Genomics and Precision Health Posts
Whole Genome Sequencing for All? The Quest for Evidence Continues
In 1999, Dr. Francis Collins predicted what the practice of genomic medicine in primary care may look like in 2010. He used a hypothetical patient named John, a 23-year-old man with high serum cholesterol. Based on his father’s history of early onset heart disease, John underwent a battery of genetic tests. He was found to Read More >
Posted on by 3 CommentsPrecision Public Health: Harnessing the Power of the Human Microbiome
The discovery of antibiotics by Sir Alexander Fleming in 1928 revolutionized medicine. However, antibiotics cannot differentiate between the beneficial bacteria that help keep us healthy and the pathogens that make us sick. Like a wildfire, antibiotics wipe out all bacteria. Consequently, we have been altering our microbiomes for almost a century, putting ourselves at risk Read More >
Posted on by 5 CommentsAre there any shortcuts on the translation highway to genomic medicine?
Note to our readers: A modified version of this blog post has been published in JAMA. Rapid advances in genomics have led to a new era of precision medicine, resulting in a dramatic increase in the number of genomic tests available for research and clinical practice. As of April 18, 2017, the Genetic Testing Registry, Read More >
Posted on by 1 CommentGenome Sequencing for Healthy Individuals? Think Big and Act Small!
In a 2013 blog post, we asked the question: “When should we all have our genomes sequenced?” At that time, we concluded that the time is not right and that “if we want to use whole genome sequencing in the course of regular preventive care and health promotion, research should be conducted to evaluate its Read More >
Posted on byDirect to Consumer Genetic Testing: Think Before You Spit, 2017 Edition!
As people have become more proactive in managing their health, personal genomic direct to consumer (DTC) testing has become more popular over the past decade. These tests allow consumers to access information about genetic predispositions and response to chemicals and medications without the involvement of healthcare providers. With the expanding landscape of such testing, the Read More >
Posted on by 14 CommentsGenomics and Population Health Action: Join the Collaboration
In February 2017, I attended a one-day meeting of leaders of the Genomics and Population Health Action Collaborative (GPHAC). This group of more than 40 organizations and individuals is dedicated to the integration of genomics into clinical and public health programs to save lives and prevent disease. (Details on GPHAC and its membership can be Read More >
Posted on byYour Genes, Your Health: The Importance of Genetic Literacy and Education
In March 2017, the National Human Genome Research Institute, in collaboration with the Foundation for the NIH and several private sector organizations, held an important strategic planning meeting in Bethesda, the Genetic Literacy, Education and Empowerment (GLEE) Initiative. Advances in genomics over the past two decades are leading to opportunities to use genomic information in Read More >
Posted on byThe need for a next-generation public health response to rare diseases.
In recognition of Rare Disease Day 2017, we republish, with permission, a modified extract from our recent commentary in Genetics in Medicine. Few public health research activities trigger stronger calls to public health action than research into the burden of disease. This research uses standard measures to quantify actual or potential losses that populations may Read More >
Posted on by 4 CommentsImplementation Science in Genomic Medicine: Why we need it now!
With the launch of the precision medicine cohort initiative, All of UsSM Research Program, the importance of incorporating implementation science in genomic medicine is greater than ever to ensure population health benefits for all. Historically, the speed of genomic discovery has far exceeded the time required to put these potentially life-saving medical discoveries into practice. Read More >
Posted on byCan we use genetic screening of healthy populations to save lives and prevent disease? Join the conversation.
On January 30, 2017, CDC held a special workshop to discuss the role of public health in the implementation of genetic screening programs beyond the newborn period. The workshop brought together panelists from the worlds of medical genetics and public health practice, including cancer, birth defects, and laboratory science. Workshop presenters and a CDC panel discussed Read More >
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