The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has a primary role to assure that the Nation has appropriately educated and trained health professionals. The burgeoning knowledge from the Human Genome Project (HGP) and other genetic research has made it possible to identify individuals at risk for disease and to diagnose and treat disease in ways previously not possible. This knowledge demonstrates that genes and their functions and interaction with the environment play a key role in the treatment of all health conditions, the prevention of disease and promotion of health. The genetic advances have far-reaching implications for clinical training, and continuing education for the workforce of health professionals, including public health professionals. Applying this knowledge requires that all health professionals have knowledge and skills in genetics. This genetic knowledge affects the care of all ages from the newborn to the oldest of the old. In addition to the molecular (gene function) knowledge, health professionals need knowledge of the social, ethical, equity and access issues related to the HGP. In this presentation the advances in genetic knowledge and their implications for clinical practice and public health will be described. HRSA's current and planned programs in the Bureau of Health Professions and Maternal Child Health Bureau will be described to demonstrate the commitment to improve the health of the American Public and for equity and access to genetic services through the education of all health professionals. See www.hrsa.gov
Learning Objectives: · Describe the significance of the genetic discoveries of the Human Genome Project and other genetic research to global health. · Describe social and ethical implications of the burgeoning genetic knowledge to the health of the American public and globally. · Describe the current and planned programs of the Health Resources and Services Administration to meet the educational needs of all health professionals for genetic literacy and proficiency in genetic care. · Describe the program needs for training health professionals who are competent in understanding the use of genetic information and technologies.
Keywords: Genetics, Health Education
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: United States Government
Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)
Bureau of Health Professions (BRPH)
Maternal Child Health Bureau (MCHB)
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: all presenters are employees of HRSA, DHHS, US government