How to Create a Medical Genogram
Dr. Murray Bowen, a family therapist, developed genograms in the 1970s to mark relationships between family members, according to the New England Historic Genealogical Society. Physicians began using them to note health and disease trends across families. Geneticists, genealogists and other professionals create genograms using special software, such as GenePro or GeneWeaver, but Northwestern University experts note that you can create a medical genogram at home using simple tools such as the "Draw" function of Microsoft Word, or even poster board.
Things You'll Need
- Computer with Microsoft Word
- Poster board
- Markers
- Pencil
- Family historical data
Instructions
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Organize your family historical data into groups, separating each generation of ancestors and grouping families together in order. At a minimum, historical data should include the date of death, age at the time of death, and cause of death for each relative. Noting genetic characteristics, such as eye color or hair color, and any health problems, such as allergies or miscarriages, provides additional insights to the overall genogram, but this information is not critical. The New England Historic Genealogical Society notes that genograms can include much more detailed information, including physical characteristics, habits, physical activity, diet, medical or dental conditions, and accidents.
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Begin mapping out your ancestors on the poster board with light pencil at first, to make sure that all of your information will fit. Once you have developed a layout and are sure of a fit, mark shapes and lines using a marker. If you are using a computer program, such as Microsoft Word, begin placing symbols for each relative. Squares represent males, and circles represent females. Mark a line or an X through the shape if the person has died. Place the age at death inside the square or circle, and include the cause of death directly underneath the shape. Some genograms use disease codes for causes of death; others just use labels---the determining factors are your space limitations, the number of generations you will include, and the degree of detail you want on your genogram.
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Connect parents with a single line. Draw a line down from the parents to show any offspring they had. Note medical details for offspring the same way you note parents: squares represent males, and circles represent females. Include the age and cause of death, as well as any genetic characteristics from each family member. According to Genealogy Today, a good genogram includes at least three or four generations---this would guarantee enough data to let you discern health trends.
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References
Resources
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