--is that most doctors have not been taught that these autoimmune-oriented neuropathies may have a genetic/familial component.

However, it is well-known that many other autoimmune conditions, form MS to Crohn's, do "run in families". Celiac/gluten sensitivity, which can result in neuropathy, is definitely associated with a certain type of genetic human leukocyte antigen (HLS) profile. Autoimmune thyroiditis is strongly suspected of having a genetic component. And so on.

Most physicians believe that GBS and CIDP result from an autoimmune molecular-mimicry process that is a response to an infectious agent of some sort. While that may well be true, the tendency to react in such a way is probably more characteristic of some genetic profiles than others, or more likely to happen in those with certain proteins in their nerve structure that resemble those in various pathogens than others (which really amounts to the same thing--a genetic "tendency").

The doctors, like Dr. Goldberg, who were trained in autoimmunity and neuropathy, would be likely to ask the question, I believe. But most doctors do not have that level of knowledge.