The 2023 medical genetics workforce in the United States

Abstract

Purpose: To characterize the 2023 medical genetics and genomics workforce in the United States-comprising clinical geneticists, genetic counselors, genetic nurses, genetic physician assistants, laboratory geneticists, and metabolic dietitians-to inform genetics workforce efforts.

Methods: National genetics membership or board-certification organizations distributed an electronic survey to medical genetics professionals in early 2023. Questions were derived from prior workforce surveys and by a workgroup led by the National Coordinating Center for the Regional Genetics Networks.

Results: Of the 3070 medical genetics professionals who responded, 66.0% were genetic counselors, 15.4% were clinical geneticists, 12.2% were laboratory geneticists, 4.7% were metabolic dietitians, and 1.7% were genetic nurses or physician assistants. The respondents identified as White (76.1%) and women (84.7%); there were statistically significant differences between disciplines. Forty percent worked in academic centers; 55.3% worked 41+ hours per week. Nearly 11% of respondents provided services in a language other than English. Despite 34.7% of respondents experiencing some burnout, most had no plans to leave the field (94.4%) within the next year.

Conclusion: The medical genetics community needs to advance workforce initiatives to support current personnel and attract new and diverse individuals to the field to serve patients and their families.

Keywords: Diversity; Genetics workforce; Genomics workforce; Interprofessional collaboration; Medical genetics professionals.