The Provincial Medical Genetics Program is a division of the Medicine Program provides genetic assessment, counselling and care for people of all ages across Newfoundland and Labrador, including during pregnancy.
Genetic conditions are caused or influenced by changes in genes or chromosomes. These conditions may affect a person’s health or development and can sometimes be passed down in families.
Genetic counselling and assessment can help you and your family better understand how genetics may affect your health.
You may be referred if:
The program provides several types of genetic care.
The team works with people who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy to assess the chance that a baby may have a genetic condition.
The team follows up when a newborn screening result shows that a baby may have a condition that needs more testing. Further testing can help confirm whether the baby has the condition and whether care or treatment is needed.
The team assesses children and adults who may have a genetic condition affecting their health, growth or development.
The team assesses people whose personal or family history may suggest an inherited higher risk of certain cancers.
The team assesses people who may have an inherited heart condition.
The team cares for people with certain genetic conditions that affect how the body processes food and other substances.
The Provincial Medical Genetics Program provides care for people of all ages across Newfoundland and Labrador. The type of genetic assessment or care you need will depend on your health, personal history and family history.
You need a referral from a health-care provider, such as your family doctor or nurse practitioner.
Most care is provided through clinic appointments. The genetics team can also provide consultations for some patients who are staying in hospital.
For questions about referrals, contact the program.
Before your first appointment, you may be asked to complete a questionnaire about your family’s health history.
During your appointment, the genetics team may:
Most patients can have their appointment by video (virtual). An in-person appointment may be needed if a physical examination is required.
Your care team may include:
Provincial Medical Genetics Program
Faculty of Medicine Building
Health Sciences Centre
St. John’s, NL
Phone: 709-777-4363
Referral fax: 709-777-7190
Last updated on: September 11, 2026