A panel of guest from Smith Family Clinic for Genomic Medicine in Huntsville, Alabama joins me for this episode exploring the power of whole genome sequencing for patients with undiagnosed diseases.

On This Episode We Discuss:

Whole genome sequencing (WGS) vs exome sequencing

Qualifications for patient to receive WGS

Next steps after a “negative WGS”

Value of WGS for patients not seeking a diagnosis

Hero fund to help families afford testing

Predictions of the future use of WGS

Genetic counselors role at the clinic

Approach to explain testing to patients

Next steps for an untreatable/incurable diagnosis

Interesting case studies

Incidental and secondary findings from WGS

Dr. David Bick is a board-certified clinical geneticist and clinical molecular geneticist with over 20 years of clinical experience. He sees patients and families who are struggling with a rare undiagnosed or misdiagnosed disease, and are considering genetic testing - specifically, whole genome sequencing.

Carol Aiken is a certified medical practice administrator with the Professional Association of Healthcare Office Management (PAHCOM). She has over 30 years of medical practice administration experience across multiple physician practice specialties and hospitals.

Meagan Cochran is a board-certified genetic counselor with clinical experience in pediatrics, adult medicine and genomics. As one of the genetic counselors at Smith Family Clinic she works with patients and families to understand the role of genomic medicine in healthcare and help them to incorporate this new information into their decision making processes.

Follow Smith Family Clinic on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and visit their website for more information.

Stay tuned for the next new episode of DNA Today. New episodes are released on the first and third Fridays of the month. See what else I am up to on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and iTunes. Questions/inquiries can be sent to [email protected].