Genetics determine many things: blue eyes versus brown, height, and early baldness, for example. Genetics also are responsible for many serious health problems, including birth defects, mental retardation, cleft lip and palate, developmental impairment and metabolic and neurologic disorders. The Center for Human Genetics specializes in evaluation, diagnosis and counseling for individuals of all ages and their family members. The Center has four board-certified medical geneticists and seven genetic counselors that serve patients for a variety of conditions. Examples include children with developmental difficulties, pregnant women who have an abnormality detected on prenatal testing and adults with early onset cancer. Some genetic diseases are not yet treatable; therefore, we ensure that patients and their family are carefully educated about prognosis, complications that may occur and the best therapy currently available.

Center for Human Genetics at a glance:

• Medical genetics
• Pediatric genetics
• Cancer genetics
• Center for Jewish Genetic Diseases
• Inborn errors of metabolism