Health equity in the implementation of genomics and precision medicine: A public health imperative

Posted on by Alexis

Muin J Khoury, Scott Bowen, W David Dotson, Emily Drzymalla, Ridgely F Green, Robert Goldstein, Katherine Kolor, Leandris C Liburd, Laurence S Sperling, Rebecca Bunnell

Abstract

Recent reviews have emphasized the need for a health equity agenda in genomics research. To ensure that genomic discoveries can lead to improved health outcomes for all segments of the population, a health equity agenda needs to go beyond research studies. Advances in genomics and precision medicine have led to an increasing number of evidence-based applications that can reduce morbidity and mortality for millions of people (tier 1). Studies have shown lower implementation rates for selected diseases with tier 1 applications (familial hypercholesterolemia, Lynch syndrome, hereditary breast and ovarian cancer) among racial and ethnic minority groups, rural communities, uninsured or underinsured people, and those with lower education and income. We make the case that a public health agenda is needed to address disparities in implementation of genomics and precision medicine. Public health actions can be centered on population-specific needs and outcomes assessment, policy and evidence development, and assurance of delivery of effective and ethical interventions. Crucial public health activities also include engaging communities, building coalitions, improving genetic health literacy, and building a diverse workforce. Without concerted public health action, further advances in genomics with potentially broad applications could lead to further widening of health disparities in the next decade.

Keywords: Genomics; Health equity; Precision medicine; Public health genomics.

Ancestry and Diseases in Latin American Populations Seminar

Thursday, November 3 | 2-3 p.m. ET | Virtual

In this seminar titled “Ancestry and diseases in Latin American populations,” Dr. Eduardo Tarazona-Santos will discuss his work using genomics, bioinformatics and public health in global precision medicine. Learn more and register on the NHGRI website.

Speaker:
Eduardo Tarazona-Santos, Ph.D.
Professor, Department of Genetics, Ecology and Evolution
Institute of Biological Sciences
Federal University of Minas Gerais
Brazil

Coronary Heart Disease, Family History and Public Health: From Familial Hypercholesterolemia to Elevated Lipoprotein A

Thursday, April 27 | 11 am-12 p.m. ET | Online
CDC Webinar: Coronary Heart Disease, Family History and Public Health: From Familial Hypercholesterolemia to Elevated Lipoprotein A

Heart disease remains the number one cause of death in the United States and around the world. In addition to known risk factors for heart disease, family history plays an important role. In the past decade, major advances have occurred at the intersection of genomics, heart disease and public health. Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), a genetic disorder of cholesterol metabolism affecting millions of people, has emerged as public health genomics priority for preventing premature morbidity and mortality from heart disease. In addition, elevated lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)) increases the risk of coronary heart disease, occur in 1 in 5 people, have a strong genetic basis, and accentuate the cardiovascular risk from FH and other risk factors.

This seminar will explore advances in FH and Lp(a) and the emerging clinical and public health approaches to reducing the burden of cardiovascular disease using genetics and family history.

Please note: registration is required. Visit the CDC’s website to learn more and sign up.

Laurence Sperling, MD, FACC, FACP, FAHA, FASPC; Ijeoma Isiadinso MD, MPH, FACC, FASNC

Host Genomics and COVID-19: Implications for Clinical and Public Health Practice Webinar

Thursday, October 6 | 11 am-12 pm ET

This seminar will review our emerging knowledge of the role of host genomic factors in the susceptibility and outcomes of COVID-19 infection, response to vaccines and treatments as well as long-term sequels of the disease. Speakers Jean-Laurent Casanova, M.D., Ph.D. and Jacques Fellay, M.D., Ph.D. will discuss implications of such knowledge for clinical and public health practice and how this information could be used in the control of the pandemic, and more generally in the control of infectious diseases.

Please note: registration is required.

Learn more about the webinar and register for the webinar on the CDC’s website.

Jean-Laurent Casanova, M.D., Ph.D. and Jacques Fellay, M.D., Ph.D.

Mayo Clinic Individualizing Medicine Conference

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Explore the Exposome: The Next Frontier of Individualizing Medicine

November 2-3, 2022 | Rochester, MN & Virtual

When genomics alone cannot explain a disease, we enter the world of the exposome for insight. Attendees discover ways to innovate and advance care through genomics and emerging exposome science. Expert speakers from around the world and Mayo Clinic inspire attendees to transform future health care. Uncover the range of multiple exposures over a person’s lifetime and their impact on health and disease pathogenesis. Opportunities to connect with others in the field and explore future collaboration.

Please note: registration is required and there is a fee to attend.

Visit the conference website for more information.

From All of Us Research to All of Us in the Real World: Using the All of Us Research Program Data to Improve Population Health

From All of Us Research to All of Us in the Real World: Using the All of Us Research Program Data to Improve Population Health
Thursday, September 29 | 9:30-11 a.m., ET | Virtual | Free, registration required

Through a Data Use Agreement with the All of Us Research Program, scientists at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention can now register to access and analyze All of Us Research Program Data through a cloud platform. In this seminar we will: 1) Review the All of Us Research Program study design and current status, 2) Discuss its potential for providing important population data to inform implementation of disease prevention and to reduce health disparities and 3) Provide a hands-on training session for scientists interested in accessing and analyzing All of Us Data.

Learn more and register on the CDC’s website.