Pediatric Genetics
at Wellstar Children's Hospital of Georgia

Pediatric Medical Genetics

Our specialized team includes board-certified physician geneticists and board-certified genetic counselors. We provide comprehensive and compassionate care designed to meet the unique needs of each child and their family. Our mission is to enhance the quality of life for our young patients.

Pediatric genetics is a medical specialty focused on diagnosing and managing congenital and genetic disorders—conditions caused by abnormalities or passed down from parents—in children. These disorders can range from common to rare conditions.

At Wellstar Children’s, we understand your child’s health impacts the entire family. We also recognize that life doesn’t slow down when illness occurs. That’s why our team offers full support to assist your family through short- and long-term health challenges. Our Child Life Specialists help young patients navigate their hospital or clinic visits. This additional support ensures your child can continue normal activities while receiving medical care.

Conditions We Treat

Our pediatric genetics program manages a wide range of genetic disorders, including:

• Connective tissue disorders: We are experienced in treating conditions like Marfan syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, which affect the body’s connective tissues.
• Cystic fibrosis: Comprehensive care for children with cystic fibrosis, a genetic disorder that affects the lungs and digestive system
• Down syndrome and chromosomal disorders: Expert care for children with Down syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalities, helping families navigate the complexities of these conditions
• Metabolic disorders: Diagnostic and therapeutic services for various metabolic disorders, including phenylketonuria (PKU) and other enzyme deficiencies
• Neurofibromatosis: Specializing in diagnosing and managing neurofibromatosis, a condition that causes tumors to form on nerve tissues
• Other genetic conditions: We treat other genetic conditions to ensure each child receives the appropriate care for their specific needs.

Our Services

Newborn screenings Early detection is critical in managing genetic disorders. The newborn screening program identifies conditions at birth. This allows us to start interventions as early as possible to improve outcomes.

Comprehensive diagnostic evaluations We begin with a thorough genetic evaluation, including a detailed family history, physical examination and advanced diagnostic testing. Our diagnostic capabilities include:

• Biochemical genetic testing
• Chromosomal studies
• Direct DNA studies
• Predictive, pre-symptomatic and carrier genetic testing
• Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis
• Other specialized tests

Maternal-fetal medicine collaboration
Wellstar Children’s pediatric genetics team collaborates with maternal-fetal medicine specialists to evaluate babies for genetic disease or congenital disorders before birth. We use advanced techniques such as fetal ultrasound, chromosome analysis, umbilical cord blood sampling, maternal serum screening and amniocentesis.

Genetic counseling
Our genetic counselors offer personalized support and education to families. They help parents understand the benefits and limitations of genetic testing and the implications of genetic disorders. The team also discusses potential risks and explores available treatment options.

Personalized care plans
Every child’s genetic condition is unique. Our team develops personalized care plans for each child’s specific needs. These plans may include medical management, nutritional support and ongoing monitoring.

Treatment for genetic disorders
Physicians treat congenital disorders with innovative approaches, including vitamin therapy, gene therapy and enzyme replacement therapy. These approaches can help manage and improve the health of children with genetic conditions.

Support resources and camps
We offer access to resources and support, including camps and programs for children with certain genetic disorders. This helps children manage the emotional and social aspects of living with a genetic condition.

Why choose us
Choosing Wellstar Children’s pediatric genetics means entrusting your child’s care to a team deeply experienced in genetic medicine. We are compassionate and dedicated to making a difference in your family’s life. Our multidisciplinary team approach ensures complete care across all areas of clinical practice with robust research and clinical trials to continue to develop advanced and more effective treatments and cures.

With this level of comprehensive care, we can address routine childhood concerns and manage complex or rare pediatric conditions. When you choose us, your child’s health and well-being are our top priority.