Willem Pretorius

I’m Willem Pretorius, one of the genetic counselling students here at the University of Cape Town (UCT). With the completion of an MSc in Microbiology in the last year where I took a closer look at plant pathogens, and I am super excited to finally be able to jump into the realm of human genetics!

My passion for genetics was excited by my parents since early childhood where they regularly talked about the future of science and how it could impact the welfare of a human being. After matric I already planned to establish myself in a dedicated niche where I can support people in helping them understand how genetics specifically play a prominent role in influencing human health. Once I was presented with the concept of genetic counselling, I knew I had found the niche I was looking for!

In the last five years I had the privilege of helping out a performing arts groups at my alma mater. I was a member of different chamber choirs in Pretoria (one of which took part in the 2018 World Choir Games), and shaped a piano program of 30 minutes that will used be used to obtain a performance art diploma in the near future. I am also an avid gamer and I love orchestral, drum ‘n’ base, as well as electronic music!

With regards to research planned for 2020-2021, I am aiming to inspect why medical professionals in private practices around South Africa utilize the service of genetic counselling. I hope to identify perspectives which could help encourage other medical professionals in South Africa to utilise the service genetic counselling. I also aim to investigate the benefits (and potential harms) genetic counselling has on medical professionals in how the service is perceived to impact their patient(s).

Being part of the genetic counselling team at UCT provides me with tremendous joy. It makes me proud to be part of a young profession that actively empowers people with knowledge and opportunities aimed to help shape the future of individual peoples and their family.