Clinical Genetic Counseling Services

Perinatal Center/ Obstetrical Testing Unit
The Obstetrical Testing Unit is staffed by Virginia Lupo, MD, perinatologist, Laura Coultrip, MD, perinatologist and Marie Runyon MS, CGC, genetic counselor. Prenatal diagnostic services are available for the following indications:

• maternal age (>35 years of age)

• Screening options including first trimester and ethnicity screening

• abnormal serum screening

• abnormal ultrasound

• pregnancy exposures

• family history or personal history of birth defects, chromosome abnormalities or genetic disorders

Risk assessment, genetic counseling and prenatal diagnostic procedures are provided. Maternal fetal consultations are available. Detailed summary letters are provided to referring physicians and patients.

Appointments are scheduled through the OB Testing Unit at HCMC by calling (612) 873-5006.

General Genetic Counseling Services
Genetic counseling evaluations are provided by Marie Runyon, MS, CGC. Services are available for individuals or families with the following conditions:

• Birth defects

• Cognitive impairment/developmental delay

• Growth delay or short stature

• Hearing impairment (children or young adults)

• Other medical conditions

Genetic counseling visits to discuss known diagnoses or concerns regarding family history issues are available. All patients and families are provided with language-appropriate genetic counseling, education, and relevant resources related to their condition. Referrals made for individuals requiring further evaluation or individuals with known diagnoses needing appropriate, condition-specific medical surveillance. Detailed summary letters will be provided to referring physicians and can be provided patients upon request.

Appointments are scheduled through the OB Testing Unit at HCMC by calling 612-873-5006

Cancer Genetic Counseling Services
Comprehensive hereditary cancer risk assessment is provided to individuals and families concerned about a family or medical history of cancer. Genetic counseling is provided by Marie Runyon, MS, CGC. Genetic services are available for the following:

• Genetic predisposition testing for breast, ovarian, colon and many other cancer types

• Individual cancer risk assessment

• Discussion of cancer surveillance and risk reduction strategies

• Participation in national research studies

Detailed summary letters can are provided to referring physicians and may be provided to patients upon request. Cancer Genetics evaluations are one of the many specialist services available within the Hennepin County Medical

Appointments are scheduled through the OB Testing Unit at HCMC, by calling 612-873-5006

Hennepin County Medical Center's Huntington Disease Center of Excellence
The Hennepin County Medical Center Huntington Disease Center of Excellence is a multidisciplinary clinic directed by Martha Nance, MD, neurologist and geneticist. Genetic counseling is provided by Carol Ludowese, MS, CGC. Genetic services are available for the following:

• Recent diagnosis of Huntington Disease in the family

• Risk assessment based on family history

• Predictive genetic testing for at risk individuals

• Family planning and prenatal testing

Genetic counseling is provided for families. At risk individuals are offered a comprehensive program for predictive genetic testing. Individuals, both at risk and affected, are offered the opportunity to participate in national research studies. Genetic counseling is one of many specialist services available within the Huntington's Disease Center of Excellence.

For more information and/or to schedule an appointment, call (612) 873-6024.

Hennepin Faculty Associates Neuromuscular Center
The Hennepin Faculty Associates Neuromuscular Center is a multidisciplinary clinic directed by William David, MD, neurologist. Genetic counseling is provided by Marie Runyon, MS, CGC. Genetic services are available for the following:

• Recent diagnosis of a neuromuscular disease in the family

• Risk assessment based on family history

• Confirmatory genetic testing

• Family planning and prenatal testing

Genetic counseling is provided for individuals and families who have been diagnosed with an inherited neuromuscular disease. Genetic testing is available to confirm a diagnosis or to evaluate carrier status in at risk family members. Detailed summary letters are provided to referring physicians and patients. Genetic counseling is one of many specialist services available within the multidisciplinary Neuromuscular Center.

Appointments may be scheduled by calling (612) 873-5224

Hennepin Faculty Associates ALS Center
The Hennepin Faculty Associates ALS Center is a multidisciplinary clinic directed by William David, MD, neurologist. Genetic counseling is provided by Marie Runyon, MS, CGC. Genetic services are available for the following:

• Risk assessment based on family history

• Confirmatory genetic testing

• Predictive genetic testing for at risk individuals

Genetic counseling is provided for individuals and families who have been diagnosed with familial ALS. As appropriate, genetic testing and DNA banking is offered to patients. At risk individuals are offered a comprehensive program for predictive genetic testing. Detailed summary letters are provided to referring physicians and may be provided to patients upon request. Genetic counseling is one of many specialist services available within the multidisciplinary ALS Center.

Appointments may be scheduled by calling (612) 347-5224

Clinical Genetic Counseling Staff

Marie Runyon, M.S., C.G.C.
Phone: (612) 873-9301
Email: Marie.Runyon@hcmed.org 

Providing Counseling Services for:

• Obstetric genetic services
• General genetic services
• Cancer genetic services
• HFA Neuromuscular Center
• HFA ALS Center

Carol Ludowese, M.S., C.G.C.
Phone: (612) 873-4686
Email: Carol.Ludowese@hcmed.org

Providing Counseling Services for:

• Huntington Disease Center of Excellence

Carol Ludowese, MS, CGC, is a genetic counselor and diplomat of the American Board of Medical Genetics and the American Board of Genetic Counseling. Carol completed her graduate studies at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. She is actively involved in resident education. Carol staffs the Hennepin County Medical Center's Huntington Disease Center of Excellence.