A Short History Of Medical Genetics

"This book traces the development of genetics in medicine from the first descriptions of inherited diseases more than 300 years ago to the new applications resulting from mapping and sequencing the human genome. It follows both the scientific and the medical advances, focusing especially on those of the past 50 years, which have seen the field of medical genetics emerge as one of the foremost and most rapidly changing medical specialties, now influencing the whole of medicine. It also examines the ethical challenges faced by those working in the field, and describes some of the past disasters that have resulted from these being ignored, notably the abuses of eugenics and the catastrophic destruction of genetics in Soviet Russia. This is the first book of its kind; it is clearly and simply written, and will be valuable to all those who have an interest or concern in the development of medical genetics, as well as those actually working in the field. Historians and social scientists will likewise find this book an important foundation for future detailed studies, which are urgently needed."--BOOK JACKET.

With the advent of genetic engineering and mapping of the human genome, public awareness concerning the contributions that genetic disorders make to illness or death has increased significantly. The fields of human and medical genetics have continued to expand and offer new ways of understanding, preventing, and managing patients with genetic disorders. At the core of the genetic approach are the ideas of anticipation and prevention, which are essential for modern medical practice. Clinical Genetics: A Short Course explains the importance of being able to anticipate disease based on individual characteristics or a family history, and then providing the necessary measures to forestall further complications. Each informative chapter commences with a case presentation and an explanation of medical terms. As the book progresses and new concepts are introduced, each case is updated. Clinical Genetics clarifies that, although individual genetic disease may be rare, it is an inescapable part of medicine. Text contains: * Both basic principles and differential diagnosis and management * Case-oriented problems, including answers and solutions * Over 300 illustrations to clarify clinical cases * Actual patient material * Glossary of genetic and medical terminology Clinical Genetics: A Short Course emphasizes clinical, rather than traditional human genetics, and is a vital resource for medical, clinical, and human geneticists, as well as other health care professionals.

This book is being planned as a tribute to Dr. Victor A. McKusick (1921-2008), who is well known as the “father of medical genetics”. He was long associated with the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, first as a student in the 1940s, and later as a faculty member, becoming the Chairman of the Department of Medicine at Johns Hopkins. He was a co-founder of GENOMICS and founder and lifelong editor of Mendelian Inheritance in Man, a massive compendium of human syndromes and genetic variants. Dr. McKusick made distinguished contributions to all branches of medical genetics. He was a member of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences and many other academies in the world. He was awarded the National Medal of Science in 2002. He received many other honors including several honorary doctorates. The proposed book will reflect all the fields touched upon by Dr. McKusick’s contributions. It will be a valuable source of the latest progress in medical genetics. The contributors are internationally distinguished in their chosen specialties. Besides professional distinction, they are being selected because of their past association with Dr. McKusick, as former students or colleagues who extended his research in some fashion. The proposed book will reflect all the fields touched upon by Dr. McKusick’s contributions. It will be a valuable source of the latest progress in medical genetics. The contributors are internationally distinguished in their chosen specialties. Besides professional distinction, they are being selected because of their past association with Dr. McKusick, as former students or colleagues who extended his research in some fashion.

Since it was first published in 1955, A Short History of Medicine has been hailed as the best available book of its kind: a concise and readable introduction to the history of medicine, written for students and professionals alike. In twenty short chapters, Ackerknecht traces the fascinating saga of man's progress in the science and art of medicine, from primitive times through early civilizations, classical antiquity, the Middle Ages and Renaissance, and into the mid-twentieth century. The struggles and triumphs of some of history's most renowned medical pioneers -- Hippocrates, Harvey, Jenner, Osler, and many more -- are here, but this is not a catalog of individual accomplishments. Ackerknecht strikes a balance between the history of medicine and its social and cultural background; between medical science and medical practice; and between clinical and preventative medicine, illuminating not only the world of medicine but the position of medicine in the world. --

"Compiling the most recent genetic developments in medical specialties, The Practical Guide to the Genetic Family History is a valuable resource which outlines the proper methods for taking and recording a patient's family medical history, allowing primary care physicians to be more efficient in diagnosing conditions with potential genetic components."--BOOK JACKET. "An essential reference for genetics clinics, medical geneticists, and counselors, The Practical Guide to the Genetic Family History is also an invaluable aid for both primary care and specialist physicians who need an up-to-date reference that emphasizes both the science and art of modern clinical genetics."--Jacket.

Medical Genetics is the clearest and most concise text on the subject, providing state-of-the-art coverage of clinically relevant molecular genetics. Lynn B. Jorde, PhD; John C. Carey, MD; and Michael J. Bamshad, MD integrate recent developments with clinical practice and emphasize the central principles of genetics and their clinical applications. Now in full color, this edition provides you with the stunning visual clarity so important in this field. Get the very latest on hot topics like gene identification, cancer genetics, gene testing and gene therapy, common diseases, ethical and social issues, personalized medicine, and much more. This is an indispensable resource that should be on every reading list. This title includes additional digital media when purchased in print format. For this digital book edition, media content is not included. . Features mini-summaries, study questions, suggested reading, and a detailed glossary to supplement and reinforce what you learn from the text. Demonstrates clinical relevance through over 230 photographs, illustrations, and tables, along with boxes containing patient/family vignettes. Enhances the visual impact of the material with full-color illustrations throughout the text for easier and more effective learning and retention. Presents a new chapter on genomics and personalized medicine for the latest on these hot topics. Provides you with the latest knowledge and research on gene identification, cancer genetics, gene testing and gene therapy, common disorders, ethical and social issues, and much more so you can keep up with current developments in genetics. Includes study questions at the end of every chapter so you can test yourself and retain the material. Features additional clinically commentary boxes throughout the text to show the relevance of genetics to everyday patient problems to prepare you for problem-based integrated courses.

This informative new book presents an accessible account of the development of medical genetics over the past 70 years, one of the most important areas of 20th, and now 21st, century science and medicine. Based largely on the author’s personal involvement and career as a leader in the field over the last half century, both in the UK and internationally, it draws on his interest and involvement in documenting the history of medical genetics. Underpinning the content is a unique series of 100 recorded interviews undertaken by the author with key older workers in the field, the majority British, providing invaluable information going back to the very beginnings of human and medical genetics. Focusing principally on medically relevant areas of genetics rather than the underlying basic science and technological aspects, the book offers a fascinating insight for those working and training in the field of clinical or laboratory aspects of medical genetics, genomics and allied areas; it will also be of interest to historians of science and medicine and to workers in the social sciences who are increasingly attracted by the social and ethical challenges posed by modern medical genetics and genomics.