Medical Genetics plays a fundamental role in Mexican medicine, as demonstrated by the existence of approximately one geneticist for every 100,000 inhabitants in the country. This highlights the importance of including clinical genetics in the curricula of various universities, not only in medical schools but in all areas of health, as professionals will at some point encounter patients requiring specific and difficult-to-treat attention.
It is essential to train highly qualified Medical Geneticists, with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage patients with Rare Genetic Origin Diseases. The establishment of comprehensive genetic services becomes imperative in developing countries like Mexico and Latin America, where access to these services is limited, hindering the efforts of the WHO Human Genomics Initiative.
The physician specialized in Medical Genetics is responsible for applying genetic knowledge in clinical practice, caring for patients and families affected by genetic origin diseases. In Mexico, the number of certified medical geneticists is around 367 for the entire nation, which represents a challenge regarding access to specialized genetic services.
The difficulties in providing genetic and genomic services include the lack of education in medical genetics, low health literacy among patients, limited geographical distribution of service providers, and obtaining diagnostic genetic tests. These barriers impact early and accurate diagnosis, as well as appropriate clinical management of Rare Diseases, which affect around 25% of chronic diseases.
Identifying specific genetic variants responsible for patients' clinical conditions is crucial for accurate diagnosis in Rare Diseases. Therefore, proper training and certification of medical personnel specialized in Medical Genetics are essential to provide quality care to these patients.
In summary, Medical Genetics plays an essential role in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of genetic diseases, and it is crucial to have highly qualified medical geneticists to meet the needs of patients with Rare Genetic Origin Diseases. Training specialists in this field is fundamental to improving care for these patients in Mexico and Latin America.
