BACKGROUND: Family physicians (FPs) are increasingly involved in delivering genetic services. Familiarization with aspects of genetic counseling may enable FPs to help patients make informed choices. PURPOSE: Exploration of interactive role-play as a means to raise FPs' awareness of the process and content of genetic counseling. METHODS: FPs attending two large Canadian family medicine conferences in 2005 were eligible -- 93 participated. FPs discussed a case during a one-on-one session with a genetic counselor. Evaluation involved pre and post intervention questionnaires RESULTS: FPs' baseline genetic knowledge was self-rated as uniformly poor. Baseline confidence was highest in eliciting family history and providing psychosocial support and lowest in discussing risks/benefits of genetic testing and counseling process. Post-intervention, 80% of FPs had better appreciation of family history and 97% indicated this was an effective learning experience. CONCLUSIONS: Role-play with FPs is effective in raising awareness of the process and content of genetic counseling and may be applied to other health disciplines.