Genomic Medicine Gets Personal from edX

While the advances in genomics promise to usher a new era in medical practice and create a major paradigm shift in patient care, the ethical, legal and social impact of genomic medicine will be equally significant. The information and potential use of genomic discoveries are no longer issues left for scientists and medical professionals to handle, but have become ones for the public at large. Rarely a day passes without a genomics-related story reported in the media. By the end of this course, students will be able to better understand the field of genomics; be familiar with various online databases and resources; and understand and appreciate the medical, social, ethical, and legal issues associated with the availability of personal genomic information.

Given the diversity of the topics and the specific expertise required to cover each, this is a unique cross-disciplinary course where faculty from different disciplines including genetics, computational sciences, bioinformatics, genetic counseling, bioethics, law, and business will participate in lecturing. We have assembled a team of experts from various departments at Georgetown University and other institutions, to teach this comprehensive online genomics course.

For a detailed description of the weekly topics, see the course outline.

What you'll learn

The basics of genetic abnormalities and disease
What we can learn from genetic testing both pre- and post- birth, and in oncology
The basic science behind how the genetic tests are done
The ethical, legal, and social implications of genomic discoveries; the genetic counseling issues; and the new trends in direct-to-consumer marketing of genetic tests
Critical information medical professionals as well as patients and their families need to know to be current in the field
Available resources (education, patient support, general information, etc.)

What's inside

Learning objectives

The basics of genetic abnormalities and disease
What we can learn from genetic testing both pre- and post- birth, and in oncology
The basic science behind how the genetic tests are done

The ethical, legal, and social implications of genomic discoveries; the genetic counseling issues; and the new trends in direct-to-consumer marketing of genetic tests
Critical information medical professionals as well as patients and their families need to know to be current in the field
Available resources (education, patient support, general information, etc.)

The basics of genetic abnormalities and disease
What we can learn from genetic testing both pre- and post- birth, and in oncology
The basic science behind how the genetic tests are done
The ethical, legal, and social implications of genomic discoveries; the genetic counseling issues; and the new trends in direct-to-consumer marketing of genetic tests
Critical information medical professionals as well as patients and their families need to know to be current in the field
Available resources (education, patient support, general information, etc.)

Good to know

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, what to watch for

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Examines the ethical, legal, and social impact of genetic medicine, including direct-to-consumer marketing of genetic tests

Taught by a team of experts from Georgetown University and other institutions, including faculty from genetics, computational sciences, bioinformatics, genetic counseling, bioethics, law, and business

Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of genomics, including the basics of genetic abnormalities and disease, genetic testing, and the latest advances in genomic research

Suitable for medical professionals, patients, and their families who want to stay current in the field of genomics

Offers critical information that medical professionals, patients, and their families need to know to make informed decisions about genetic testing and genomic medicine

Reviews summary

Varied opinions: genomics overview

Learners say this course provides a general overview of the current state of genomic medicine, but it can be disjointed and dull.

Informative overview of genomic medicine.

"This course does a pretty good job of answering the question, "Where does genomic medicine stand right now?""

Series of weekly seminars by different lecturers.

"The class is basically a series of short seminars."

"With new leacturers each week, sometimes more than one, it was hard to develop any rapport with the teacher."

"Having different people give independent lectures each week meant that the material was disjointed and didn't really flow on from one week to the next."

Career center

Learners who complete Genomic Medicine Gets Personal will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Genetic Counselor

Genetic Counselors are healthcare professionals who use their medical, scientific, and counseling skills to assist individuals and families with genetic conditions. They provide information about the risks, benefits, and implications of genetic testing, and help patients understand and make informed decisions regarding their care. The course 'Genomic Medicine Gets Personal' can be particularly helpful for Genetic Counselors as it provides an in-depth look at the ethical, legal, and social implications of genomic discoveries, which can be critical in providing comprehensive and compassionate care to patients and families.

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Biostatistician

Biostatisticians apply statistical methods to solve problems in medicine and public health. They design and conduct studies, analyze data, and interpret results to help researchers understand and prevent disease. The course 'Genomic Medicine Gets Personal' can provide Biostatisticians with a solid foundation in the principles of genomics and the latest advances in genetic testing, which can be essential for developing and conducting meaningful research studies in this field.

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Medical Geneticist

Medical Geneticists are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of genetic diseases. They use their knowledge of genetics to provide patients with personalized care and help them understand the risks and benefits of genetic testing. The course 'Genomic Medicine Gets Personal' can provide Medical Geneticists with an in-depth understanding of the ethical, legal, and social implications of genomic discoveries, which can be crucial for providing comprehensive and compassionate care to patients and families.

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Medical Scientist

Medical Scientists conduct research to understand the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases. They work in a variety of settings, including universities, hospitals, and research institutes. The course 'Genomic Medicine Gets Personal' can provide Medical Scientists with a strong foundation in the principles of genomics and the latest advances in genetic testing, which can be essential for conducting meaningful research studies in this field.

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Bioinformatician

Bioinformaticians use computational tools to analyze and interpret biological data. They work in a variety of settings, including universities, hospitals, and research institutes. The course 'Genomic Medicine Gets Personal' can provide Bioinformaticians with a strong foundation in the principles of genomics and the latest advances in genetic testing, which can be essential for developing and using computational tools to analyze and interpret genomic data.

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Biomedical Engineer

Biomedical Engineers design, develop, and evaluate medical devices and technologies. They work closely with doctors and scientists to create new and innovative solutions for healthcare challenges. The course 'Genomic Medicine Gets Personal' can provide Biomedical Engineers with a better understanding of the ethical, legal, and social implications of genomic discoveries, which can be important for designing and developing technologies that are safe, effective, and respectful of patient privacy.

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Physician Assistant

Physician Assistants are healthcare professionals who work under the supervision of a physician. They perform a variety of tasks, including taking medical histories, performing physical exams, and diagnosing and treating illnesses. The course 'Genomic Medicine Gets Personal' can provide Physician Assistants with a better understanding of the ethical, legal, and social implications of genomic discoveries, which can be important for providing comprehensive and up-to-date care to patients.

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Medical Ethicist

Medical Ethicists analyze and evaluate ethical issues in healthcare. They work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and research institutions. The course 'Genomic Medicine Gets Personal' can provide Medical Ethicists with a better understanding of the ethical, legal, and social implications of genomic discoveries, which can be important for developing and advocating for policies that ensure the responsible use of genomic information.

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Science Writer

Science Writers communicate complex scientific information to the public. They work for a variety of media outlets, including newspapers, magazines, and websites. The course 'Genomic Medicine Gets Personal' can provide Science Writers with a strong foundation in the principles of genomics and the latest advances in genetic testing, which can be essential for accurately and effectively reporting on this rapidly evolving field.

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Health Policy Analyst

Health Policy Analysts research and analyze health policy issues. They work for a variety of organizations, including government agencies, think tanks, and advocacy groups. The course 'Genomic Medicine Gets Personal' can provide Health Policy Analysts with a better understanding of the ethical, legal, and social implications of genomic discoveries, which can be important for developing and advocating for policies that promote the responsible use of genomic information.

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Venture Capitalist

Venture Capitalists invest in early-stage companies with high growth potential. They work for a variety of firms, including traditional venture capital firms, corporate venture capital arms, and angel investor groups. The course 'Genomic Medicine Gets Personal' can provide Venture Capitalists with a better understanding of the ethical, legal, and social implications of genomic discoveries, which can be important for evaluating and investing in companies that are developing and using genomic technologies.

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Regulatory Affairs Specialist

Regulatory Affairs Specialists ensure that medical products and technologies meet safety and quality standards. They work for a variety of organizations, including pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers, and regulatory agencies. The course 'Genomic Medicine Gets Personal' can provide Regulatory Affairs Specialists with a better understanding of the ethical, legal, and social implications of genomic discoveries, which can be important for developing and implementing regulations that ensure the safe and responsible use of genomic technologies.

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Technology Transfer Specialist

Technology Transfer Specialists facilitate the transfer of technology from academic institutions to the commercial sector. They work for a variety of organizations, including universities, research institutes, and companies. The course 'Genomic Medicine Gets Personal' can provide Technology Transfer Specialists with a better understanding of the ethical, legal, and social implications of genomic discoveries, which can be important for negotiating and managing agreements that ensure the responsible use and commercialization of genomic technologies.

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Healthcare Consultant

Healthcare Consultants provide advice and guidance to healthcare organizations on a variety of issues, including strategic planning, operations management, and financial management. The course 'Genomic Medicine Gets Personal' can provide Healthcare Consultants with a better understanding of the ethical, legal, and social implications of genomic discoveries, which can be important for advising healthcare organizations on how to responsibly use and implement genomic technologies.

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Healthcare Administrator

Healthcare Administrators plan, organize, and direct healthcare services. They work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. The course 'Genomic Medicine Gets Personal' can provide Healthcare Administrators with a better understanding of the ethical, legal, and social implications of genomic discoveries, which can be important for developing and implementing policies that ensure the safe and equitable use of genomic information.

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Genomic Medicine Gets Personal

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Reviews summary

Varied opinions: genomics overview

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