Transforming Theory into Preventive Genetics in rural Communities
Family physicians are at the frontier in health promotion. They have opportunity to identify many familial genetic risks prior to health crises. Early diagnosis allows time to discuss choices: schedules for screening, change of diet, preventive drug treatment, and/or reproductive alternatives. Investigation of risk is less time consuming when families already have a general awareness of how genetic disease is inherited. In geographic areas underserved by genetics clinic staff, we are using CEIC job-development monies to train laypeople to organize community workshops on health and “family trees”. Family physicians, together with informed laypeople, succeed in transforming genetic theory into practice.