New Scheme Will Train GPs To Be Genetic Experts

GPs from across England will be invited to apply for funding to become the first wave of GPs with a special interest in genetics Lord Warner announced today. As part of the government’s drive to make sure genetics knowledge and treatments are widely available to NHS patients, the new posts will help to improve the care that doctors can offer. This will not only benefit patients with a genetic condition but also those who might be at risk of a disease that runs in their family. This new training scheme could help GPs deliver screening programmes for Down’s syndrome and sickle cell disease, diagnose and treat patients with a family history of common diseases such as breast cancer and manage chronic disease better. The GPs will also help raise awareness of genetics with fellow doctors and other primary care staff.