Rachel Belk
Genetic Counsellor and NIHR Research Fellow
email: rachel.belk@postgrad.manchester.ac.uktel: 0161 276 8979
Rachel joined Nowgen in October 2007 to work on research leading to a doctorate. She trained in genetic counselling in Manchester between 1994 and 1996 and then worked in the clinical genetics services in Liverpool and Leeds before returning to Manchester to work in 1999.
For the last seven years, she has specialised in deafness and particularly in working towards improved communication and access to the genetic counselling service for people who are Deaf or have any level of hearing loss. She continues to work part-time in a clinical role as a genetic counsellor whilst carrying out her PhD research.
Rachel’s research has developed from her interest in Deaf language and culture: she is looking at genetic and medical information in British Sign Language and how language and translation issues overcome or add to the barriers that Deaf people have in accessing medical services.
The project explores these complexities from Deaf user and service delivery perspectives. It will also create new tools in BSL to improve understanding, and the results will be used to improve the quality of services and provide educational resources for health service and teaching professionals.
For information and a list of publications can be found on Rachel's University of Manchester webpage.
Rachel works with her supervisors, Professor Alys Young and Mrs Lauren Kerzin-Storrar. Mrs Kerzin-Storrar is based in the Genetics Medicine Department, which has strong links with Nowgen, and Professor Young is based in the Shool of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work and heads the Social Research with Deaf People (SORD) Researh Group, of which Rachel is also a member.
Rachel has particular links with some colleagues at Nowgen through her PhD. Professor Dian Donnai is her PhD advisor and Dr Marion McAllister is a member of her project advisory group, as is a previous member of Nowgen, Professor Katherine Payne who has now moved to the Health Economics Team within the Health Methodolgy Research Group.
