Scientific knowledge is expanding at a rapid rate and nowhere is this clearer than in the field of Human Genetics. Questions that could not have even been asked a few years ago are being answered on a daily basis. There is a great challenge to integrate what we learn into medical practice to improve the health of the population. The Department of Human Genetics in the Faculty of Medicine was created to expand teaching and research in human genetics, as well as to promote the delivery of genetic health-care services. The faculty members of the Department have extremely broad academic interests. These range from genetic epidemiology to genomics, gene regulation, developmental biology, the genetics of specific diseases, gene therapy as well as the legal, ethical and policy issues related to Human Genetics.
The genetics community in Montreal is greatly enriched by a multitude of genetically oriented research programs within the classical disciplines of biomedical science not only at McGill, but also at the three other universities in the city. The Department has a central administrative core surrounded by clinical genetics units and research laboratories in diverse locations of the main university campus, and in the research institutes of the several teaching hospitals. The Department is accredited for service and training, by the Canadian College of Medical Geneticists, and medical genetics training by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons in Canada and the College des Médecins du Quebec. The Department helps coordinate Genetic Health-Care Services through the McGill RUIS, and participates fully in the teaching of both Human and Medical Genetics to baccalaureate, medical and postgraduate students. The department offers a M.Sc. in Genetic Counselling Training Program, and M.Sc. and Ph.D. Programs in Human Genetics. It has a strong student society (HGSS) that works hard to maintain a strong feeling of collegiality among our students.
I am sure that you will find the environment within the Department both stimulating and supportive. It offers you a unique spectrum from the most basic to the applied. I hope that you will enjoy your time with us and benefit from the experience.
Sincerely,
Eric Shoubridge, Ph.D.
Chairman