Clinical Commentary: The Challenges of Genetic Medicine to the Patient-Physician Relationship

Extract

The interface between genetic research results and clinical practice occurs when patients present them- selves to physicians. When patients ask their doctors about the potential impact of a family disease on themselves, their children, and their grandchildren, physicians have an opportunity to be helpful. Unfortunately, the scientific discoveries are occurring faster than most physicians can read about them in their speciality journals and hence adjust their practice. Meanwhile, the press and media are proclaiming the latest scientific breakthroughs, creating a preventive and curative expectation that physicians cannot fulfill.

In this time of health system reorganization and consolidation, many people do not know who their primary caregiver is, no less which insurer is likely to cover which visit or genetic test.