IS THE "E" BEING REMOVED FROM REPRODUCTIVE ENDOCRINOLOGY TO BE REPLACED BY A "G" FOR GENETICS?
This is a divided discussion from physician researchers either supporting or challenging the mastery of genetics within the Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility practice. Pro-genetics contributors summarize the historical and recent contributions from genetic screening to the field of reproductive medicine and implicate reproductive medicine’s reliance on genetic screening tools to diagnose and treat many causes of infertility. Those supporting the integration of genetics in the reproductive practice suggest that the reproductive endocrinologist should also exhibit expertise in genetics due to the integration and application of genetic tools within the practice. The opposing side indicates that while genetics are integral to the field, and the contributions from genetic testing have greatly enhanced the knowledge of reproductive endocrinologists, the field of genetics is far too in-depth to be added to the already expansive expertise of endocrinologists, and vice versa, a reproductive geneticist would be too specialized to be detrimental to the development of genetic technologies.