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Division of Medical Genetics
Clinical Services and Centers
Clinical services including diagnosis, counseling and management of specific hereditary disorders are available through the Division of Medical Genetics. Patient care is provided primarily through specialized centers set up to met the needs of older children and adults with specific inherited disorders. Patients are seen throughout the week on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center. Patients are either referred by a health care provider or may be self-referred. Appointments are made through the referral coordinator, Olga Slotiuk at 215-662-4740.
A genetic counselor may contact newly referred patients before the first appointment to learn about the reasons for referral, the family history, the medical history, and what testing has already been performed. Often, medical records and test results will need to be reviewed before the first visit. Based on a review of records, additional consultations or tests might be needed. These could be scheduled at the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center or at another medical center before the appointment date. If a patient is traveling from a distance, it may be possible to arrange consultations on the same day as the appointment with Medical Genetics. At the time of the visit other consultations may be recommended.
Visits to Medical Genetics include a review of medical and family histories, and a physical examination. There will be a discussion of the inherited condition, benefits and limitations of genetic testing, and management and/or treatment recommendations. All patients are seen by a board certified clinical geneticist and a board certified genetic counselor. Patients may also be seen by a medical student or a genetic counseling student, or by a genetics fellow. Following the appointment, patients and their care providers will be sent a letter summarizing the visit and recommendations.
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