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Kids Curious About DNA and Genetics Celebrate National DNA Day

April 15 was designated National DNA Day by The National Human Genome Research Institute and the American Society of Human Genetics. Kids from all around the country participated during their school day in an online question and answer session challenging scientists, genetics counselors, and others with some really tough questions.

The American Society of Human Genetics asked high school students to weigh in on the topic of DTC Genetic Testing, covered at recent FDA meetings. Students were asked to write an essay addressing the ‘medical, ethical, legal, or social dimensions of the issue of companies offering genetic testing directly to consumers, bypassing the involvement of physicians and genetic counselors. Discuss whether you think this is a good idea or not.’

The essays are onIine to read, but what’s important here is the effort to engage and educate kids about DNA and genetics. The comments and essays show a curious group who we know are the future of personalized healthcare, genomic medicine and health IT. While we focus on educating physicians to adopt the genetic tests, biomarker panels, and gene expression analyses of today, it’s great to see the healthcare professionals of tomorrow taking an active role in their education.

Rising Healthcare Costs Highlights Need for Better Alternatives

We need more cost efficient and convenient alternatives to accessing care. Some of the components need to be taken out of the traditional setting and provided virtually. One major opportunity is to improve compliance and screening for diseases earlier by managing diagnostic lab testing virtually.

From The New York Times:

As Health Costs Soar, G.O.P. and Insurers Differ on Cause

Republicans are seizing on rising costs as evidence that the new health care law includes expensive features, but insurers say premiums are rising because of demand and cost of care.

http://nyti.ms/exJJbt

A Simple Lab Test Aids in Choosing the Right Anti-Hypertensive Drug

When physicians are choosing which drug to start their patients on for hypertension, we use guidelines but also our experience. This approach has shown, quite clearly, that it is not the most effective. (more…)

Medivo’s Official Statement to the FDA Regarding Genetic Testing

This is the transcript of the statement offered during the FDA’s hearing on Lab Developed Tests in Washington, DC on Tuesday. View the archived video version on the FDA website (Day two, approximately 2:30 PM EST). (more…)

Medivo Discusses Importance of Physician Oversight in Genetic Lab Testing

Destry Sulkes, MD, to present at FDA/CDRH Public Meeting: Oversight of Laboratory Developed Tests (LDTs) today in Maryland (more…)

The FDA is Holding a Public Meeting on the Need for Regulation of Genetic Testing

The FDA is looking to gain control over Genetic Testing and Medivo will be presenting our views on what value Genomics provides and under what circumstances these tests should be used. Listen to Medivo’s statement to the FDA on Tuesday, July 20th, during Session 3: Direct to Consumer Testing (DTC). (more…)

Update from DIA in Washington, DC

Last week I presented a poster on virtual lab testing at the 46th annual Drug Information Association meeting in Washington DC, with over 7,000 attendees present.

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