by Krystal Paco

Guam - A genetics team from Hawaii is here on Guam for the week to meet with patients with genetic conditions.

Clinical geneticist Dr. Laurie Seaver is joined by two genetic counselors.

Dr. Seaver says because Guam lacks geneticists, Hawaii has partnered with the Guam Department of Public Health to make the annual visits possible.

"We're really available. We're the genetic service providers for Guam. And so any of the doctors or even families can contact us by email by phone in between times and we're happy to try to do what we can," she said.

Dr. Seaver says they also keep in touch with local doctors on conditions they're seeing more commonly on Guam and are able to help with diagnosis via x-rays and pictures.

To set up an appointment with the genetics team, first see your primary doctor for a referral. You may also call Public Health at 735-7351 or 7174.