Professional Resources

This listing was developed with the genetics professional in mind. The following links will guide you to some associations and groups that strive to further research, provide education, and offer genetics counseling. Many of these organizations welcome the clients and their family members to be a part of their efforts.


Watch the Video

Indicators for a Genetic Referral - The field of medical genetics is rapidly expanding our knowledge of how genes and chromosomes cause certain disorders and diseases. Genetic disorders are responsible for a variety of birth defects, chronic diseases and a high percentage of mental retardation. Most genetic disorders are difficult to diagnose by someone not trained in medical genetics, but a patient's physical features and personal and family medical history can provide valuable clues that may indicate the presence of a genetic disorder.

Indicators for a Genetic Referral (time: 6:26) Text version


U.S. Government Websites

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - CDC serves as the national focus for developing and applying disease prevention and control, environmental health, and health promotion and education activities designed to improve the health of the people of the United States.

National Center for Health Statistics - NCHS is the Federal Government's principal vital and health statistics agency.

Office of Genomics & Disease Prevention - This site provides visitors with information about human genetic discoveries and how they can be used to improve health and prevent disease.

Genetics and Public Health in the 21st Century - Using Genetic Information to Improve Health and Prevent Disease.

Health Resources and Services Administration - HRSA assures the availability of quality health care to low income, uninsured, isolated, vulnerable and special needs populations and meets their unique health care needs.

Maternal and Child Health Bureau - MCHB provides leadership, partnership, and resources to advance the health of all our Nation's mothers, infants, children and adolescents-including families with low income levels, those with diverse racial and ethnic heritages and those living in rural or isolated areas without access to care.

National Institutes of Health - The goal of NIH research is to acquire new knowledge to help prevent, detect, diagnose, and treat disease and disability, from the rarest genetic disorder to the common cold.

National Human Genome Research Institute - NHGRI was originally established in 1989 as The National Center for Human Genome Research (NCHGR). Its mission is to head the Human Genome Project for NIH.

Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man - This database is a catalog of human genes and genetic disorders. The database contains textual information, pictures, and reference information.

U,S, Census Bureau - The preeminent collector and provider of timely, relevant, and quality data about the people and economy of the United States.


Genetics Information

Genetic and Rare Conditions Site- Supplies an alphabetical listing of information on genetic conditions and birth defects to professionals, educators, or anyone interested in knowing more.

Genetics Education Center - For educators interested in human genetics and the human genome project.

Genome Database - Established at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, USA in 1990, the Genome Database (GDB) is the official central repository for genomic mapping data resulting from the Human Genome Initiative.

MendelWeb - MendelWeb is an educational resource for teachers and students interested in the origins of classical genetics, introductory data analysis, elementary plant science, and the history and literature of science.


Genetics Organizations

A World of Genetics Societies - Offers links to most genetic societies including: The Genetics Society of America, The American College of Medical Genetics, The American Board of Medical Genetics, The American Board of Genetic Counseling, Association of Professors of Human or Medical Genetics.

American Society of Human Genetics - Brings together investigators in the many areas of endeavor that involve human genetics, and to encourage and integrate their efforts by providing a forum for sharing research findings.

Genetic Alliance - The Genetic Alliance is an international coalition of individuals, professionals and genetic support organizations that are working together to promote healthy lives for everyone impacted by genetics.

National Coalition for Health Professional Education in Genetics (NCHPEG) - A resource of educational links to help health care professionals learn more about the field of genetics.

National Society of Genetic Counselors, Inc. - Represents the leading voice, authority and advocate for the genetic counseling profession.


National Organizations

American Association of University Affiliated Programs for Persons with Developmental Disabilities - A network of interdisciplinary Centers advancing policy and practice for and with individuals with developmental and other disabilities, their families, and communities.

American Academy of Pediatrics - PEDIATRICS is the official journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

National Birth Defects Prevention Network - The National Birth Defects Prevention Network (NBDPN) is a group of individuals involved in birth defects surveillance, research, and prevention.


Last updated April 29, 2022