Genetic/Genomic Breakthroughs in Healthcare at the 2012 ACMG Annual Clinical Genetics Meeting

BETHESDA, Md., Jan. 11, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Genetics, genomics, personalized medicine, genetic testing, exome sequencing, prenatal testing, cancer genetics…the world of medicine and healthcare is in the midst of previously unfathomable changes and these topics are just a few of the many that will be explored at the 2012 ACMG Annual Clinical Genetics Meeting at the Charlotte, NC Convention Center, March 27-31.   The ACMG Meeting is the genetics meeting most focused on the practical applications of genetic discoveries in medicine and healthcare today and for the future.

The conference will showcase the latest advances and breakthroughs in genetics research and their applications to medical practice and public health. The ACMG Annual Meeting attracts medical and scientific leaders from around the world who are working to apply research in genetics and the human genome to the diagnosis, management, treatment and prevention of genetic conditions and both rare and common diseases.

Attendees will hear about the latest in genetics and genomics; listen to the doctors, laboratory professionals and genetic counselors about what is happening right now in genetics and genomics; and view the latest products available in our extensive exhibit hall.

Several of the highlights for the 2012 Meeting include:

Genetics Short Courses

Two CME Short Courses will be offered on Tuesday, March 27 from 12:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Topics to be presented will be:

-Next Generation Sequencing: Clinical Utility, Laboratory Implementation and Bioinformatics Analysis

-Clinical Cancer Genetics:  New Paradigms and Concepts for Understanding Cancer Susceptibility


Program Highlights

-Single Gene Causes of Cancer

-Genetics of Sports Performance

-From Screening to Diagnosis: Current Concepts in Reproductive Genetics

-Informatics in Medical Genetics

-Developmental Eye Disorders: Seeing the Light

-Assessing the Value of a Genetic Diagnosis

-Challenges in Newborn Screening Diagnosis and Follow-up

Trainee Session

Trainee Session:  The Road to Success In Medical Genetics - An Educational Primer
Wednesday, March 28, 8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.


Special Student Session

Careers in Medical Genetics - An Informational Session for Students
A half-day Special Session will be held on Friday, March 30 for college and university undergraduate students, graduate students and medical students. 

The session will:

• Inform students about careers in medical genetics and the training pathways toward becoming clinical geneticists, clinical laboratory geneticists, and genetic counselors (including educational and training requirements and what these professionals do)
• Provide students with an overview of current topics in medical genetics including advances in laboratory technologies

• Describe how genetic information and technologies impact diagnostics, genetic risk assessment, medical practice, and individual and public health. 

Second Annual ACMG Foundation Day of Caring

The ACMG Foundation will present bicycles to children with rare genetic diseases from several local organizations in a heartwarming event on Friday, March 30, 2012.

To see the complete Meeting program visit www.acmgmeeting.net. 

SOURCE American College of Medical Genetics