ACMG Unveils New Physician Education CME Webinar Series: ACMG Genomics in Clinical Practice

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American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics

Dec 30, 2013, 10:17 ET

BETHESDA, Md., Dec. 30, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Since the National Human Genome Project first revealed the human genome sequence, work began in earnest on how to apply this remarkable new knowledge to patient care.

In an important step in helping current physicians and other healthcare professionals who are not board-certified geneticists to understand genomics in the clinical setting, the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) has just created a series of Continuing Medical Education (CME) webinars: ACMG Genomics in Clinical Practice and unveiled the first in the series: "Preconception and Prenatal Cystic Fibrosis Carrier Screening."

"We know that all healthcare providers whether they are a neurologist, family practitioner, cardiologist, pediatrician, oncologist, OB-GYN or physician assistant, need a solid, basic understanding of genetics and genomics in their clinical practice. ACMG is happy to take a leadership role in providing continuing education to healthcare professionals about genetics and genomics in medicine," said Michael S. Watson, PhD, executive director of the ACMG.

The first 4 webinars are being offered for free, although there will be a modest CME certificate fee for those who wish to earn CME credits. The first CME webinar is Preconception and Prenatal Cystic Fibrosis Carrier Screening. It includes:

Next Generation Sequencing in the Evolution of Prenatal Diagnosis
Genomic Screening and Testing: Patient Selection and Test Uses
Genetics of Cystic Fibrosis: CF, CFTR, and Novel Therapies
Lab testing for CFTR Variants
Genetic Counseling for CF
Case-based Scenarios from CF Carrier Screening

Other forthcoming webinars in the first phase of the ACMG's Genomics in Clinical Practice CME Webinars include:

Noninvasive Prenatal Screening
Genomics in Clinical Practice
Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis and Genomic Testing

"These are just the first in an ongoing series of educational programs that ACMG will be offering to a broad range of healthcare professionals on the application of genetics and genomics in their practices," said Watson.

The ACMG Genomics in Clinical Practice webinar series can be found on the ACMG website under the Education tab. https://www.acmg.net/ACMG/Education/Genomics_in_Clinical_Practice_Educational_Series/ACMG/Education/Genomics_in_Clinical_Practice_Educational_Series/Genomics_in_Clinical_Practice.aspx?hkey=353eb6a3-da47-4626-ba93-251424b85e39

Note: The ACMG's Genomics in Clinical Practice is supported by an unrestricted educational grant from Illumina, Inc.

About the ACMG and ACMG Foundation

Founded in 1991, the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (www.acmg.net) advances the practice of medical genetics and genomics by providing education, resources and a voice for more than 1600 biochemical, clinical, cytogenetic, medical and molecular geneticists, genetic counselors and other healthcare professionals. ACMG is the only nationally recognized medical organization dedicated to improving health through the practice of medical genetics and genomics. The College's mission includes the following goals: 1) to define and promote excellence in the practice of medical genetics and genomics and to facilitate the integration of new research discoveries into medical practice; 2) to provide medical genetics and genomics education to fellow professionals, other healthcare providers, and the public; 3) to improve access to medical genetics and genomics services and to promote their integration into all of medicine; and 4) to serve as advocates for providers of medical genetics and genomics services and their patients. Genetics in Medicine, published monthly, is the official ACMG peer-reviewed journal. ACMG's website (www.acmg.net) offers a variety of resources including Policy Statements, Practice Guidelines, Educational Resources, and a Find a Geneticist tool. The educational and public health programs of the American College of Medical Genetics are dependent upon charitable gifts from corporations, foundations, and individuals through the ACMG Foundation for Genetic and Genomic Medicine(www.acmgfoundation.org).

CME Statement:
The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics designates this live continuing medical education activity for up to 3.0 hours in AMA PRA Category 1 Credits. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

SOURCE American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics