Genetics research and third parties: implications for education in the health professions.

Research that seeks information about the families of participants raises several questions regarding policy and the education of health professionals, including curriculum planning. The limits of individualism in health care and research, the moral grounding of informed consent and privacy and the moral and legal obligations of professionals in respecting them, the scientific promise and ethical perils of "geneticization," and responsible conduct in research are all topics to be included in the education of health professionals.