Geneticists in Basic Research:
The modern science of genetics is
built on the natural sciences. A student desiring to become a
geneticist working in basic research should study math, chemistry
and physics in high school and college in addition to biology. In
college, students would normally major in biology or genetics.
However, students majoring in any one of the physical sciences
with a minor in biology could also enter graduate school in
genetics. After college, students would enter a Ph.D. program in
genetics during which time they would usually be supported by
fellowships which cover tuition and living expenses. During the
first and possibly second year of Ph.D. training, students take
advanced courses in genetics and begin a research project. For
the remaining two to four years of training students carry out
original research under the direction of a faculty member. After
obtaining the Ph.D. degree, most graduates do research as
postdoctoral fellows for two to four years, during which time
they are supported by fellowships or research training stipends.
Individuals would then be qualified to assume faculty positions
at academic institutions or join the staffs of research
institutes or biotechnology firms.
Laboratory Geneticists:
Application of modern genetic technology
to agriculture, legal or police work, pharmaceutical development,
and clinical medicine requires the services of sophisticated
laboratories. These laboratories are staffed by scientists
trained in molecular biology, cytogenetics, biochemical genetics,
immunogenetics, and related disciplines. Genetic laboratory
directors usually hold Ph.D. degrees or M.D. degrees with
specialization in laboratory medicine. Most genetic laboratory
technologists have four to six years of university education.
Some genetic laboratories require their staff to have specific
training and certification in cytogenetic or medical technology.
Other genetic laboratories hire people with any relevant B.S. or
M.S. degree as long as they can show an aptitude for the kind of
work that is being done. The career of a laboratory geneticist
offers the opportunity to apply genetics "hands on" to a variety
of important problems.
Genetic Counselors:
Genetic counselors are health professionals with specialized graduate degrees and experience in the areas of medical genetics and counseling. Most enter the field from a variety of disciplines, including biology, genetics, nursing, psychology, public health and social work. Genetic counselors work as members of a health care team, providing information and support to families who have members with birth defects or genetic disorders and to families and individuals who may be at risk for a variety of inherited conditions. They identify families at risk, investigate the problem, interpret information about the disorder, analyze inheritance patterns and risks of recurrence, and review available options with the family or individual. Genetic counselors also provide supportive counseling, serve as patient advocates and refer individuals and families to community or state support services. They serve as educators and resource people for other health care professionals and for the general public. Some counselors also work in administrative capacities. Many engage in research activities related to the field of medical genetics and genetic counseling.
Clinical Geneticists:
Clinical geneticists are usually
individuals who have an M.D. degree. Therefore, undergraduates
would need to satisfy the requirements for medical school
admission. A major in the biological or physical sciences may be
desirable, although not necessary, provided the admission
requirements are fulfilled. After medical school, a residency in
pediatrics, obstetrics-gynecology, or internal medicine should be
completed, followed by a fellowship in clinical genetics.
Currently, most residency programs are three to five years;
fellowships are an additional two or three years. Individuals
would then be qualified for positions in research centers,
hospitals or medical centers.
There are many ways of using an education in genetics. In medicine, genetics is the basis for understanding the inheritance of genetic diseases, for providing counseling to families who are at risk of producing children with genetic defects, and for scientific investigations seeking to understand the molecular basis of genetic disease and to effect its cure. In agriculture, genetics is the basis of breeding new crop plants and livestock. A rapidly growing biotechnology industry is using genetics to produce a range of products from pharmaceuticals to microchips. Sensitive genetic tests are increasingly being employed in criminal cases to identify individuals from a drop of blood and in food testing to identify minute contamination by disease- causing organisms. Biologists use genetics to identify the genes that function in the life of the cell and those that control the development of a complex organism from a fertilized egg.