Genetics 2: Community screening programs

Supervisor

MaryAnne Aitken and Sylvia Metcalfe

Department

Genetics Education and Health Research, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute

Email

maryanne.aitken@mcri.edu.au

Objectives

1. Discuss the structure of community genetic screening programs in Victoria and the way these programs apply the WHO universal guidelines for screening programs
2. Choose one of the following:
   1. With availability of newer genetic technologies, what are the possibilities for genetic screening programs in the future? Include consideration of the ethical and social implications of this
   2. Think about a genetic condition, or a predisposition, for which you feel a screening program should be implemented in Victoria and justify this

Resources and learning opportunities

1. Genetic Health Services Victoria, 10th floor. Key contacts: Martin Delatycki, Robin Forbes, Ivan Francis
2. Genetics Education and Health Research, 10th floor, MCRI. Key contact: MaryAnne Aitken
3. Spend time observing community screening programs in action
4. Spend time observing the laboratories:
   • Newborn screening
   • Maternal serum screening
   • DNA diagnostics
5. CD-ROM: GeneISSUES, The New Genetics: Molecular Concepts, Applications and Ramifications. See Genetics Education and Health Research