Message of Introduction from the Head of Medical Genetics at the University of Calgary Dr. Oksana Suchowersky
Activities in the Department have been characterized by growth, change, and integration. The Department has grown in scope due to increased collaboration with the developmental geneticists from the Genes and Development Research Group. This has led to the integration and expansion of educational activities such as Grand Rounds, Journal Clubs, and Research Retreats. A graduate student training stream in Molecular and Medical Genetics, under the leadership of Dr. Paul Mains, has also been developed with enrolment of the first students in 2007. With respect to research, department members are continuing to identify genes responsible for neurodevelopmental and cardiological abnormalities in isolated populations, as well as families with these disorders. The Molecular and Medical Genetics Theme (under the direction of Drs. McGhee and Bernier) has been developed within the Institute of Maternal and Child Health resulting in a strong and vibrant research vision. Collaborations are being formed to study genetic defects in a true translational "bedside to bench to bedside" manner. Expansion in clinical services has occurred with the addition of Drs. Khan (Metabolics) and Shetty (Cytogenetics). The addition of techniques such as percutaneous muscle biopsy has resulted in improvement in diagnostic abilities for metabolic diseases. Further development of subspecialty clinics is being planned in both Cancer and Cardiovascular Genetics. Another major initiative was the move to the new Alberta Children's Hospital in the fall of 2006. The clinical department members have settled into their new and expanded office and laboratory spaces. The One Race, One Origin, One Earth Conference, co-sponsored by the Department with the Alberta Civil Liberties Research Center, was an exciting event that brought together international experts in law, genetics and ethics to discuss issues regarding genetic testing and its impact on the future of health worldwide. Our department looks forward to growth and new initiatives in 2008.
|
 |
|
|
