About Us

BACKGROUND

Genomic Medicine is a rapidly evolving specialty in clinical medicine that deals with patients and families with genetic diseases. Genetic diseases can range from monogenic (Mendelian) diseases where mutations in one gene lead to a disease (e.g. Marfan syndrome due to mutations in FBN1 gene), to complex genetic diseases where mutations in multiple genes, including somatic mutations, lead to disease (e.g. endometrial cancer in individuals with mutation in TP53 gene), to pharmacogenomics, where the presence of certain genetic polymorphism(s) predisposes an individual to adverse drug reaction (e.g. HLA-B1502 allele and carbamazepine toxicity).

Recognising the complexity of genetic diseases, in 2018, the Ministry of Health promulgated the Standards for the provision of clinical genetic/genomic testing services and clinical laboratory genetic testing services (‘Standards’) as Code of Practice to all licensees regulated under the Private Hospitals and Medical Clinics Act (PHMCA), highlighting the need for even more integration to deliver a highly specialised Genomic Medicine service to ensure high quality and uniform clinical care.

The resolution to form the Chapter of Genomic Medicine under the Academy of Medicine, Singapore was passed at the Academy's 45th Annual General Meeting on 10 June 2023 to address the urgent need to help regulate and advance this field in Singapore.

OBJECTIVES OF THE CHAPTER OF GENOMIC MEDICINE

To establish training and credentialing requirements needed for clinical geneticists (CG) to achieve competencies required for provision of levels 2 and 3 genetic tests (e.g. relevant qualifications or training) across various subspecialties (e.g. Obstetrics & Gynaecology (O&G), Paediatrics, Oncology/Haematology, Cardiology and Neurology)
To establish training roadmap for genetic counselling, aimed at ramping up the genetic counselling workforce to meet demand for genetic counsellors for provision of Clinical Genetic Testing (CGT) and Laboratory Genetic Testing (LGT) services.
To support efforts in raising and retaining capability in the genomics community.
To enhance clinical practice standards, ensure greater consistency in clinical practice, promote education and training, and ensure ethical integrity through continued professional development of these practitioners.
To contribute to the retention of trained CG practitioners in the longer term.

MEMBERSHIP CRITERIA

Fellow of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore (FAMS) AND

Possess relevant qualifications or training in clinical genetics with at least two years of relevant working experience*, OR
Have the relevant qualifications or training in managing genetic conditions/diseases and have been providing CGT services within their own specialties for the past two years*.

Applicants who do not fulfil the criteria of a Fellow and are able to further the interest of the Academy and the Chapter of Genomic Medicine, are welcome to join as Associate Members. Applicants will have to:

Be of good general character and conduct as testified by two referees who must be current FAMS; AND
Possess relevant qualifications or training in clinical genetics with some relevant working experience*, OR
Have the relevant qualifications or training in managing genetic conditions/diseases and have been providing CGT services within their own specialties*, OR
Are qualified genetic counsellors, with at least two years of relevant working experience in clinical genetic counselling, OR
Scientists or registered medical practitioners who have relevant qualifications or training in molecular genetics, biochemical genetics or cytogenetics, with at least 2 years of relevant working experience in molecular genetics, biochemical genetics or cytogenetics in a clinical laboratory

*Qualifications as per the “Standards for the Provision of Clinical Genetic/Genomic Testing Services and Clinical Laboratory Genetic/Genomic Testing Services (June 2018)”

The Chapter held its Inaugural General Meeting on 29 February 2024 via zoom and its 1st Annual General Meeting on 15 April 2025.