The American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG), founded in 1948, is the primary professional membership organization for specialists in human genetics worldwide. As of 2009, the organization had approximately 8,000 members. The society’s members include researchers, academicians, clinicians, laboratory practice professionals, genetic counselors, nurses, and others who have a special interest in the field of human genetics.^[1]

As the field of human genetics has expanded, ASHG has founded additional organizations within its membership body:^[1]

• National Society of Genetic Counselors, founded in 1979, as an advocacy group for the nascent field of genetic counseling.
• American Board of Medical Genetics, founded in 1981, to certify practitioners in human genetics.
• American Board of Genetic Counseling, founded in 1991, to certify genetic counselors.
• American College of Medical Genetics, founded in 1991, as a specialty board for medical geneticists at the doctoral level. It achieved full membership in the Council of Medical Specialty Societies in 1993,

ASHG's principal publication is the American Journal of Human Genetics. The society's highest honor, awarded annually since 1961, is the William Allan Award, established in memory of the physician William Allen to recognize substantial and far-reaching scientific contributions to human genetics, performed over a sustained period of scientific inquiry and productivity. The Curt Stern Award, established in 2001, recognizes scientific achievements over the previous ten years.

On January 2, 2008, the American Society of Human Genetics released a statement on direct-to-consumer sales of genetic testing, calling for improved standards and for oversight by the Federal Trade Commission to insure the accuracy and validity of genetic testing and sales claims.^[2]

[edit] See also

• Franz Josef Kallmann, one of the founders

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[edit] References

[edit] External links

• American Society of Human Genetics
• American Journal of Human Genetics