Australian Health Directory

Medical genetics, also referred to as genetic medicine, involves the diagnosis and management of hereditary disorders - birth defects and inherited susceptibility to health problems.

Medical geneticists' services include newborn screening for genetic disorders, risk assessment for developing a disease in adulthood, genetic counseling, gene therapy and personalized medicine.

The Human genome project and advanced technology have accelerated the evolution of medical genetics to dizzying pace. The rapid development is mirorred by geneticists specialising in areas such as clinical genetics, cytogenetics, genetic counselling, metabolic or biochemical genetics, molecular genetics and mitochondrial genetics. They are often involved in research with a university or larger public hospital and work within those settings.

The Human Genetics Society of Australasia (HGSA) is a forum for professionals working in the broader, more research-oriented area. The Society promotes the interest of the science of genetics in Australia and Asia. According to the Society, there are over 900 specialists/researchers working in this field.