For the past two decades, genetics has increasingly impacted the field of medicine and, by extension, society at large. This course will provide the participants with an enlightening view of many facets of genetics, including: the history and development of genetic medicine, the genetics of birth defects and diseases, the New Genetics (individualized medicine), ethical, privacy and economic considerations concerning genetics, and the use of genetics in assessing patients' family history. Each of the eight lectures will be presented by a leader in the field.
October 1: You and Your Genes: The New Genetics – Individualized Medicine, David Valle, MD, Henry J. Knott Professor and Director of the Institute of Genetic Medicine Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Ophthalmology and Molecular Biology & Genetics Director, Pre-doctoral Training Program in Human Genetics Director, Center for the Inherited Disease Research. Wine and cheese reception to follow lecture.
October 15: Unlocking the Secrets in Your Family Tree, Emily Lisi, MS. A look at how information about our family members can help us determine if we are at risk for certain diseases and a review of how to create, interpret, and perform a genetic risk assessment from the three generation family history.
October 22: The Genetics of Common Disease, Vinayak Kottoor, MD. What are the most common genetic diseases that run in families? How do we inherit them and what tests can be done to teach us about our risks? This lecture assesses the clinical manifestations of common genetic disorders, the inheritance patterns, and the available pre and postnatal testing options.
October 29: Are All Birth Defects and Diseases Genetic? Ronald Cohn, MD. What are the influences that affect our chances of having a healthy child? How do our genetics play a role in developing and treating disease?
November 5: The History and Development of Genetic Medicine, David Valle, MD. An interesting glimpse at how the field of medical genetics was born and how the role of the genetic health care provider has evolved with the advancements in the field.
November 19: Is There Such a Thing As Genetic Privacy? Susannah Baruch, JD. What policies and laws are currently in place to help protect an individual from genetic discrimination?
December 3: Ethical Dilemmas in Genetic Testing, Amanda Bergner, MS. An outline of scenarios individuals face when deciding about genetic testing.
December 10: Direct to Consumer Genetic Testing, Joan A. Scott, MS. A review of the type of genetic information available to the public for a price.
Coordinator: Adel D. Gilbert, MS, CGC, is the co-director for the Post Doctoral Clinical Genetics Training Program, Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.
