Genetics in Medicine Journal Receives Record High Impact Factor of 6.435 for 2013

BETHESDA, Md., Aug. 5, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) announced that the Thomson Reuters Impact Factor Journal Citation Reports has just increased the impact factor of the ACMG's peer-reviewed medical genetics and genomics journal, Genetics in Medicine (GIM) to 6.435 in 2013 up from 5.56 in 2012.GIM is currently ranked 17th of 164 titles in Genetics & Heredity category and in the very top echelon of genetic journals that have a primarily clinical focus.A journal's Impact Factor is an objective measure of the world's leading journals based on articles' cited references and is oft considered a measure of a journal's overall successful performance and relevance to its field.

"We're delighted with our impact factor having jumped once again. We are gratified that Genetics in Medicine has gained further prominence and we hope it reflects progress towards our goal of being the 'go to' journal for all those involved in any facet of clinical genetics and genomics," said GIM's Editor-in-Chief Jim Evans, MD, PhD, FACMG.

"The Impact Factor is just one measure of a journal's value but this gratifying rise in GIM's impact is a testament to our editorial board members, who carefully consider each submission to find those of greatest importance to our field. The rising impact factor of Genetics in Medicine is also a pleasing reflection of the growing importance of genetics and genomics in patient care more broadly," added Evans.

Gail Herman, MD, PhD, FACMG and president of the ACMG said, "This is a very rewarding and dramatic rise in our Impact Factor. As a leading academic journal and as the official journal of the ACMG, we know that GIM will continue to play a critical role in setting the standard for the practice of medicine whenever it involves genetic and genomic issues."

Genetics in Medicine is published by Nature Publishing Group (www.nature.com/gim)

The journal, published since 1998, is supported by an expert Board of Editors representing all facets of genetic medicine including such specialties as biochemical genetics, cytogenetics and pharmacogenetics.

About the ACMG and ACMG Foundation

Founded in 1991, the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (www.acmg.net) advances the practice of medical genetics and genomics by providing education, resources and a voice for more than 1700 biochemical, clinical, cytogenetic, medical and molecular geneticists, genetic counselors and other healthcare professionals, nearly 80% of whom are board certified in the medical genetics specialties. ACMG is the only nationally recognized medical organization dedicated to improving health through the practice of medical genetics and genomics. The College's mission includes the following goals: 1) to define and promote excellence in the practice of medical genetics and genomics and to facilitate the integration of new research discoveries into medical practice; 2) to provide medical genetics and genomics education to fellow professionals, other healthcare providers, and the public; 3) to improve access to medical genetics and genomics services and to promote their integration into all of medicine; and 4) to serve as advocates for providers of medical genetics and genomics services and their patients. Genetics in Medicine, published monthly, is the official ACMG peer-reviewed journal. ACMG's website (www.acmg.net) offers a variety of resources including Policy Statements, Practice Guidelines, Educational Resources, and a Find a Geneticist tool. The educational and public health programs of the American College of Medical Genetics are dependent upon charitable gifts from corporations, foundations, and individuals through the ACMG Foundation for Genetic and Genomic Medicine (www.acmgfoundation.org.)

SOURCE American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics