Since the discovery of DNA in 1953 and thanks to subsequent scientific progress, like the deciphering of the human genome in 2003, medicine has advanced considerably in diagnosing genetic based illnesses. This has opened the road to genetics counseling, an innovative specialty to help people detect if they have inherited the susceptibility to specific diseases. This is the reason why Clínica Alemana set up a Genetic Counseling Service. This service, which reports to the Department of Preventive Medicine, evaluates patients referred by specialists from the hospital.
Dr. Gabriela Repetto, Director of the Center for Human Genetics, Clínica Alemana-Universidad del Desarrollo, observes that "we are the only institution in Chile that has incorporated this modern approach into the training of health professionals".
 Sonia Margarit, Genetics Advisor and Dr. Gonzalo Alarcón, Chief of Clínica Alemana's Department of Preventive Medicine
|
| |
Dr. Gonzalo Alarcón, chief of at Clínica Alemana's Department of Preventive Medicine, explains that "the aim of this service is to offer hospital physicians and their patients, with a hereditary predisposition to some illnesses, personalized attention that will help them learn the characteristics of the pathology and its risks, so they can get specific genetic exams".
"For example, suppose a person has a family medical history of breast, ovary or colon cancer. Upon evaluating his or her family and personal medical history, it is possible to establish his or her risk of also contracting those diseases", notes the specialist. He adds, "the great contribution of genetic counseling is the knowledge these people acquire about their risk profiles. Once they have this information, and with the assistance of the counselor, patients can make informed decisions regarding preventive measures".
Early detection of cancer
According to Sonia Margarit, Genetics Counselor, phase one of the service assists patients with family medical histories of breast, ovary, colon and/or endometrium cancer with early diagnosis (before age 50). These are illnesses in which a strong hereditary predisposition has been identified.
