Medical Genetics Awareness Week Will Be Celebrated April 2-6, 2019: Efforts to Promote Awareness of Medical Genetics Field Launches This Year

News provided by

American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics

Jan 18, 2019, 12:50 ET

BETHESDA, Md., Jan. 18, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The first-ever Medical Genetics Awareness Week will be celebrated April 2-6, 2019. Through Medical Genetics Awareness Week, the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) aims to promote the understanding of the importance of medical genetics professionals, including medical geneticists, laboratory geneticists and genetic counselors on the healthcare team. The theme of the week is "Celebrating the Contributions of the Entire Medical Genetics Team to Patient Care."

Founded in 1991, the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) is the only nationally recognized medical society dedicated to improving health through the clinical practice of medical genetics and genomics. (PRNewsfoto/American College of Medical G...)

Medical Genetics Awareness Week is being celebrated for the first time in 2019 to recognize the invaluable contributions that medical genetics healthcare professionals make in the diagnosis, management and prevention of genetic diseases and the difference these professionals make in the lives of patients and families. During this week, which will coincide annually with the ACMG Annual Clinical Genetics Meeting, we take time to recognize the skills and commitment of all those on the healthcare team who translate genetic and genomic discoveries into better patient care.

Louanne Hudgins, MD, FACMG, president of the ACMG said, "I am very excited we are initiating a formal Medical Genetics Awareness week which will coincide with the ACMG Annual Meeting each year. This is a great way to remind the general public as well as other healthcare providers about the integral role our specialty plays in all of medicine."

Events will be scheduled at the ACMG Annual Meeting in Seattle, Washington (www.acmgmeeting.net), the largest conference for clinical geneticists in the United States, as well as around the country. Those interested in collaborating, to hold their own event or to be an "ambassador" to promote awareness of medical genetics, are invited to email [email protected] for more information.

More information will be available soon at www.acmg.net and on the ACMG social media channels. People are invited to use the following hashtags for posts related to the celebration of Medical Genetics Awareness Week and to tag @TheACMG in Twitter posts:

#MedicalGeneticsAwareness
#IamaMedicalGenetecist
#FutureGeneticsProfessional

About the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) and ACMG Foundation

Founded in 1991, ACMG is the only nationally recognized medical society dedicated to improving health through the clinical practice of medical genetics and genomics. The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (www.acmg.net) provides education, resources and a voice for more than 2,200 biochemical, clinical, cytogenetic, medical and molecular geneticists, genetic counselors and other healthcare professionals, nearly 80% of whom are board certified in the medical genetics specialties. The College's mission is to develop and sustain genetic initiatives in clinical and laboratory practice, education and advocacy. Three guiding pillars underpin ACMG's work: 1) Clinical and Laboratory Practice 2) Education and 3) Advocacy. Genetics in Medicine, published monthly, is the official ACMG peer-reviewed journal. ACMG's website (www.acmg.net) offers a variety of resources including Policy Statements, Practice Guidelines, Educational Resources, and a Find Genetic Services tool. The educational and public health programs of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics are dependent upon charitable gifts from corporations, foundations, and individuals through the ACMG Foundation for Genetic and Genomic Medicine.

Kathy Moran, MBA
[email protected]

SOURCE American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics