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Educating health-care professionals about genetics and genomics

Nature Reviews Genetics volume 8, pages 151–157 (2007)Cite this article

Abstract

To biomedical researchers, this is the 'genome era'. Advances in genetics and genomics such as the sequence of the human genome, the human haplotype map, open access databases, cheaper genotyping and chemical genomics have already transformed basic and translational biomedical research. However, for most clinicians, the genome era has not yet arrived. For genomics to have an effect on clinical practice that is comparable to its impact on research will require advances in the genomic literacy of health-care providers. Here we describe the knowledge, skills and attitudes that genomic medicine will require, and approaches to integrate them into the health-care community.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Alan E. Guttmacher is at the National Human Genome Research Institute, Building 31, Room 4B09, Bethesda, MD 20892-2152, USA.,

    Alan E. Guttmacher

  2. Mary Porteous is at the SE Scotland Genetic Service, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, Scotland.,

    Mary E. Porteous

  3. Joseph D. McInerney is at the National Coalition for Health Professional Education in Genetics, 2360 West Joppa Road, Suite 320, Lutherville, MD 21093, USA.,

    Joseph D. McInerney

Authors
  1. Alan E. Guttmacher
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  2. Mary E. Porteous
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  3. Joseph D. McInerney
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Alan E. Guttmacher.

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The authors declare no competing financial interests.

Related links

Related links

DATABASES

OMIM

ataxia telangiectasia

CADASIL

fragile X syndrome

von Hippel–Lindau disease

FURTHER INFORMATION

American Academy of Family Physicians

American College of Medical Genetics

GenEd Project

GeneTests

Genetics in Clinical Practice: A Team Approach

Genetics in Primary Care

Genetics in Your Practice

International Society of Nurses in Genetics

National Coalition for Health Professional Education in Genetics

National Genetics Education and Development Centre

National Human Genome Research Institute

US Surgeon General's Family History Initiative:

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Guttmacher, A., Porteous, M. & McInerney, J. Educating health-care professionals about genetics and genomics. Nat Rev Genet 8, 151–157 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrg2007

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