Genetics is the study of the chemistry of cells, tissues and organs associated with heredity. A molecular geneticist performs laboratory tests of genetic material and interprets those tests regarding inherited disorders. Using test results, a geneticist can provide counseling to patients and their families, with information about their condition and the risk of a genetic disorder in the family. This can help patients make informed decisions.

Doctor density varies by specialty and location. The United States has 62 practicing clinical molecular geneticists. Broken out by state, clinical molecular genetics doctor density in Alabama is 1, in California is 14, in Colorado is 2, in Connecticut is 2, in Delaware is 2, in Florida is 2, in Georgia is 1, in Illinois is 4, in Indiana is 1, in Maryland is 5, in Massachusetts is 9, in Michigan is 3, in Minnesota is 8, in Mississippi is 1, in Montana is 1, in New Jersey is 1, in New York is 10, in North Carolina is 1, in Ohio is 6, in Oklahoma is 1, in Oregon is 2, in Pennsylvania is 6, in South Carolina is 1, in Tennessee is 1, in Texas is 9, in Virginia is 1, in Washington is 6, and in Wisconsin is 4.