Prioritising the Pipeline: Updating Undergraduate Medical Genetics Education to Support the Future of Genomic Medicine in Australia

ABSTRACT Advances in genomic medicine are transforming modern healthcare, with genetics playing an increasingly integral role across multiple medical specialties. Existing studies indicate that many practicing clinicians feel underprepared to integrate genomics into routine clinical care, highlighting deficiencies in early medical training. While postgraduate initiatives have sought to improve genomic skills among doctors and nurses, there has been limited investigation into how genetics is currently taught at the undergraduate level and whether medical graduates achieve the competencies necessary for contemporary practice. This article examines the current state of genetics education in Australian medical schools, reviews international competency frameworks, and discusses the challenges of ensuring that genetics training remains relevant in an evolving healthcare landscape. A comparison of competency-based models from Australia, the United Kingdom, Europe, and the United States reveals common foundational principles but also key differences in the clinical integration of genomics. While international frameworks offer valuable insights, their direct application to Australia is limited by differences in healthcare delivery, workforce needs, and genomic testing policies. A structured approach is proposed to improve genetics education at the undergraduate level: identifying the current intended learning outcomes across Australian medical schools, assessing the realised competencies of medical graduates, applying evidence-based educational strategies to integrate genetics effectively throughout medical curricula, and developing a nationally agreed-upon framework for genetics competencies. By addressing these gaps, medical education can ensure that graduates are adequately prepared to apply genomic medicine in patient care, contribute to precision medicine initiatives, and navigate the ethical, legal, and social implications of genetics in healthcare. As genomic medicine continues to expand, undergraduate medical education must be proactive rather than reactive, ensuring that future Australian doctors enter the workforce equipped with the foundational knowledge and clinical skills necessary to integrate genetics into their practice. This article brings attention to undergraduate medical genetics education, and recognises the role in bridging the gap between scientific advancements and clinical application to meet the demands of the current, and future Australian healthcare system.