About Us

Portrait photo of Ambroise Wonkam, director, department of genetic medicine. He is An african american man standing in the hallway of a research building
Ambroise Wonkam, M.D., Ph.D., Director, McKusick-Nathans Institute, and Department of Genetic Medicine

The overall goal of the Department of Genetic Medicine is to integrate genetics into all of medicine. To this end, department of genetic medicine investigators are exploring the role of the genes and genetic variation in the generation of human phenotypes and using this knowledge in various ways to understand biology and to improve health.

The Department of Genetic Medicine clinical service is aimed at providing state-of-the-art care for our patients, as well as contributing to translational, patient-oriented research; providing a set of educational activities for our trainees; and importantly, serving as an exemplar of how genetics informs the care of individual patients. We recognize that for these activities to be successful we also must be active in the education of our students, our colleagues and the public at large.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

The Department of Genetic Medicine has a committee on diversity, equity and inclusion. The committee's mission is to promote the personal and professional flourishing of individuals from all backgrounds, perspectives, and abilities. We seek to promote mutual respect and collaboration between individuals of diverse race, ethnicity, culture, physical characteristics, sex and gender identity, religion and nationality. 

For Department members: read more on our Sharepoint Intranet site about committee members, events and initiatives.