What is a genetics specialist and what do they do? A genetics
specialist, also called a geneticist, is a medical doctor who
focuses on the study, research and diagnosis of hereditary
disorders and their genetic origins. Conditions that call for a
geneticist include birth defects, developmental problems (Down
syndrome , Marfan syndrome , metabolic disorders, cancer
genetics and prenatal diagnoses. What kind of training does a
genetics specialist undergo? Geneticists are typically medical
doctors trained in internal medicine. They complete a fellowship
in genetics and, after passing the specialty examination, become
board-certified geneticists. They typically practice in an
academic environment (a hospital with research capabilities) and
may conduct research in a genetics laboratory. A genetics
physician is trained to diagnose patients with genetic problems
or diseases, and prescribe therapeutic treatments for patients,
some of which may be experimental. Tests include cytogenetic,
radiographic and biochemical.