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		Integrating the science, technology, and social implications of genetics to improve health

Advances in genetics are occurring at a pace that challenges our collective ability to respond to the many social, legal, ethical, and public health policy implications generated by this revolution of knowledge. Consequently, there is a compelling need to prepare future public health professional in the biology, technology, applications, responsibilities, and issues of genetics information, which will play an increasing role in our understanding of health and disease.

While all students are invited to incorporate an analysis of public health genetics in their program of study at the University of Michigan School of Public Health, the Public Health Genetics Interdepartmental Concentration (PHGIC) offers a formalized set of courses and field experience in this area. Read more >>>

2006 PHGIC Newsletter

2005 PHGIC Newsletter

"In this era of rapidly unfolding advances in genetics, public health professionals have a significant role in translating this new knowledge into improved health outcomes.

"Knowing which populations have a genetic variation that puts them at risk for various diseases will help us to develop and implement public health interventions that will improve outcomes and reduce health care costs. We must provide guidance to policymakers as they address the new issues that will require legislation to preserve confidentiality, provide protection against discrimination based on genetic information, and regulate commercialized genetics products and services.

"In order to achieve these goals, whether policy and management, behavior and education, epidemiology, biostatistics, or environmental health, we must all contribute our expertise to create an informed public health workforce."

Sharon Kardia, PhD
Director, Public Health Genetics Program