Printer FriendlyAbout our Service
We are a team of Medical Geneticists, Genetic Counsellors, Nurses, Dietician, Social Worker, & Administrative staff providing genetic services to Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island.
What is Genetics?
Genetics is the study of how specific characteristics and diseases can develop in an individual and potentially passed on to future generations. Genes are basic instructions that help determine an individual’s traits such as eye colour or blood type. Each human being has tens of thousands of genes, which together determine the growth, development and functions of their body. Genes are packaged into rod-like structures known as chromosomes.
In genetics, we are interested in helping families learning about diseases in their families and helping to determine if there is a genetic cause. Our knowledge of genetics has increased tremendously over the past few years, and there have been many new developments in testing techniques and availability. Although not all genetic diseases can be tested for, a genetic assessment can aid families in understanding the inheritance of their family traits.
To learn more about what services the Maritime Medical Genetics Service offers, please visit the rest of this website. Topics include what types of patients are referred, what happens at a genetics appointment, and the role of each member of our genetics team.
