title: The study of genetic syndromes in a rural setting.
abstract: The syndromal and genetic biology reported and reviewed herein can be studied, analyzed and reported by any "GP" with the required gifts, enthusiasm, drive, and ability to work with collaborators of goodwill at University centers near or far; and most importantly, to continue lifelong education and retraining. Beginning individually in rural Boulder, MT in 1947 it was possible to train in phenotype analysis with methods available to any GP, somewhat later to enlist collaborators at the Universities of Wisconsin and Washington, and finally to establish a genetic services program at a regional medical center (Shodair Children's Hospital in Helena) with fiscal support from the State Legislature amending and extending the prior Newborn Screening Act of Montana. With such financial stability it was possible to attract another physician, genetic counselors and a cytogeneticist to the Shodair Program. This genetic center now has expanded to a staff of 22 with advanced capabilities in cytogenetics, biochemistry and molecular biology (q.v. Elias in this issue). In these past 50 years then I have seen the Montana Genetics Program grow from humble rural beginnings to the amazing center it is now providing statewide outreach services, genetic education and the most advanced diagnostics and research. Now, it may not be inappropriate for me to recommend the Montana model for implementation in other genetically underserved regions throughout the United States.
authors.forename: Philip D
authors.initials: PD
authors.lastname: Pallister
mesh_terms: D000013:Congenital Abnormalities / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics* / Q000266:history; D030342:Genetic Diseases, Inborn / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics* / Q000266:history; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049674:History, 21st Century; D006801:Humans; D009009:Montana; D012106:Research / Q000266:history; D019035:Rural Health Services; D013577:Syndrome
keywords: cytogenetics; genetic education; genetic research; genetic services; molecular genetics; phenotype analysis