Frequently Asked Questions about
BSHG
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What are the roles of the
BSHG? |
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Can you give me advice on a
genetic conditions? |
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What is Human Genetics? |
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What is the history and
structure of BSHG? |
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How can I contact BSHG? |
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What does the BSHG logo
represent? |
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| The BSHG is an independent
professional body. It brings together people
working in the field, issues
statements on important aspects of
human genetics, and publishes a newsletter
three times a year. |
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| A major three day
conference encompassing all aspects of
human genetics is organised each year. The
Society has a governing Council and a
Constitution. It offers travel awards
to assist members to attend conferences. |
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| The Society has an interest
in the provision of genetic services at a
national level, and is asked for reports and
advice on important issues. It has an active
role in the
Joint Committee on Medical Genetics. |
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No. Unfortunately,
the BSHG cannot provide information
on specific genetic conditions. However,
follow the links on our
For Patients page if you wish to learn
more. |
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If you
feel that you need a Genetics Consultation,
you should contact your family doctor (GP),
who will be able to refer you to your
Regional Genetics Service. |
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There
are two main branches to Human Genetics as a
professional discipline in the UK: |
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Medical Genetics |
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Medical
Genetics is a medical specialty, which deals
with conditions which are or may be caused
by changes in genes. Genetic conditions may
run in families. Examples include Down
syndrome, haemophilia and cystic fibrosis. |
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Members
of the BSHG are involved in the front line
of delivering services to the public in
Regional Genetics Centres
throughout the UK. |
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Regional Genetics Services include the
provision of clinical and laboratory
facilities, utilising the modern techniques
of Cytogenetics, Molecular Genetics,
Molecular Cytogenetics, and Biochemical
Genetics. |
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Human Genetic Research |
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New
insights into the causes of genetic
conditions and the processes of human
development are being revealed by genetic
research on a daily basis. This work in turn
feeds back to the clinical services,
allowing the development of new diagnostic
tests and therapeutic strategies. |
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The
BSHG was formed in 1996. The founding
members were from four existing societies:
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Clinical Genetics
Society |
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Clinical
Molecular Genetics Society |
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Association of Clinical Cytogeneticists
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Association
of Genetic Nurses & Counsellors |
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These
associations have, and will retain
responsibility for, separate interests in
relation to career structure, professional
qualifications, specialist training, quality
control, codes of professional practice and
other detailed matters. They have however an
overriding common interest in developing
human genetics in relation to health care in
the United Kingdom, and in representing
their professions in public. These
organisations continue to exist within the
BSHG umbrella, and new members of the BSHG
are offered the opportunity of joining one
of the constituent societies. |
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A new
associate group has recently been
formed for people interested in Cancer
Genetics- the CGG. For more information look
here |
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The
Society's office is in Birmingham.
Mrs
Ruth Cole is the Society's
Executive
Officer. |
| The British Society for
Human Genetic |
| Clinical Genetics Unit |
| Birmingham Women's Hospital |
| Birmingham B15 2TG |
| United Kingdom |
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| Tel: +44(0) 121 627 2634 |
| Fax: +44(0) 121 623 6971 |
| Email:
bshg@bshg.org.uk |
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The BSHG logo combines to
represent several aspects of the
work of our profession. The
squares and circles in the logo
are taken from the standard
symbols for male and female in a
family tree diagram. |
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The series of individuals one
after another represents the
generations in a family who may
be affected by a genetic
condition. But also, the
grouping of individuals with
different characteristics
(represented by different
colours) symbolises the
collaborative nature of our
society bringing together
professionals from different
disciplines. |
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The logo was designed by Mr Mark
Anderson, a professional graphic
designer commissioned by BSHG. |
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