Medical Genetics Overview

Clinical genetics is a medical specialty that focuses on identifying whether an individual person’s genes are causing disease or influencing health conditions— for example, certain cancers and cardiac conditions.

At Mount Sinai Medical Center, our genetics department, led by Irman Forghani, MD, FACMG, focuses on helping patients identify their risk for certain genetically determined — or inherited — medical conditions. Her team also helps patients after they have been diagnosed with a genetic condition to better monitor or manage their health circumstances.

Because every person, except for identical twins, has unique genes, our genetics program is highly personalized to meet the specific needs of each patient.

During an appointment with Mount Sinai’s genetic experts, patients share their personal and family history. Our team will then counsel patients on whether and what type of genetic testing is right for them. Once testing is completed, the Mount Sinai genetics team will carefully analyze your results and review how the findings may impact individual health. The team will develop a plan to monitor and help manage the genetic condition. Genetic testing can help in diagnosing a complex disease or identifying risk for certain health conditions. The genetics team often works closely with other medical specialists who treat the kinds of diseases or conditions related to a known or suspected genetic disorder.