Genomics in Medical Specialties - Clinical Genetics

The field of clinical genetics has changed rapidly over recent years with the increasing availability of genomic testing.

Here, Bill Newman, clinical geneticist and professor at the University of Manchester, considers some of the changes that have taken place and what the field looks like today.

Professor Newman talks about the differences that newer genomic technologies have made, whilst also considering some of the challenges to the health service - including ensuring there are enough genomics experts to bring the benefits to patients.

As medical experts

in genomics, geneticists have a vital role to play:
- they monitor research and testing developments, trying to incorporate findings into practice as quickly as possible for patients;
- they work closely with other medics and healthcare professionals to bring the benefits of genomics to patients across healthcare, not just in the genetics clinic; and
- they are involved in research to identify new drug targets and develop new treatments.

Bill outlines some of the newer therapies on offer, for example a rapid genomic test that can help avoid the risk of hearing loss in babies given the antibiotic gentamicin.

The range of treatments and opportunities for intervention are going to grow, and professor Newman emphasises that geneticists are at the heart of this exciting revolution.

The Genomics in Medical Specialties series has been developed in collaboration with genomics champions across the health service, with the aim of supporting clinicians with the mainstreaming of genomic medicine.