UA News

Dr. Chris Cunniff, professor of pediatrics at The University of Arizona College of Medicine and a research scientist at the UA Steele Children's Research Center, has been elected president of the American Board of Medical Genetics for 2010.

Cunniff currently is vice president/president-elect for the organization, known as ABMG.

ABMG is responsible for certification of clinical and laboratory geneticists, accreditation of training programs in biochemical genetics, cytogenetics and molecular genetics, and for maintenance of certification activities for all ABMG diplomates. 

ABMG is a member of the American Board of Medical Specialties, which oversees 24 approved medical specialty boards, such as those in pediatrics and other primary care specialties.

As a pediatric geneticist, Cunniff provides clinical care for children with birth defects and genetic disorders. As an investigator with the UA Steele Children's Research Center, Cunniff explores the causes and consequences of genetic disorders and birth defect syndromes. 

He is principal investigator for three grants from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that are focused on issues such as the prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorders and the diagnosis and treatment of children and adults with Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies. 

Cunniff previously held other leadership positions in medical genetics. He served for six years on the board of directors of the American College of Medical Genetics, including four years as secretary; from 1999-2003, he was chairman of the Committee on Genetics of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

The establishment of the American Board of Medical Genetics evolved from a commitment by its founding members to improve the level and standards of clinical care in the area of medical genetics, both for the caregiver and the institutions providing care, according to the ABMG Web site.

Since its establishment in 1980, ABMG has strived to ensure that trainees in genetics receive state-of-the art education and practical experience in the field of medical genetics and meet high standards of knowledge and conduct.

In addition to its board of directors, ABMG is guided by an executive director and administrative staff, with offices in Bethesda, Md. The board consists of 14 members, representing expertise in clinical genetics, medical genetics and laboratory genetics.