About Us

We hear the word genetics almost every day. Every aspect of life seems to hold some link to DNA. Deep within all of us is written a code that spells out the characteristics of our identity. Our physical features, our intellect, our instincts-all these things are set in motion by instructions we get partially from Mom, partially from Dad, and a little from random chance. It is nothing less than a miracle, and the vast majority of people go about their lives blissfully unaware of the genetic ballet occurring inside each of us.

Sometimes, we learn the intricacy of that dance only when something goes wrong. Some combination of factors, or a random result, makes us all too aware of how challenging life can get. Medical professionals talk about the prevalence of having certain conditions as one in 500, or one in 10,000, etc. For a family already affected by a genetic disorder, the odds are 100 percent. So often, the first time we think of a particular condition is when it appears in our family. Too often we can only react, after a child is born disabled or the defect appears.

Over 30 years ago, a dedicated group of professionals and community leaders decided this reactive approach was simply unacceptable. On a quiet piece of land in Greenwood, South Carolina, a Center was born and a mission launched. Free of distractions, focused on a singular vision these doctors and technicians work in a microscopic world few of us ever perceive. The Greenwood Genetic Center now stretches from its main campus, to four satellite offices across the state, to clinics in individual counties, to the homes of thousands of families. More than 150 employees, including 30 doctors and researchers, fight birth defects through the four avenues of diagnostic services, treatment, research and education.