Lost in genetic translation: A decade of declining state public health genetics leadership

The past decade has brought us many advances in genetics and biotechnology. However, the field of public health genetics (PHG) is struggling to keep up with the growing need to educate families and healthcare professionals on applying these discoveries for advancing public health. Our study collected information using a nationwide survey of state genetics coordinators (SGCs) to look at state level PHG activities. We hope that the results will help shape state and federal agency decisions regarding funding, policy, and training. All 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam and the US Virgin Islands were invited to participate. As of December 2010, 87% of the SGCs had completed the survey. The data shows, in comparison to 2000, the number of SGCs working full time (≥ 35hrs/wk) has decreased from 53% to 30%. In addition, 51% of SGCs now report spending less than 10 hours per week on genetics activities and 28% of states report having no PHG programs. Even in states with PHG programs, 10% report that the SGC does not have any formal genetics training. The results suggest that despite the advances in genetics, the level of PHG activities are hindered by inadequate state public health infrastructures. This includes a lack of strong and consistent leadership at the SGC level; a lack of funding; and a lack of resources to ensure the appropriate education/training of PHG staff. We will conclude by giving strategies to prevent a “translational bottleneck” preventing successful integration of genetic discoveries into public health.