Author Description

The Oxford Handbook of Genetics provides an essential overview of this complex subject, distilled into an accessible format for primary care practitioners and junior doctors. It can be used as an aide memoire to gain advice on dealing with individual patients during the working day, or as a reference text to be read over time. Combining the expertise of leading geneticists with the knowledge of experienced general practitioners, the handbook covers the genetics core curriculum as defined by the Royal College of General Practitioners. It includes sections on elementary genetics, single gene disorders, and chromosomal problems, as well as information about the multifactorial diseases, such as ischaemic heart disease, with which practitioners are more familiar. There are also comprehensive sections on antenatal issues, and cancers. A comprehensive glossary with explanations of genetic terminology, and an extensive list of resources, make this book suitable for all healthcare professionals regardless of their level of knowledge or experience. Designed to cross the primary-secondary care interface, this unique handbook covers the gap between general health training and genetic specialist training, including specific advice about when, and how, to make a referral to a genetics service. Given the rapid growth in the genetic knowledge base, this book is designed to be both accessible and informative as a substantive educational resource for practitioners.