors.

Joan’s professional service activities include the Evaluation of Genomic Applications in Practice and Prevention (EGAPP) Working Group; the Secretary’s Advisory Committee on Genetics, Health, and Society Task Force on DTC Genetic Testing; the Maryland Insurance Administration Workgroup on Genetic Testing; the National Cancer Institute’s CaHUB Advisory Committee; the Center for Translational and Policy Research on Personalized Medicine Advisory Committee at the University of California, San Francisco; and the Genetic Alliance BioBank Advisory Board.

Joan holds an MS (Human Genetics Program) from Sarah Lawrence College and a BA in Anthropology and Zoology from Kent State University. She has been certified by the American Board of Medical Genetics with a subspecialty in Genetic Counseling and was recertified by the American Board of Genetic Counseling in 2006.