Public health genetics is a rapidly emerging field that requires competence in genetics, medical genetics, clinical genetics and public health. Public health agencies and others should have access to individuals trained in public health genetics in order to respond to the growing demand for genetic services and information caused by the recent explosion in genetic knowledge and technology. During this presentation, we will discuss competencies needed to practice public health genetics, and online and other resources that could be used to obtain education/training in the field. We will also discuss a particularly relevant funding source, the proposed national, "Genetics and Public Health Services Act," that could be used to support current and future activities in public health genetics, including training and research.
There is little doubt that the sequencing of the human genome will be completed in the near future. This will lead to many more genetic tests, interventions, and related ethical, legal, social and financial issues. We hope this presentation will help public health agencies and others develop an efficient and effective infrastructure and capacity to deal with genetics in a timely fashion.
Learning Objectives: 1. Identify competencies needed to practice public health genetics. 2. Identify resources that are available to obtain training/education in public health genetics. 3. Identify a potential funding source that could pay for a variety of future activities in public health genetics
Keywords: Genetics, Public Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.