A genetic counselor training program started by 50 medical professionals was launched at the Children's Hospital of Fudan University in Shanghai yesterday.

They are among the first batch of genetic counselors in China. Genetic counselling, a new practice in China, can provide information and support to families who have or may have members with risk of birth defects or genetic disorders in order to improve medical treatment and avoid new babies born with genetic diseases.

The program will allow the trainees to learn knowledge and skills of genetic counseling of children's diseases like immunity defect, cardiovascular disease, blood disease, inherited metabolic disorders and drug use.