At Montefiore, our approach to genetic testing and research demonstrates a unique recognition of the increasing importance of this field. We are one of the only institutions worldwide to have placed our Division of Reproductive Genetics within our Obstetrics & Gynecology Department, rather than within pediatrics, which allows our patients to receive highly specialized care before and during all stages of their pregnancies.
With our ever-growing knowledge of genetics, our approach to prenatal care and overall healthcare for women incorporates a new range of interventions and treatments. We are expanding the field further with ongoing research and patient care, and by training the next generation of experts through Montefiore's affiliation with the Albert Einstein College of Medicine.
Our doctors are among only a few nationally who have a specialty in medical genetics coupled with a foundation in gynecology. Women can expect comprehensive care that addresses all aspects of their own health and prenatal needs.
When a pregnant woman receives an ultrasound at Montefiore, we apply our expertise in genetics to look for Down Syndrome and other syndromes and birth defects, whether related to chromosomes or single genes. We continually expand our expertise by performing more than 1,500 amniocenteses annually. Our doctors have published many papers on topics related to unusual ultrasounds.
Montefiore's range of experts and well-coordinated services offer patients complete care without the stress of traveling between multiple sites. Such centralized treatment is especially important because of the emotional and physical stress of dealing with a serious problem. After managing women's care for more than 30 years, we have ample experience synchronizing treatments between departments such as Gynecology, Obstetrics, Pathology and Psychiatry.
We are also expanding our work on the link between genetics and infertility, including male infertility. Those seeking infertility treatments, such as in vitro fertilization, can talk to our expert geneticists about the latest advancements in the field in genetic counseling.
And because we work closely with our colleagues in pediatrics, our patients can be confident that they will receive informed, caring treatment through every stage of pregnancy and childbirth.
We are also committed to expanding our expertise in the field of cancer genetics specific to women, including testing for:
As we gain a greater understanding of the genes that predispose people to specific cancers, we are able to save lives by using a complete family history and genetic testing to identify patients who may be at risk.
Women can now receive therapies to treat and prevent cancer earlier than ever before. Montefiore's leadership in the field is evident in the increasing number of patients who are referred to us by doctors at other medical centers in the region because of our state-of-the-art care.
Please print and fill out the Genetics Questionnaire before your appointment with the geneticist or genetic counselor because it will be helpful for us. If you have medical records or family records, please bring them with you to your appointment.