Leading Genetics Foundation Changes Name: ACMG Foundation for Genetic and Genomic Medicine Will Address Education, Medical Research, Public Health and Medical Practice in the "Genetics and Genomics Era"

BETHESDA, Md., April 16, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The former American College of Medical Genetics Foundation has changed its name to the ACMG Foundation for Genetic and Genomic Medicine (www.acmgfoundation.org).

The ACMG Foundation for Genetic and Genomic Medicine is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting education, research, patient information, and the safe and effective practice of genetic and genomic medicine in order to improve health for all.  Established in 1992, the ACMG Foundation has supported the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics' (www.acmg.net) mission to "translate genes into health" by raising funds for research, education, supporting the training of future medical geneticists, developing best-practices and tools for practicing physicians, laboratory directors and genetic counselors, promoting awareness and understanding of how genes affect our health and much more.

The Foundation's newly-elected president, Bruce R, Korf, M.D., Ph.D., FACMG said, "The extraordinary pace of discovery and the development of new genetic and genomic technologies are enabling new approaches to improving health and diagnosing and treating both rare and common disorders. The ACMG and the ACMG Foundation for Genetic and Genomic Medicine are at the forefront in the integration of genetics and genomics into broader medical practice. I look forward to working with the Foundation to raise the necessary funds and to develop the programs so that this life-saving and life-improving work can continue."

About the ACMG Foundation for Genetic and Genomic Medicine

The ACMG Foundation for Genetic and Genomic Medicine (www.acmgfoundation.org), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is a community of supporters and contributors who understand the importance of medical genetics and genomics and genetic counseling in healthcare.  Established in 1992, the ACMG Foundation supports the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics' mission to "translate genes into health" by raising funds to promote the profession of medical genetics and genomics to medical students, to fund the training of future medical geneticists, to support best-practices and tools for practicing physicians and laboratory directors, to promote awareness and understanding of our work in the general public, and much more.

Founded in 1991, the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (www.acmg.net) advances the practice of medical genetics and genomics by providing education, resources and a voice for more than 1400 biochemical, clinical, cytogenetic, medical and molecular geneticists, genetic counselors and other healthcare professionals committed to the practice of medical genetics. ACMG's activities include the development of laboratory and practice standards and guidelines, advocating for quality genetic services in healthcare and in public health, and promoting the development of methods to diagnose, treat and prevent genetic disease. Genetics in Medicine, published monthly, is the official ACMG peer-reviewed journal. ACMG's website (www.acmg.net) offers a variety of resources including Policy Statements, Practice Guidelines variety of resources including Policy Statements, Practice Guidelines, Educational Resources, and a Medical Geneticist Locator.

SOURCE ACMG Foundation for Genetic and Genomic Medicine