The field of Genetic Counseling Genetic counselors act as the liaison between doctors and patients. They often have specialized training in both psychology and medicine , and must understand not only the complex details of certain medical diagnoses, but also the delicate psychology of the patients they are working with. For as our ability to understand the genetic precursors and signs of various maladies and health problems increases, the choices faced by more and more patients are not only becoming more numerous, but more complicated and confusing, as well. This is why, now more than ever, the work of genetic counselors is crucial.