Genes, medicine and society: From paediatrics to genetic counselling and beyond

Abstract

The story of Clinical Genetics is a relatively new one, first spearheaded by Paediatrics but increasingly, has taken root in all branches of medicine leading to 'Personalised Medicine'. There are expectations that this revolution in genetics will pave the way to genomic medicine and a cure for all inherited disorders. The development of the field of Clinical Genetics and Genetic Counselling in Malaysia is still in its infancy. Using evidence-based data on genetic disorders such as birth defects, inborn errors of metabolism, genetic syndromes, neurological disorders and hereditary cancers, that hitherto have not been well documented in Malaysia, this review article will focus on findings and issues that will present a unique insight and opportunity to understanding the complex genetic counselling issues related to Clinical Genetics in Malaysia.