A New Career Option for Biology Students.

WHEN WATSON AND CRICK deciphered the genetic code in 1953, they revolutionized the field of molecular genetics. This discovery greatly stimulated research in clinical genetics. We now know that nearly 3,000 diseases have a genetic origin (McKusick 1978); and genetically determined conditions account for 40 % of infant mortality (U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare 1975). The estimated 50 million Americans who suffer from genetic conditions are an important group whose needs for information and treatment have often been inadequately met. In an effort to respond to this need, Sarah Lawrence College developed a masters program to train genetic associates or genetic counselors. Our institution is a small (1,000 students) liberal arts college in a Westchester suburb of New York City. The program was developed with the support of an advisory board of prominent medical geneticists; the continuing guidance offered by these educators has helped us to incorporate in our program the latest advances in the understanding of genetic mechanisms and the application of this understanding to all aspects of care and counseling of patients and families with genetic disorders (Marks and Richter 1976).