Genomic Testing
Genomic testing can provide powerful insights into early disease risk detection and intervention, help us make better health decisions, and even target health therapies and medications that lead to better outcomes. Physicians may elect to order clinical genome sequencing for patients whose clinical presentations have defied diagnosis, or for whom a diagnosis doesn’t completely “fit” the symptoms or manifestation of the disease, and for which the cause appears genetic in origin. These patients will typically have seen a number of specialists and current therapies are unsuccessful in alleviating symptoms or providing a significant improvement in health. Patients also may have undergone a series of tests, often including testing of specific genes, prior to being a good candidate.
Undiagnosed Disease
Genetic testing can be useful for patients with rare inherited disorders or with complex clinical presentations lacking a clear diagnosis. If you have a patient with a medical condition that has eluded diagnosis despite considerable effort and is believed to have an underlying genetic cause, they may benefit from genetic testing. The Smith Family Clinic for Genomic Medicine was established to use genetic testing to help provide diagnoses for patients with undiagnosed or misdiagnosed disease.
Genetic Counseling
HudsonAlpha’s genetic counselors are here to help physicians discuss genetic information with their patients and prepare them to answer common questions and misconceptions their patients might present them. They can also work directly with patients and their families to help them understand genetic testing, guide them through the process and help them make informed choices based on their genetic testing results.
Genetic Education
The HudsonAlpha Health Alliance is using the power of genomic medicine to help its partners deliver innovative solutions to advance their group’s health. The Health Alliance’s team of experienced clinical lab and diagnostic professionals, genetic counselors, and knowledgeable genomic educators ensure both healthcare providers and patients understand all aspects of genomic test options, results, and actionable next steps. The Health Alliance offers a suite of relevant educational materials to help partners and their patients and employees learn more about genomics and its growing relevance to health and disease.
Physicians for HudsonAlpha
Physicians for HudsonAlpha is a partnership between the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology and local physicians that enhances communication and collaboration between the Institute and the North Alabama medical community. With this partnership, HudsonAlpha recognizes the ongoing importance of the mutual interests shared with medical professionals of improving health and well-being. Funds raised from participation in Physicians for HudsonAlpha are used for the advancement of genomic medicine, bringing genomic knowledge and treatments directly to patients.