This article focuses on knowledge, beliefs, and opinions related to genetics among a group of medical residents. Twelve residents in pediatrics, divided into four focus groups, were interviewed during their first month of residency. The material was analyzed using the isotopic reading technique. Participants showed little interest in the topic, despite having a reasonably good level of knowledge, which bore little relationship to their clinical practice, suggesting the need to reformulate medical education. The groups were aware of the high prevalence and morbidity of genetic disorders, thus signaling that the new generation of physicians may be more sensitive to the need to include medical genetics in public health. Brazil is currently experiencing an epidemiological transition, with a proportional increase in genetic disorders as a cause of morbidity and mortality, thus requiring such inclusion in public health planning.