Tracks available for clinicians, scientists and patients
The HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology will host the inaugural Genomic Medicine Conference August 8-10 on its Huntsville campus. The Genomic Medicine Conference: Empowering Personal Health focuses on advancing knowledge in the field of genomic medicine in a clinical care setting. The interdisciplinary and international program is designed to educate a broad audience – including clinicians and scientists as well as members of the general public – about clinical whole genome sequencing (WGS) and how genomic medicine is increasingly being integrated into clinical care.
Through the event, attendees will gain a basic overview of genomic medicine and the future of personalized medicine. A distinguished roster of experts will discuss new findings, best practices and challenges facing the implementation of genomic medicine. Physicians can learn how to formulate a strategy for genomic testing, interpret genomic test results and implement best practices in the delivery of genomic test results to patients and families.
The Medical Foundation of Alabama designates this live activity for a maximum of 11 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)TM. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Medical Association of the State of Alabama through the joint providership of the Medical Foundation of Alabama and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology. The Medical Foundation of Alabama is accredited by the Medical Association of the State of Alabama to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
Dr. Neil Lamb to host tracks for patients and the public
Unique to the Genomic Medicine Conference are two educational tracks for non-scientists who are interested in WGS and how it may benefit them.
One of those tracks focuses on rare undiagnosed and misdiagnosed disease. Attendees will learn how WGS is increasingly being used as a diagnostic tool. They also will have an opportunity to learn about the information that sequencing could potentially offer them, and to network with other patients and families facing similar challenges.
“As genomic medicine is integrated into clinical care, it is not only the clinicians but also the patients who will need to know more about genomics and its short and long-term impact on patients and their families,” said Kelly East, a genetic counselor at HudsonAlpha and member of the conference organizing committee. “Attendees will be empowered with knowledge to inform their decisions about genomic sequencing, as well as the opportunity to network with other individuals making similar decisions,” East added.
A second track is designed for adult adoptees and other individuals interested in how WGS could be used as a tool to help practice personalized and predictive medicine, in collaboration with physicians. In the absence of family health history, WGS could be used to provide information about disease risk or carrier status as well as details about how individuals may respond to specific medications.
“We’re proud to give patients and adoptees this opportunity to learn how cutting-edge genomics research and technology is being incorporated into clinical practice,” said Dr. Neil Lamb, vice president for educational outreach at HudsonAlpha and emcee of the event.
Register for Genomic Medicine Conference
To learn more about the conference and to register, visit the conference website. Registration is available onsite starting Monday, August 8 at 3:30 pm.
Learn more about genomic research from GenomeWeb
GenomeWeb, an online news source for genomics, genetics, and life science news, is a media partner for the Genomic Medicine Conference. To receive GenomeWeb news on emerging technologies or other subjects related to the life science industry, visit hudsonalpha.org/genome-web.
