Organizer Profile
Austrian Society of Humangenetics / Osterreichische Gesellschaft fur Humangenetik (OGH)

Austrian Society of Humangenetics / Osterreichische Gesellschaft fur Humangenetik (OGH)

Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria

Human genetics is primarily concerned with the genotype of man. As such, human genetics is an interdisciplinary subject in which physicians work closely with natural scientists to offer modern diagnostics and molecular biology research. Particularities of human genetic issues include the fact that they concern all age groups and all body systems, that they often treat rare diseases and regularly concern not only the counselor themselves, but often also their families. Of particular relevance is the so-called predictive diagnostics, which makes it possible to predict, in healthy persons, the onset of a disease which can be difficult and not treatable. In the care of patients the focus is on the human intercultural consultation, which must always be carried out before the initiation of a diagnosis. This consultation will address all medical and human problems that may be associated with onset or with the risk of a genetic disease in a family.

All genetic diagnostics and counseling may only be performed voluntarily for the benefit of the counselor and after extensive reconnaissance. In recent years, the challenges of human genetics have grown steadily through the enormous growth in knowledge and new sequencing techniques that make detailed analyzes of whole genomes possible.

In this environment, the Austrian Society for Human Genetics sees itself as a main source of information on issues relating to the genome, and is trying to offer appropriate training and further training. The ÖGH takes a position on new scientific and ethical developments in the fields of genetics and reproductive medicine and works out appropriate guidelines and statements. Furthermore, the ÖGH is striving for an appropriate positioning of human genetics in modern clinical and preventive medicine. As human genetic diagnosis is not infrequently involved in complex ethical questions, the ÖGH is concerned about the sensitization of Austrian society to these problems.

The ÖGH also secures the quality of human genetics from human genetic counseling to cytogenetic studies to molecular genetic studies. Last but not least, the ÖGH ensures adequate training and is involved in the reform of study and training plans. For physicians, the human genetics centers offer training as a specialist for medical genetics, and natural scientists can acquire the title "Fachhumangenetikerin" or "Fachhumangenetiker".