Fig. 1

Backgrounds and supplementary preparation for tutors in the genetic counseling training program at TMMU. Clinical doctors (red), young lecturers (green) and experienced teachers (orange) were encouraged to participate in the genetic counseling training program at TMMU as tutors. To be well prepared, all were required to complete additional training. Young lecturers were exposed to clinical work to accumulate relevant experience. Both young lecturers and clinical doctors were required to study the knowledge and skills of pedagogy for 3–4 weeks at normal schools. All tutors, including the experienced teachers, participated in at least one trial teaching session to familiarize them with role-playing in the genetic counseling training program