Clinical Genetics Courses in UK

November 16, 2014 – 11:43 am

Clinical genetics

Clinical genetics is a medical specialty with close laboratory links that provides diagnostic services, ‘genetic counselling’ and increasingly, interventional management for individuals or families with, or at risk of, conditions which may have a genetic basis. Genetic services aim to help those affected by, or at risk of, a genetic disorder to live and reproduce as normally as possible.

The disease spectrum encompasses every body system, in isolation or in combinations, at all ages, and may have chromosomal, single gene, epigenetic or multifactorial causes or aetiologies. Complex syndromic and neurodevelopmental disorders are the most common childhood referrals, whereas inherited forms of common adult cancers are the most frequent referrals overall. Many chronic cardiac, renal, neurological and ophthalmological diseases have single gene causes and consequent referral pattern. Approximately 5% of people aged under 25 have a single gene disorder, and over 60% of all chronic adult disease has a genetic aetiological component.

Multiprofessional teams include genetic physicians, genetic counsellors and laboratory scientists. We receive referrals, and increasingly work in multidisciplinary clinics and/or pathways, with most medical specialties, for whom we also provide educational support.