Amanda S. Higgs

Amanda S. Higgs, MGC, CGC, serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, where she functions as Senior Genetic Counselor at the Center for Advanced Fetal Care. Her clinical expertise spans comprehensive prenatal genetic counseling for complex cases including family history concerns, abnormal ultrasound findings, advanced maternal age, and teratogen exposure during pregnancy.

Her educational background includes:

• B.S. in Biology from the University of Richmond
• Master's in Genetic Counseling from the University of Maryland School of Medicine (2000)

Ms. Higgs specializes in prenatal genetic counseling with research emphases on biomedical ethics, medication use in pregnancy, and congenital heart disease. Her clinical work addresses critical domains including fetal ultrasound abnormalities, termination of pregnancy for fetal indications, and teleconsultation services, demonstrating commitment to ethical practice and patient-centered care in high-risk obstetric scenarios.

Analysis of her publications (2000-2017) reveals consistent focus on improving prenatal diagnostic accuracy, enhancing genetic counseling methodologies, and addressing ethical challenges in maternal-fetal medicine. Key thematic trends include chromosomal abnormality detection, psychiatric genetic counseling frameworks, and integration of genetic services within fetal cardiology programs, reflecting interdisciplinary approaches to complex clinical scenarios.

As an educator, she provides clinical supervision for Master's in Genetic Counseling students while mentoring residents, fellows, and medical students. Her collaborative work with the University of Maryland Fetal Heart Program establishes critical bridges between genetic counseling and fetal cardiology services, enhancing comprehensive care models for high-risk pregnancies.

She maintains active roles within the Center for Advanced Fetal Care, driving innovation in teleconsultation services and contributing to protocol development for prenatal diagnostic procedures, thereby strengthening institutional capabilities in fetal medicine and genetic risk assessment.