Join the Celebration: 2026 Medical Genetics Awareness Week Focuses on Collaborative Impact

Celebrating Medical Genetics Awareness Week 2026

The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) has officially announced the dates for the eighth annual Medical Genetics Awareness Week, which will take place from March 10 to March 14, 2026. This event, proudly sponsored by MyOme, serves as a significant opportunity for the public, healthcare professionals, patients, and policymakers to deepen their understanding of medical genetics—a field that is rapidly reshaping modern healthcare.

The Vital Role of Medical Genetics

Medical genetics is pivotal in today’s healthcare landscape, influencing the diagnosis of rare diseases, informing personalized cancer treatments, guiding newborn screening, and facilitating precision medicine approaches. Unfortunately, the contributions of medical genetics professionals often go unnoticed. With this year's theme “Making a Difference Together,” the week aims to raise awareness about the collaborative efforts within the genetics workforce and emphasize how these partnerships lead to quicker diagnoses and better patient outcomes.

Dr. Mira B. Irons, President of ACMG, expressed, "Genomic medicine is transforming healthcare in ways that were unimaginable just a decade ago. Medical Genetics Awareness Week is an opportunity to highlight the individuals driving this progress and help patients and families understand how medical genetics impacts nearly every aspect of medicine."

Events and Social Media Initiative

To demystify the profession and promote a clearer understanding of the field, ACMG is launching an innovative social media campaign during Medical Genetics Awareness Week. This initiative encourages genetics professionals to share their experiences through the lens of “What You May Not Know About My Job.” Participants are invited to create short videos and engaging posts that showcase aspects of their daily work, ranging from laboratory breakthroughs to clinical complexities.

Last year’s events attracted over 3.6 million social media impressions, illustrating the growing public interest and enthusiasm surrounding genetic research and application.

As part of the celebrations, Medical Genetics Awareness Week will coincide with the 2026 ACMG Annual Clinical Genetics Meeting in Baltimore, MD. The week will feature branded graphics, popular hashtags, and a variety of activities aimed at engaging a wider audience. The conversation can be followed online using the hashtag #MedicalGeneticsAwareness. Participants are encouraged to access the resources available in the Resource Toolkit to get involved.

Melissa Forburger, Interim Chief Executive Officer of ACMG, highlighted the significant impact of the medical genetics community, stating, "The work of the medical genetics community deeply affects patients and families every day, yet many people still don't fully understand the breadth of these professionals' contributions. This week is vital in bridging that gap."

Organizations and individuals interested in partnering with ACMG for this event can reach out to Barry Eisenberg, ACMG Communications Manager, via email at [email protected] A wealth of downloadable resources and promotional materials can be found on the ACMG website dedicated to Medical Genetics Awareness Week.

A Global Movement

Medical Genetics Awareness Week, launched in 2019, has evolved into a global initiative celebrating geneticists, genetic counselors, nurses, and its impact on modern medicine. The goal is to educate healthcare providers, students, policymakers, and the general public about the advancements in genomic medicine and the importance of accurate genetic diagnoses from the very start.

The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG), established in 1991, stands as a leading authority in the field of medical genetics and genomics. It represents a broad spectrum of medical genetics disciplines—dedicating efforts to enhance health through genetic practices, education, and advocacy. The ACMG Foundation for Genetic and Genomic Medicine further supports educational and public health initiatives, funded through generous contributions from corporations, foundations, and individuals.

This year's Medical Genetics Awareness Week presents a perfect opportunity for everyone to dive into the transformative world of genetics and honor the dedicated professionals who play a vital role in shaping the future of healthcare.