STSI to present fifth annual educational conference on genomic medicine

Cancer genomics, stem cells and pediatric medicine among topics to be discussed

Scripps Translational Science Institute (STSI) will present its fifth annual educational conference exploring the latest achievements and challenges in the use of genomics to diagnose and treat disease and medical conditions on March 1-2, 2012, in San Diego.

The conference, The Future of Genomic Medicine V, will offer a dynamic, interactive forum where human geneticists, genomic scientists, physicians and health-care professionals of all disciplines can gain valuable insights from many of the nation's leading genomics experts.

The opening session will feature Noah and Alexis Beery, teenage twins who were successfully treated for a rare genetic disorder only when their entire genomes were sequenced after years of baffling symptoms and misdiagnosis. Their story illustrates how genomics is transforming the practice of medicine.

Other sessions will include an update on the Wellderly Study, which is examining the DNA of healthy elderly people to discover the genetic secrets to long life spans, as well as an overview of the confluence of genomics and medicine by Matthew Herper, a senior editor at Forbes magazine and author of The Medicine Show blog.

The program will include more than 30 specialized presentations interspersed with panel discussions and question-and-answer sessions. The March 1 schedule will focus on the emerging role of genetic testing in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Presentations on March 2 will cover a wide range of topics including cancer genomics, stem cells and the disruptive power of genomics in the field of medicine.

The conference is led by course director Eric J. Topol, M.D, chief academic officer of Scripps Health and director of STSI. His book, "The Creative Destruction of Medicine," will be released in hardback on Feb. 1. The program will take place at the Scripps Seaside Forum, located at 8610 Kennel Way, La Jolla, Calif., 92037.

Registration for the conference is $95 and is complimentary for all students, residents and fellows. Pre-registration will be accepted through Feb. 16, 2012, on a space-available basis.