The Promise of Pharmacogenomics

Sorry I have been offline for so long. I had some serious lecture commitments that had me swamped :(

But during my time off the Secretary's Advisory Committee on Genetics, Health and Society just published for "Public Comment" (that means you!) their report on how the promise of pharmacogenomics (adjusting medications according to your specific disease type and metabolism status) can be fulfilled! Please take the time to look at it and give them your opinion. They are in session right now if you want to watch the webcast

As for some more interesting news and to give props to the genomics and health bloggers. Dr Lei at Genetics and Health was given some PR time on Fox News. That's good news for all of us. If anyone needs some "expert" opinion feel free to email me @ thegenesherpa@gmail.com

Lastly, did you know that we have an epidemic of retiring geneticists? According to a report given at SACGHS, the average age of geneticist is 52, and over 20% plan to retire in the next 5 years. Couple that with the fact that there are only half of our training spots filled 72 of approx 140 and we are headed for the iceberg. Personally I am terrified. Given the fact that there are recommendations for psychiatry use of pharmacogenomic testing Yet none of the psychiatrists I know have training in genetics. How can we implement this technology with no one able to translate this clinically. For the PhD the tech is great, but for the MD the knowledge chasm is even greater. And DTC testing? Don't get me started.

The meeting for SACGHS will return at 1:45 pm EST