Genetics is the study of the chemistry of cells, tissues and organs associated with heredity. Cytogenetics is a combination of cytology (the study of cells) and genetics (the study of inherited variations). Through cytogenetics, scientists learn how genetic material, especially chromosomes, can affect future generations. A clinical cytogeneticist performs tests on genetic material in a laboratory, and analyses and interprets the results to determine whether a patient will have an inherited disease or a disease risk.

Doctor density varies by specialty and location. Illinois has 9 practicing clinical cytogeneticists. Broken out by city, clinical cytogenetics doctor density in Buffalo Grove is 1, in Chicago is 6, in Des Plaines is 1, in Downers Grove is 1, in Evanston is 1, in Hoffman Estates is 1, in Lisle is 1, in Maywood is 1, in Oak Lawn is 1, in Oak Park is 1, in Oakbrook Terrace is 1, in Park Ridge is 2, and in River Forest is 1.

Most people think that Chicago, because of its size and popularity, is Illinois’ capital city, but that distinction belongs to Springfield, home of the Abraham Lincoln Museum. Illinois has hundreds of museums, numerous yearly art and ethnic festivals, a lakeshore bordering Lake Michigan, and the many national forests and parks that offers visitors camping, horseback riding, biking, kayaking, and fishing. Chicago is home to the Sears Tower, the Shedd Aquarium, the Art Institute of Chicago, the Adler Planetarium, the Museum of Science and Industry, and other cultural opportunities and restaurants in the Navy Pier area.

According to 2005 Census estimates, Illinois has a population of 12,763,371. Of this population, 3,172,677 are under the age of 18 and 1,523,937 are at or above the age of 65.