AB055. The new meaning of translational genomics & developing consensus on best practices for areas critical to enabling precision medicine

Abstract: Paradigm shifts are occurring at all stages of the path to translational medicine, complicating the process while creating exciting opportunities. Translational genomics is no longer simply a nebulous bridge from bench research to bedside care with research only conducted in a top down fashion involving studies are done in secrecy with little reporting back to research participants. Patients are contributing more to as well as demanding more from their clinical encounters and genetic and genomic data is more easily flowing between greater and less resourced institutions. The opportunity to develop high impact solutions based on research and focused on greater relevance to human health is also greater than ever before. At the same time, there is no consensus as to what are truly ‘best practices’ to deal with issues of data management/integration, ethics, patient empowerment roles, provider knowledge, etc. A shared understanding of how best to proceed forward is key to establishing viable translational and precision medicine. In this talk I will present the interests and concerns that need to be considered regarding translational research. I will then actively engage participants to share their understanding of these issues in the context of local and national considerations, and how they are addressing them, towards the shared goal of achieving a better regional, if not international, understanding of successful strategies for enabling translational medicine. I intend to write up the results of this discussion for the APHGS and publication in the Journal of Applied & Translational Genomics. I invite participants to connect and encourage those who want to be actively involved in creating a statement to attend this session and fully participate.

Keywords: The new translational genomics; data management/interpretation; ethics; patient empowerment; provider knowledge