frequently asked questions (FAQ's)

Genomic medicine is the use of family health history and genetic information to improve health outcomes. This includes:

• Identifying people who are more likely to get a disease such as cancer, for reasons such as a family history of the disease.
• Screening earlier or more frequently in order to diagnose diseases in the earliest stages, when treatment may be more effective, and
• Using genetic tests to identify the best possible treatment for a disease

The Genomedical Connection is a comprehensive program involving three partners: Cone Health, Greensboro, North Carolina; Duke Institute for Genome Sciences & Policies (IGSP) Durham, North Carolina; Center for Biotechnology, Genomics and Health Research (CBGHR) at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro;

The Genomedical Connection is offering genomic medicine to our community. This includes teaching the residents of Guilford County about how to lower their chances of getting a disease.

Our goals will guide Guilford County residents and doctors in:

• collecting and interpreting family health history,
• identifying options for screening and early detection of disease, and
• protecting patient privacy.

The partnership's goals will help guide community members and healthcare professionals in accessing and interpreting family and medical history AND, genetic information.  It will also help identify options for preventative care that can allow for early detection of disease. The program is designed to carefully protect patient privacy.

 

It is a congressionally mandated research project. The United States Congress approved funding of $12 million for up to seven years. Future funding is being sought to enhance the goals of The Genomedical Connection.

1. The project is occuring in Guilford County, North Carolina because we have:

• A diverse population. Guilford County has a wide range of people living in the county. This means that the program created by The Genomedical Connection will apply to everyone.

• Experts in education. The University of North Carolina, Greensboro (UNCG) has a strong history in teaching. This makes UNCG perfect for setting up The Genomedical Connection's education programs.

• An excellent healthcare system. Most Greensboro residents use the Cone Health, which has high standards for health care and well respected doctors and nurses.

Through April 2012, though The Genomedical Connection is working to extend its important work.

The project will focus on three common diseases: breast and ovarian cancer, colon cancer, and thrombophilia (a blood clotting disorder). Other common diseases will be added as the project continues.

Health care will rely on lessons learned in projects such as The Genomedical Connection. This project ensures that Guilford County citizens will be among the first to receive personalized health care based on their family health history and genetic information. Guilford County will position itself as a setting for innovations in healthcare, thus attracting high-tech and health industries to the area.

If your doctor is part of the LeBauer Healthcare @ Guilford/ Jamestown Practice or Eagle Internal Medicine @ Tannenbaum Practice you may be able to take part in the project. Patients who have a routine doctor's appointment will receive a letter, inviting them to take part in the project. If you get a letter asking you to take part in the project, you can call the number on the letter and sign up.

If selected to be in the project, you will be asked to:

1. come to your doctor's appointment early, and
2. enter your family health history into a computer.

When you finish, you will get a printout telling you if you are more likely to get breast and ovarian cancer, colon cancer, or thrombophilia (a blood clotting disorder). Then, you can talk to you doctor to find out what you should do to lower your chance for getting a disease. Some people may be referred to a genetic counselor for a more in-depth discussion of personal and family history.

No. Genetic counseling will be paid for by The Genomedical Connection.

No.

No.