Manager, Clinical Genetics, Western Region & Licensed Certified Genetic Counselor, City of Hope Chicago
Stakeholders at City of Hope practice the Mother Standard of care. We put patients’ needs above all else and have created an environment that supports the total person, not just their diagnosis
As a Licensed Certified Genetic Counselor and Manager, Clinical Genetics, Western Region at City of Hope, Eric Fowler assesses the risk of hereditary cancer, counsels patients and helps interpret genetic test results. “I assess the chances that people have an inherited risk for cancer. People with hereditary cancer risks benefit from increased and earlier cancer screening and preventative options, which impacts not only patients with cancer, but also their family members.”
A licensed genetic counselor in Illinois, Fowler has worked in genetic counseling since 1996. He previously worked as clinical director of a genetics program, as well as a clinical genetics counselor for a fetal medicine facility, both in Memphis. Fowler’s decision to join City of Hope was based on his commitment to whole-person care.
“Stakeholders at City of Hope practice the Mother Standard® of care. We put patients’ needs above all else and have created an environment that supports the total person, not just their diagnosis,” says Fowler.
Fowler attended Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois, where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Biology before going on to receive a Master of Science in Medical Genetics from the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
One skill that Fowler has mastered throughout his career is the ability to truly listen to patients’ needs. “My first goal is to understand the patient’s perspective, hopes and fears and then provide information and guidance in a compassionate and caring way."
He is certified by the American Board of Genetic Counseling, and is a member of the National Society of Genetic Counselors. Fowler has previously held positions on the board of directors for the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition and the Tennessee Cancer Coalition.
At City of Hope, Fowler embraces the team approach to cancer treatment.
“I am consulted when a patient is at-risk to have an inherited cause for their cancer. I am part of each physician’s team, share my impressions of potential hereditary conditions, coordinate genetic testing and disseminate genetic test results to care providers,“ says Fowler.