Abstract

To biomedical researchers, this is the 'genome era'. Advances in genetics and genomics such as the sequence of the human genome, the human haplotype map, open access databases, cheaper genotyping and chemical genomics have already transformed basic and translational biomedical research. However, for most clinicians, the genome era has not yet arrived. For genomics to have an effect on clinical practice that is comparable to its impact on research will require advances in the genomic literacy of health-care providers. Here we describe the knowledge, skills and attitudes that genomic medicine will require, and approaches to integrate them into the health-care community.

Author affiliations

1. Alan E. Guttmacher is at the National Human Genome Research Institute, Building 31, Room 4B09, Bethesda, MD 20892-2152, USA.
2. Mary Porteous is at the SE Scotland Genetic Service, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, Scotland.
3. Joseph D. McInerney is at the National Coalition for Health Professional Education in Genetics, 2360 West Joppa Road, Suite 320, Lutherville, MD 21093, USA.

Correspondence to: Alan E. Guttmacher¹ Email: guttmach@mail.nih.gov

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