ACMG To Introduce New, First-of-its-Kind Monthly Live Online Genomics Case Conference Series

BETHESDA, Md., Oct. 27, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Case Conferences are a staple of training and education at hospitals and academic medical centers around the country.  But in a novel new twist, the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) will bring a monthly live genomics case conference from around the country to physicians, geneticists, laboratory personnel, genetic counselors and other healthcare professionals via a live, interactive webcast.

During The ACMG Genomics Case Conferences, a team from select institutions will present and lead discussions on an intriguing, complex or difficult patient case in the area of genomics.  "This is the first monthly internet-based live case conference in genomics in the US.  As ACMG continues to provide new and innovative approaches to education in genetic medicine, we are excited to add this to our list of webinars, videos, in-person conferences, point-of-care tools like the ACT Sheets mobile app, and more," said Michael S. Watson, MS, PhD, FACMG, executive director of the ACMG.

A main focus of these case conferences will be on the adaptation of exome or genome sequencing technology in clinical care.

Online attendance will be free and ACMG members will be given first access to registration. The series is expected to debut in November.  Case topics will include pediatrics, adult, cancer, cardiogenetics, prenatal and more.  

Dr. Amy E. Roberts, FACMG, chair of the ACMG Education and CME Committee said, "By bringing together genetics specialists from a broad range of institutions and locations, online in a live, interactive case conference to review and evaluate an unnamed patient's medical history, family history, clinical findings, genetic testing results and more we hope to bring genomics education to a broader healthcare audience.  We plan to discuss care options, treatment modalities, further testing recommendations and much more.  It is a brand new way to bring together specialists from around the country to discuss ideas and perspectives on complex, challenging or unique genetic cases involving exome or genome sequencing technology in clinical care."

Dr. Christian Schaaf, FACMG, vice chair of the ACMG Education and CME Committee added, "In the past, you have had to be physically in the same location to participate in medical case conferences so ACMG really is breaking new ground in genetics medical education with this new tool.  The goal of The ACMG Genomics Case Conferences is not only to improve patient care but also to educate a broad range of clinicians - even those not in genetics - on the ever-changing world of genetics and genomics in clinical practice."

The ACMG Genomics Case Conferences are expected to begin in November 2014 and registration details are forthcoming.  For those unable to attend the "live case conference" the monthly sessions will be taped and available for viewing at a later date on the Members section of the ACMG website at www.acmg.net.

Appreciation is expressed to QIAGEN Bioinformatics and the Ingenuity Clinical Decision Support platform for support of this educational series.

About the ACMG and ACMG Foundation

Founded in 1991, the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (www.acmg.net) advances the practice of medical genetics and genomics by providing education, resources and a voice for more than 1750 biochemical, clinical, cytogenetic, medical and molecular geneticists, genetic counselors and other healthcare professionals, nearly 80% of whom are board certified in the medical genetics specialties. ACMG is the only nationally recognized medical organization dedicated to improving health through the practice of medical genetics and genomics. The College's mission includes the following goals: 1) to define and promote excellence in the practice of medical genetics and genomics and to facilitate the integration of new research discoveries into medical practice; 2) to provide medical genetics and genomics education to fellow professionals, other healthcare providers, and the public; 3) to improve access to medical genetics and genomics services and to promote their integration into all of medicine; and 4) to serve as advocates for providers of medical genetics and genomics services and their patients. Genetics in Medicine, published monthly, is the official ACMG peer-reviewed journal. ACMG's website (www.acmg.net) offers a variety of resources including Policy Statements, Practice Guidelines, Educational Resources, and a Find a Geneticist tool. The educational and public health programs of the American College of Medical Genetics are dependent upon charitable gifts from corporations, foundations, and individuals through the ACMG Foundation for Genetic and Genomic Medicine (www.acmgfoundation.org.)

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SOURCE American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics

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