Medical Genetics Physician |
Career OverviewMedical genetics physicians are responsible for the treatment and education of patients and their families that have genetic conditions or disorders. This specialized field acts to identify, treat and assist patients to understand, work with and treat various genetic conditions. Often a medical genetics physician may work with a genetic counselor or other professional to help people understand the genetic conditions that they have the possibility that they may pass these conditions on to children.
A medical genetics physician works with DNA and genomic sequencing as well as the physical manifestations of the various genetic conditions and disorders. Often the medical genetics physician is a very key treatment team member working closely with all medical staff to help them understand the special needs or concerns that the genetic condition may pose in treatment of other conditions.
The medical genetics physician may work in a research facility, university, or in a specialized treatment facility. Some medical genetics physicians may be in private practice in larger centers but this is relatively infrequent. A medical genetics physician treats all aspects of the individual, not just the genetic disorder so they often work with patients on an ongoing basis.
Excellent research skills, good communication and interpersonal skills as well as the ability to work with a diverse group of professionals and non-medical individuals are essential to a medical genetics physician.
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Career RequirementsA medical genetics physician completes basic training as all other physicians. This includes a total of eight years of undergraduate and graduate studies. There is then a residency requirement that is two to three years.
At this point the medical genetics physician may choose an additional residency or a fellowship program that will last an additional one to three years. Often the three-year residency is completed at the National Human Genome Research Institute, considered one of the most cutting-edge research facilities on human genetics in the world.
Doctors completing the residency will complete both educational and practical training on topics such as molecular genetics, cytogenetics, metabolic diseases and extremely rare genetic disorders that would not be generally studied in less specific programs.
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Job OutlookThe demand for medical genetics physicians is anticipated to increase as more emphasis is placed on genetics and stem cell research options. This increasing body of knowledge has created more interest in curing or finding cures for genetic diseases and conditions, both mild and severe.
The course of study is very difficult and not many candidates are accepted to the program each year. Since the training is so challenging it is expected that the number of graduates each year will not meet the increasing demand for medical genetics physicians. This trend will continue at least for the next eight to ten years.
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Career TrackMedical genetics physicians often choose to enter into research in either private or government labs. Those with extensive experience may become research directors or designers or may move into management of genetic laboratories or departments. Some medical genetics physicians may return to universities to begin careers as instructors and researchers.
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CompensationThe average salary for a medical genetics physician in the United States ranges from $187,000 to $250,000. Those with higher salaries are usually working in private facilities whereas those with government research jobs will earn slightly less.
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