History

The American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) was established in 1948 to provide leadership in research, education and service in human genetics. Accordingly it elected to publish The American Journal of Human Genetics and sponsor an annual research meeting. The human genetics community grew and spawned a new field of endeavor, genetic counseling, to support delivery of clinical genetics services. In 1979, the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) was formed as the advocacy group for genetic counseling. By 1981, the need for the establishment of a certification board was recognized by ASHG and the American Board of Medical Genetics (ABMG) was founded. This Board certifies medical genetics practitioners, clinical laboratory geneticists and genetic counselors throughout the United States. In 1991, this Board was recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) to certify doctoral level medical genetics practitioners and clinical laboratory geneticists. Also in 1991, the masters degree level genetic counselors then formed an independent certification board, known as the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC). The most recent addition to the family of human genetics organizations is the Association of Professors of Medical/Human Genetics, which was incorporated in 1995.

With the burgeoning development of new and complex clinical genetic services and genetic testing which occurred in the 1980's, the need for the establishment of an independent body to represent the clinical practitioners of medical and laboratory genetics became evident. The American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG) and the American College of Medical Genetics Foundation (ACMGF) were established and incorporated in 1991. In January 1993, the ACMG was accorded full membership in the Council of Medical Specialty Societies and is now the recognized body representing doctoral level laboratory and clinical practitioners of medical genetics in the United States.
 

These societies and organizations represent the research, academic, certification and clinical practice endeavors for human and medical genetics in America today. Representatives from all of these organizations sit on the Council of Medical Genetics Organizations (COMGO) founded in 1992. Other Council members include the Alliance of Genetic Support Groups, the Association of Cytogenetic Technologists, the Canadian Association of Genetic Counsellors, the Canadian College of Medical Geneticists, the Council of Regional Genetics Networks, the International Society of Nurses in Genetics, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons, the Society of Craniofacial Genetics, the Teratology Society, the Biotechnology Industry Organization and the Ibero- American Society of Human Genetics of North America. COMGO meets annually to discuss issues which affect the genetics community as a whole.

ASHG Presidents, 1949-2008

*Serving in a personal capacity and not as a representative of NIH.