Medical Genetics
Approved as a clinical specialty in 1993, medical genetics has evolved over the past 40 years from a basic science to a clinical discipline that many believe will become a factor in most patient encounters. It is predicted that a "revolution in health care delivery" will result in physicians' increasingly using genetic screening and testing to determine a patient's individual susceptibility to diseases. The key to the integration of medical genetics into the medical practice of all physicians is the basic family history.
Medical geneticists may choose to work primarily with infants and children. Some, trained as obstetricians may focus on the genetic problems of fetuses; others, trained as pediatricians, will care for children. Family physicians and general internists, trained as medical geneticists, may work primarily with adults who have family history of disease.
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Key Facts
Core Focus: Diagnosis and management of genetic disorders
Number of Physicians: Very Small (~1,500)
Training Length: 2-year genetics fellowship after 2–3 years primary residency
Subspecialties: Molecular genetics, biochemical genetics
Job Progression: Research, academic leadership, genomic innovation
Gender Distribution: 65% female, 35% male
Job Outlook: Growing
Work Environment: Hospitals, academic medical centers, research institutions
Patient Relationship: Long-term, counseling-based
Schedule: Regular hours, low emergency demand
Common Procedures: Genetic counseling, molecular diagnostics
Residency Length: 5 years
Fellowship Required: No
Average Annual Income: $258,000
Average Weekly Hours: 45 hours/week
Burnout Percentage: 33%
Match Competitiveness: Low
Common Work Settings: Academic centers, genetic labs
❤️ Values and Personality Comparison
Medical Genetics Top Values
- Creativity
- Taking care of people
- Working with my mind
- Working with people
Medical Genetics Do Not Value
- Feedback from others
- Good income
- Sufficient time off
- Working with my hands
🧠 Medical Genetics Personality Traits
- Ask why
- Pay attention to details
- Like complex problem solving
- Be uncomfortable with poorly defined problems
- Become bored with repetitive activity
- Have good listening skills / interested in listening
- Enjoy taking care of people
- Enjoy being an 'expert'
- Have interest in the basic science of medicine
- Value organization highly
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