Clinical genetic testing in medical education

Abstract

Although clinical geneticists have traditionally monopolized the administration of genetic tests, several genetic test companies have started producing affordable consumer tests for genetic screening and ancestry analysis. With genetic test kits readily available, patients are increasingly using personal genetic testing resources with the intention of sharing their results with their primary care physicians. Therefore, both medical professionals and patients need information and guidelines to interpret and act on personal genetic data. However, medical students, residents, and attending physicians have limited experience in handling the complexities involved in interpreting consumer genetic testing. Medical students, though, have shown significant interest in genetic testing and its application in their patients. Given the interest and need, medical education programs would best serve their students and patients through early education and training in clinical genetic testing.

Keywords:

• Genetics
• medical education
• personal and consumer genetic testing

Acknowledgment

I thank Dr. Golder Wilson at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center for his advice and support in writing this commentary.