2011 AFHTO conference presentation PRESENTER (S): Sean Blaine, BSc MD CCFP, Lead Physician; Jill Davies, MSc., CCGC, Genetic Counsellor, Program Director, Medcan Clinic FHT/ORG: STAR FHT ABSTRACT: Genomic information is growing at an exponential rate and can be used as a tool in clinical decision making. It is now technically and economically feasible to consider the application and utilization of genomic sequence data in clinical care. Identifying individuals at increased risk for rare hereditary diseases as well as common diseases can lead to improved clinical outcomes through health promotion and early detection. This requires a proactive multidisciplinary approach combining new technologies with family history information, clinical data and patient education around risk reduction and disease prevention. New technologies can also identify specific genetic variants in enzymes of drug metabolism which have an impact on the selection and dosing of medication. In this way, pharmacogenomic (PGx) testing allows physicians to optimize drug selection and dosing based on a patient’s unique genetic makeup. The application of PGx in clinical practice is expected to improve health outcomes by decreasing medical costs and increasing patient compliance with medication regimens. Click here to view presentation.
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