What is genetics?

Genetics is the study of heredity, the process in which parents pass genes onto their children.  A person's appearance, personality characteristics and health are all affected by heredity.

Genetic Services

The program is led by Jeannette Israel, MD, Board Certified Pediatric Geneticist.  Dr. Israel is one of the top pediatric geneticists as listed by Chicago Magazine.

Genetic services at St. Alexius Medical Center offer comprehensive evaluations, diagnosis and genetic counseling for individuals and families with inherited or genetic-based conditions. Prenatal genetics, neonatal, pediatric and adult patients are the component populations seen in this clinic.

Due to explosive gains of knowledge and information in this field of medicine, genetic causes for many diseases have been identified. Additionally, as the causes of these diseases are discovered, new treatments and cures for conditions, once thought to be incurable, are now on the horizon.

Neonatal and Pediatric Genetics

Physical examination, including a dysmorphology evaluation, will guide the medical geneticist to order chromosomal analysis, biochemical testing, imaging tests, DNA testing, microarray assay, or other tests to make and/or confirm a diagnosis. Information regarding the diagnosis, prognosis, treatments and therapies, as well as, recurrence risks are shared with the patient and family.

Prenatal Genetics

Our board certified genetic counselor working together with a team of maternal fetal medicine specialists, will assist the patient and her partner in understanding pregnancy screening or testing results, the risk of abnormalities to a fetus, along with risks, benefits and limitations of prenatal testing options that are available. Genetic counseling appointments are also available for patients referred by their obstetrics/gynecology physicians.