Craig Baker named director of MMI Department of Genetic Medicine

While away from Omaha during his residency and fellowship training, Craig Baker, MD, saw the Munroe-Meyer Institute’s Department of Genetic Medicine grow.

Now, he hopes to continue that growth and evolution as director of the department, a role he assumed Jan. 1 after having served as interim director since September.

“He will continue on the path of growing exceptional genetic medicine and genetic counseling services, premier teaching and new research endeavors,” MMI Director Karoly Mirnics, MD, PhD, said when announcing Dr. Baker’s acceptance of the position.

Dr. Baker started at MMI in 2020. The position was his first faculty job after his fellowship.

The department has undergone a number of recent changes. As director, Dr. Baker’s first priority is learning where employees feel supported and where they don’t. He also hopes to expand the genetic counselors’ roles, including creating opportunities to work with providers who don’t have formal genetics training.

“We already have strong partnerships with multiple institutions,” Dr. Baker said. “That gives us the foundation and flexibility to continue growing genetics care and expertise across the state.”

One of his long-term goals for the department is to provide consistent genetics care for patients across their lifespan, better integrated with primary care providers.

“Genetics doesn’t have to be something that seems foreign or complicated,” Dr. Baker said. “And it applies across all ages. We may never have all the answers for every patient, but by strengthening our partnerships, we can expand the positive impact of genetics utilization outside of our department.”