Medical Genetics is a branch of medicine that primarily deals with the study of hereditary disorders. Unlike other disciplines medical genetics is always at the forefront of technology. Medical genetics is primarily about the application of genetics to medical care. Thus Medical genetics helps to find the underlying cause of the disease at the molecular level. With the rapid increase in the number of genetic disorders, it has become vital to train specialists in the diagnosis, treatment, prevention and counselling of genetics. Thus there has never been a more crucial and better time to consider the career in medical genetics than now. Even the analysis of genetics has tremendously changed the way medicine is practiced now. These include analysis of genetics testing, single gene detection, gene therapy, exome tests sequence, and other advances in sequencing. Not only does medical genetics help in funding the cause of existing disease but also in predicting disease that might occur in the future. 

DM in Medical Genetics is a thoroughly guided and highly supervised course. The purpose of the course is to provide intensive didactic information and first-hand practical experience of laboratory training in this field of medicine. It is aimed at students wishing to pursue a career in the speciality of the genetics medical system. The course is designed to prepare the students in all aspects of Genetics along with its allied subspecialties of genetic Diseases, cancer genetics, autism, connective tissue disorders, birth defects, dysmorphology, mitochondrial complexities, molecular genetics, cytogenetics, immunogenetics, population genetics, clinical genetics and many other subjects. With the growing number of complications in the cases, it has become important to specialize the learners in the fundamental principles of medical genetics so that they can render their consultative assistance too. It is expected that during the course the students will gain proficiency in many aspects of medical science and will be able to cater to the needs of the patient in alliance with the national family healthcare programme and professional ethical methods. The curriculum is designed in such a manner that it demands participation in research work, clinical audit, seminars, journal clubs, case conferences and discussions, viva, grand round presentations and practical exposure of first-hand knowledge and theories of teachings. The curriculum also provides additional competency in enzyme replacement therapy, gene therapy, antisense oligonucleotide therapy, clinical evaluation, antenatal diagnosis, linkage mapping of genetic disorders, rapid detection of Beta thalassemia mutation. Overall, the course prepares the students for a highly skilled job through both intensive didactic lectures and practical projects in all facets of Medical Genetics.

The course can be taken by the candidates who have completed MD or DNB in General Medicine, MD or DNB in Paediatrics, MD or DNB in Obstetrics or Gynaecology from a recognized university. The duration of the course spans 3 years. A career in this field is very promising as one can seek employment in sectors like government hospitals, private clinics, research centres, laboratories, nursing homes, medical universities and many more. The job roles offered are medical genetics consultant, professor, Genetic specialists, researcher, and many others. And if one wants to enrich one’s understanding of this field, the option of further studies is always open.