History of the medical genetics in Bohemia since the period of Mendel is described. Effects of the abuse of genetics in Germany before and during the Second Word War as well as consequences of the liquidation of genetics in the postwar Russia on the development of genetics and the activity of geneticist in the Czech countries are documented. The paper gives information on the progress of modern Czech medical genetics, the role of the Society of Medical Genetics of the Czech Medical Association and the credit the eminent geneticist achieved in the organization and advancement of this specialization. The network of genetic laboratories and the list of available services in the Czech Republic are described in the context of model health care in contemporary Europe.

        Key words: J. G. Mendel, misuse of eugenics, lysenkism, Society of Medical Genetics, genetics in health care.