Ep. 170: Whole Genome Sequencing: One Year In
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In 2022, Medcan became the first wellness provider in the country to enter the age of truly personalized medicine by integrating whole genome sequencing into a comprehensive preventive health assessment.
Now, a year later, Medcan genetic counsellors look back and evaluate what they’ve learned. Who is getting their whole genome sequenced, and what impact has the decision had on their lives? What are some of the most surprising findings? And what most excites the genetic team about future innovations to come? Director of clinical innovation Allison Hazell leads director of genetics Jessica Gu and genetic counsellor Justin Lorentz in a fascinating discussion that also features chief medical officer Dr. Peter Nord reflecting on his own personal experiences getting his whole genome sequenced.
LINKS
Learn more about Medcan’s Genomic Health Assessment.
Learn more about genetics at Medcan in these Eat Move Think episodes:
Episode 109: Whole Genome Sequencing & Precision Medicine
Episode 151: What Does A Genetic Counsellor Do?
Read this Medcan article by Allison Hazell: A New Paradigm for Precision Health
To arrange a conversation with someone from Medcan about whether you’re an appropriate fit for the Genomic Health Assessment, including whole genome sequencing, click here or email genetics@medcan.com.
Scientists sequenced the first complete human genome in 2003. Here’s a timeline of major advances in genetics.
Check out this interesting look at the recent 20th anniversary of the Human Genome Project in the Economist.
INSIGHTS
Hear about Dr. Nord’s experience having his genome sequenced at Medcan. [2:38]
What has the Medcan genetics team learned about the genome and their clients since the program was introduced a year ago? [8:46]
How does the genomic health assessment at Medcan work, from the patient’s perspective? [12:33]
Dr. Nord explains how his genomic health assessment results affected his family as well as himself. [15:22]
What exactly is whole genome sequencing? [18:09]
What kinds of people are most interested in having their whole genome sequenced, and why? [19:56]
Some people opt to only learn about actionable conditions in their genome. Learn the difference between actionable and non-actionable, and why not everyone wants to know about non actionable genetic conditions. [22:19]
The demand for whole genome sequencing has been higher than the genetics team anticipated. What sort of conditions are they finding in people who have their genome sequenced? [25:31]
The genetics team shares the biggest surprises they’ve encountered since the genomic health assessment was introduced last year. [27:39]
Allison Hazell is working to make the genomic health assessment a standalone program, available to anyone who wants to have their whole genome sequenced and be guided through their results by Medcan experts. [31:27]
left to right: Dr. Peter Nord, Jessica Gu, Justin Lorentz, Allison Hazell
*LEGAL
This podcast episode is intended to provide general information about health and wellness only and is not designed, or intended to constitute, or be used as a substitute for, medical advice, treatment or diagnosis. You should always talk to your Medcan health care provider for individual medical advice, diagnosis and treatment, including your specific health and wellness needs.
The podcast is based on the information available at the time of preparation and is only accurate and current as of that date. Source information and recommendations are subject to change based on scientific evidence as it evolves over time. Medcan is not responsible for future changes or updates to the information and recommendations, and assumes no obligation to update based on future developments.
Reference to, or mention of, specific treatments or therapies, does not constitute or imply a recommendation or endorsement. The links provided within the associated document are to assist the reader with the specific information highlighted. Any third-party links are not endorsed by Medcan.