December 07, 2016
Genome BC was quite active at the American Society for Human Genetics Conference in October. Vancouver played host for this international event for the first time since 1978. The conference brings together specialists across many areas and backgrounds in the field of genetics worldwide.
Dr. Rachael Ritchie, Genome BC’s Director of International Partnerships organized two important roundtable discussions, bringing together BC stakeholders with guests from around the globe. The first roundtable featured Dr. Sue Hill, Chief Scientific Officer, National Health Service (NHS) on the implementation of genomics and personalized medicine within the healthcare setting. A second roundtable with Dr. Anneke Seller, Consultant Scientist Director, Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals NHS Trust focused on genomics education for healthcare workers. Genome BC’s Chief Science Officer and VP, Sector Development, Dr. Catalina Lopez-Correa, facilitated both discussions.
Genome BC also assisted BC high school students at the Complex Traits Breakout Sessions at ASHG 2016. The workshops, led by Dr. John Doucet of Nicholls State University, focused on how the combined effects of many different genes cause most variation among individuals. Students used pom-poms to investigate the effects of multiple genes on a single trait—in this case, height.
On a lighter note, we were honored to attend a reception hosted by Genomics England — Genome BC’s partner across the pond. The two organizations signed a memorandum of understanding in late 2015 pursuing a bold initiative to improve diagnostic capability and outcomes for patients with cancer, rare diseases and infectious diseases.
Finally, for those of you were at the ASHG, we hope you stopped by to say hello at the Canadian Reception (an event Genome BC co-hosted with, and Genome Canada and CIHR).
