In the years-long integration of telehealth into the health care system, 2020 will definitely be recognized as a tipping point. Starting in the second quarter, millions of people participated for the first time in virtual visits with their health care providers. While the impetus was the COVID-19...

Health care delivery is continuing to experience unprecedented upheaval and disruption due to the COVID pandemic.

As the pandemic continues to challenge all of us, we’ve been giving a lot of thought to how health systems, hospitals and providers can guide patients back for genomic care. We have identified five key steps that we believe provide an excellent framework for ensuring that patients get the genomic...

In advance of the Fourth of July holiday, while we celebrate this national day of independence and freedom, we must reflect and remember the true meaning of these words and ask ourselves what we can do—individually and collectively—to actively promote social justice and strive for freedom and...

Posted July 1, 2020

Genome Medical today announced that it has raised $14 million to expand its clinical genetics care and operations. The funds will specifically support the accelerated development of the Genome Care Delivery^TM technology platform to address the rapid growth in virtual care needs...

Precision medicine is a common term used in health care. But what does it mean? Learn more about what precision medicine is, what it is not and how this approach to medical care can be valuable to individuals, families and health systems when paired with clinical experts in genomic medicine.

Four years ago today, my two co-founders and I started Genome Medical. It has been an incredible journey so far, and I want to take a moment to share some reflections on what we’ve achieved and where we’re headed.

I am deeply saddened by the tragic events unfolding across the United States. The social injustices present in our nation require us to speak up. 

What is Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Testing?

Direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing offerings continue to increase in number. Some tests look at ancestry and traits, such as your likelihood to have a unibrow, while others can identify hereditary risks for cancer or heart disease. The name “direct...

Population Health Programs

You may have been hearing lots of buzz lately about the term “population health.” While the concept has been around for some time, it’s increasingly in the spotlight. One reason is because, as genomic information becomes more accessible and available, innovative health...

Celebrating Our Medical Genetics Team 

It is Medical Genetics Awareness Week this week (March 17-21), created to recognize the team of professionals who dedicate their careers to advancing the use of genetics and genomics in patient care and to share these careers with future genetics professionals.

Summary

Rare Disease Day is a day of raising awareness for rare disease that takes place on the last day of February each year. With Leap Year upon us in 2020, the day is observed on the rarest of dates: Feb. 29.

What is Marfan Syndrome?

Marfan syndrome is a condition of the connective tissue and affects about 1 in every 5,000 individuals. Connective tissue helps provide strength and flexibility to different parts of the body, including our bones and blood vessels.  

Last week, I had the distinct honor of addressing the United Nations General Assembly at UN Headquarters in New York City.  This was the 5^th International Day of Women and Girls in Science Assembly.  After a full day at the United Nations, the clear highlight was the enactment of a resolution with...

At the 2020 Precision Medicine World Conference, I moderated a panel titled, “Workplace Genomics: How Employers Are Adopting Genetics and Genomics for Their Members”. It featured representatives of four employers that are providing some form of genetic health benefits to their employees. Their...

Many healthcare professionals have been wondering what’s going on with the FDA and pharmacogenomic (PGx) testing. Within the past 19 months the FDA has approved direct-to-consumer PGx testing—but stated that the results of such tests must be confirmed by separate PGx tests ordered by a healthcare...

Posted January 23, 2020

Posted January 8, 2020

Summary

• The United States has one of the most expensive health care systems in the world.
• Genetic testing can assist with developing preventative health plans, reducing health care costs for patients (e.g. with chronic disease detection and management) in the long run.
• Prescription drugs can be...

By Betsy Swope, MS, Certified Genetic Counselor and Reproductive Lead

My favorite Thanksgiving memory is getting to spend time with all my cousins, eating at a separate kids’ table and trying to stay out of trouble. Even though we are all grown now, making new family memories with our own kids, I...