Medical genetics has traditionally been equated to rare syndromes with dysmorphism and developmental defects. It primarily attracted pediatricians who came across birth defects and developmental deviations in neonates and children although its contribution across the medical field was frequently suspected.

Molecular genetics advances provided newer concepts of genomics and not just genetics, gene expression and not just gene structure. It elucidated mechanisms by which genomic alterations could lead to both rare & common diseases. The role of gene-gene and gene-environmental interactions in causation of the common disorders often clubbed together as” lifestyle disorders” was increasingly recognized. Different outcomes of apparently similar infectious, immunological, psychiatric disorders and malignancies based on the individual’s genetic makeup was also appreciated.

This revelation significantly affected our understanding of etiopathogenesis of rare and common diseases, diagnostic techniques, choice of drugs and also our dream of treating the root cause by gene therapy, ultimately improving the patient care. IAMG2025 is an effort to showcase the multifaceted multidimensional present and future of medical genetics!