Characterising the ‘Genomics Friend’: Experiences of learning genomics in the workplace to inform implementation efforts

Abstract Large-scale genomic medicine implementation efforts are presenting relevant and authentic opportunities for the health workforce to learn genomics in the workplace, particularly from genomic expert colleagues or ‘champions’. This paper presents novel insights on genomic experts’ role and influence on learning genomics from the perspective of physicians not trained in genetics. As part of a study on workplace learning of genomics, longitudinal qualitative datasets were collected in 2021–2023 from ten non-genetics physicians working in hospitals in Victoria, Australia. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to characterise participants’ perceptions of, and workplace interactions with, genomic experts. Deductive content analysis was then applied to sort and synthesise participants’ relationships with genomics experts. Designated the ‘Genomics Friend’, these individuals are trained in genetics or recognised as same-specialty genomic champions and perceived as trusted and accessible sources of genomic expertise. Participants who had a Genomics Friend leveraged their established relationship on an ad hoc basis to address identified knowledge gaps. Sorting participants into the Genomics Friend Relationship Matrix demonstrated how having a Genomics Friend enhanced genomic workplace learning and practice for physicians across different career stages and specialties. These findings offer insights into how intra- and inter-disciplinary interactions and collegial relationships provide professional development opportunities through workplace learning. Moreover, we consider how genomic expert ‘friends’ could support implementation efforts by facilitating the health workforce to learn, adopt and practise genomics.