Developing medical genetics interest and literacy through student interest groups: The why, the how, and the challenges

According to the American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics, the US has slightly more than 3000 diplomats of all genetics specialties, of which there are about 1700 clinical geneticists. Additionally, the US has less than 5000 active genetic counselors. We need to increase the attention of medical students to the field of genetics since it is becoming more relevant to clinical care, especially with the expansion of personalized medicine. At minimum, all medical students and other healthcare trainees should be encouraged to attain genetic literacy, with the hopes that some of them will join the medical genetics work force.