Publisher's Synopsis
Conversations in Genetics is a collection of videotaped conversations with geneticists who have made major contributions to the conceptual foundations of modern genetics. These presentations reflect the thoughts and feelings of accomplished researchers as they recall their research achievements and describe the paths they took during various phases of their lives. They provide a rich resource for anyone interested in the history of genetics and the evolution of scientific ideas. Each Volume of Conversations comprises five DVDs. They can be purchased individually or as a set of five. Volume 3, No. 3 Victor McKusick, University Professor of Medical Genetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Interviewed by Judith G. Hall, Professor of Pediatrics and Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada Establishing one of the first Divisions of Medical Genetics at Johns Hopkins in 1957, Victor McKusick is considered one of the founding fathers of the nascent field of human genetics. His analysis of Marfan syndrome and heritable disorders of connective tissue, and of dwarfism among the Amish, provided landmark models for inherited disease in man. His later focus on human gene mapping and recognition that clinical and natural history research could play an important role in uncovering heterogeneity was instrumental in defining specific genetic diseases and elucidating their biochemical pathways. These and other studies helped set the stage for mapping and sequencing of the human genome. His role in developing Mendelian Inheritance in Man and its online version OMIM, and in initiating the March of Dimes conferences on birth defects and the Jackson Laboratories course on medical and experimental mammalian genetics, provided critical resources that propelled this new field forward. Among his numerous awards are election to the National Academy of Sciences, the Lasker and Gairdner Prizes, and the 2002 National Medal of Science. Recorded on November 4, 2003 at The American Society of Human Genetics Annual Meeting in Los Angeles, California.
