MSU Department of Pediatrics & Human Development

The Michigan State University Division of Human Genetics offers a wide range of clinical genetic services.

Our team is comprised of two Board Certified Clinical Geneticists, Michael Netzloff, MD, and Robert Conway, MD; along with Board Certified Genetic Counselors Daniela Iacoboni, MS, CGC; Rebecca MacFalda, MS, CGC; Rhonda Scanlon, MS, CGC; and Stephanie DeWard, MS, CGC. Dr. Conway is also Board Certified in Biochemical Genetics (Metabolics).

The genetics clinic provides services for individuals in mid-Michigan communities every week at the Sparrow Professional Building in Lansing. Monthly clinics are also held at Mott Children’s Health Center in Flint and the MSU Kalamazoo Center for Medical Studies. Links for directions to our clinics can be found below.

Genetic evaluation and counseling may be indicated at any time throughout the life cycle. From preconception to adulthood, we provide specialized and individualized care to those seeking genetic information. Individuals who might benefit from genetic evaluation and counseling include the following:

Pediatric

Children are evaluated in the genetics clinic for a number of different concerns, which may include:

• birth defects
• unusual facial features
• autism
• developmental delay/mental retardation/learning disabilities
• unusual physical features
• a specific suspected genetic condition
• growth problems

Adults

We see adults in our clinic for many different reasons, including:

• previous diagnosis of a genetic condition
• adult-onset of symptoms suggestive of a genetic condition
• family history of a genetic condition
• previous child or pregnancy with a genetic condition or birth defect
• recurrent miscarriages or stillborn babies

Hereditary Cancer

We see many people in our Genetics Clinic who are concerned about a hereditary type of cancer, including individuals with a personal or family history of cancer, especially if:

• cancer was diagnosed at an earlier than typical age
• someone was diagnosed with cancer more than once (either the same type or a different cancer)
• multiple family members have had cancer, especially if it is the same type of cancer
• rare/unusual cancers are present

Hereditary Cancer Brochure (pdf)

Preconception/Prenatal

Couples considering a pregnancy or women who are pregnant may be seen in our genetics clinic if there are concerns regarding:

• older age of the parents (women who are 35 or older and men who are 40 or older)
• personal or family history of a genetic condition or birth defect
• exposures to chemicals or medications that may increase the risk for birth defects
• a maternal health condition that increases the risk for birth defects (such as diabetes)
• couples who are related to each other by blood (ex. first cousins)
• ethnic background that increases the risk for certain genetic conditions
• fetal abnormalities detected by ultrasound examination
• prenatal screening that suggests an increased risk for a fetal abnormality
• prenatal diagnosis that reveals a genetic condition in the fetus
• concerns regarding carrier status of a specific genetic condition

Prenatal/Preconceptional Counseling Brochure (pdf)

What happens during a genetics clinic visit?

A team including a medical geneticist and a genetic counselor will be involved in the visit. The medical geneticist and genetic counselor will review medical records and ask questions about the medical and family history. If appropriate, a physical examination will be performed to evaluate the patient for subtle features that may be observed in genetic conditions.

The genetics team will discuss in detail the concerns that brought the patient to the appointment. In many cases, the genetics team will provide information about:

• the way in which a genetic condition is inherited
• the chance for other family members to also have the genetic condition
• the options for testing and screening
• the options for treatment or management
• recent scientific advances related to the condition
• Sometimes, testing may be ordered or recommended during the visit. It can often take several weeks to receive results of genetic testing, and a second visit may be necessary to review the test results.

What is genetic testing?

In some cases, a genetic test may be available to help diagnose a genetic condition. In other cases, a genetic test may modify a person’s chance of developing or having a child with a genetic condition. Genetic testing usually involves a blood draw.

Genetic testing is not able to examine all of our genes at once, so there are many different types of genetic tests. However, genetic testing is not available for all genetic conditions. The genetics team will discuss any available testing that may benefit you and/or your family.

Our Specialty Services Include:

• Prenatal/preconception genetic counseling
• Hereditary cancer counseling
• Genetic hearing loss counseling
• Huntington disease counseling

• Family history forms- pediatric
• Family history forms- adult
• Family history forms- cancer
• Directions to our Kalamazoo clinic (KCMS)
• Directions to our Flint clinic (MOTT Children's Health Center)
• Directions to our Lansing Clinic (Sparrow Professional Building) 

• Flint and Kalamazoo Clinics: Call 517-364-5440
• Lansing Clinic: Call 517-364-5440
• Preconception and Prenatal appointments should be made by directly contacting Rhonda Scanlon at 517-353-2046.