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.
