Medical genetics and genetic counseling in Chile

Date

2013

Type:

Artículo

item.page.extent

6

item.page.accessRights

item.contributor.advisor

ORCID:

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Springer

item.page.isbn

item.page.issn

item.page.issne

item.page.doiurl

item.page.other

item.page.references

Abstract

In the South American Republic of Chile genetic counseling is not currently recognized as an independent clinical discipline, and in general is provided by physicians with training in clinical genetics. At present only one genetic counselor and 28 clinical geneticists practice in this country of over 16 million inhabitants. Pediatric dysmorphology constitutes the primary area of practice in clinical genetics. Although the country has a universal health care system and an adequate level of health care, genetic conditions are not considered a health care priority and there is a lack of clinical and laboratory resources designated for clinical genetics services. Multiple educational, cultural and financial barriers exist to the growth and development of genetic counseling services in Chile. However, during the last 10 years increased awareness of the importance of identifying individuals at risk for inherited cancer syndromes led to growing interest in the practice of cancer genetics.

Description

Centro de Genética y Genómica

item.page.coverage.spatial

item.page.sponsorship

Citation

J Genet Couns. 2013 Dec;22(6):869-74

Keywords

Genetic counseling, Clinical genetics, Chile, Cancer

item.page.dc.rights

item.page.dc.rights.url