Hillary Porter, MS, CGC, is a certified genetic counselor at MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute. Her practice focuses on patients whose cardiovascular conditions may have an underlying genetic cause. This subset may include patients with heart failure, inherited forms of cardiomyopathy, arrhythmias, aortopathies, lipid disorders, and cardiac amyloidosis, as well as patients with family history of cardiac disease, cardiac arrest, or sudden death. She helps manage medical care and guides screenings for family members when a genetic cause is the underlying cause to the cardiovascular disease.
Hillary Porter works with referring physicians to determine which tests should be ordered for patients. She provides pre-test counseling for patients to review the implications of genetic testing and provides familial risk assessment and education. She works alongside patients and their physicians to explain the nuances of genetic test results and what they might mean for each unique case. These services are available to patients across the region and counseling appointments are completed in person or via telemedicine.
Philosophy of care: “Genetic information is often not straightforward, and I strive to break down complex topics in a way that patients can understand. As we continue to learn more about genes related to heart disease, I can provide useful information to patients and their families. A genetic cause can guide cardiac surveillance and management recommendations. It also helps us identify other at-risk relatives and potentially prevent serious complications. patients, my goal is to help them feel empowered and involved in their medical care.”
Education
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Master of Science, Genetic Counseling
Boston University School of Medicine -
Bachelor of Arts, Psychology
University of Delaware
Practice location:
MedStar Washington Hospital Center
110 Irving St, NW
Washington, D.C., 20010
Phone: 202-877-GENE (4363) Fax: 202-877-2799