The interface of genetics and public health: research and educational challenges

As the target date for the sequencing of the human genome approaches, there is growing recognition that public health practice, research, and education will be impacted by new genetic technologies and information and that a multidisciplinary approach is required. Research in the emerging field of public health genetics encompasses a broad range of disciplines and will increasingly involve the interactions among the investigators in these fields. An overview of these areas of research is provided, with illustrative examples. Education in public health genetics needs to address a variety of audiences, including public health graduate students and practitioners, students from related disciplines, and health care professionals. Two new graduate programs at the Universities of Michigan and Washington and training opportunities for public health professionals are described. These educational efforts must be ongoing so that the potential of genetic technology and information can be appropriately used to benefit the health of all.