Abstract
In Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan, all fourth year medical students participate in role play practice of genetic counseling. A hypothetical case is presented to each group of 4 to 5 students, and students review the medical problems, possible worries and conflicts of the clients and family members, desirable ways for medical staff to approach the clients, and other details of the case. Then students draw up a scenario and play the drama before other students, teaching staff, and working genetic counselors. In response to an afterpractice questionnaire, most students indicated that they realized importance of communication between patients and medical staff and the difficulties in comprehensive disclosure of medical information to patients. Genetic counseling role-play is not merely a valuable tool for teaching clinical genetics but it seems a very effective strategy for educating the affective domain, which is essential for medical professionals.
