Does your physician know enough about genetics to help you understand the implications of genetic testing?

You probably only see your physician for short visits. It is unlikely that he or she will have time to explain the relationship of your genes to your health. Unfortunately, it is also unlikely that he or she knows enough about the genetic basis of disease to help you understand the details of particular diseases or conditions. A report from Case Western University presents this dilemma in an article, The Diagnostic Dilemma. They state the problem as follows:

Doctors will soon have an arsenal of new genetic tests to help select the appropriate treatment or drugs for patients. Will they know how to use them?

If you're lucky enough to have good health insurance--one that stresses preventive care--and you're interested in your genetic propensity for specific diseases or conditions, you will probably get more help from a physician's assistant. They often, in general, give you more time and are more recently connected to their formal schooling. However, a survey in late 2005 indicated that:

Allied health professionals are providing genetic-related services in clinical settings. However, sufficient instruction in genetic knowledge and skills is not being provided in their undergraduate and graduate training programs. (Assessment of Allied Health Graduate's Prepatation to Integrate Genetic Knowledge and Skills into Clinical Practice; J of Allied Health 2005;34(3):138-144.)

Marie Godfrey, PhD