The last few
decades have witnessed an exponential growth in knowledge, catapulting genetics
from obscurity to a pre eminent place in health-care. New information about
causative genes, disease diagnosis and available treatment options for several
single gene and complex genetic disorders as well as several birth defects, are
now known making disease diagnosis and treatment easier. It is critical that
clinicians learn about these developments and incorporate this knowledge into
their practice.
Each and every
patient should be able to benefit from individualized therapy based on their
unique genetic makeup; however, this can become a reality only when clinicians
are able to comprehend the genetics behind the diseases and syndromes. More
importantly the implications of these must be explained to the patients and
relatives in a professional and compassionate manner. Such education and
counseling accompanying genetic testing is provided by Genetic Counselors in
all developed countries; this kind of professional training is being given for
the first time in India for clinicians.
