Innovation Transforms Lives: 2011 Genetic Conference

Genetic Alliance is the world’s leading nonprofit health advocacy organization committed to transforming health through genetics. They are focused on fostering innovation that will impact the health of individuals, families, and communities.

Their network includes more than 1,000 disease-specific advocacy organizations, as well as thousands of universities, private companies, government agencies, and public policy organizations. They are making a difference by fostering dialogue that includes the perspectives of all stakeholders: from industry professionals, researchers, healthcare providers, and public policy leaders to individuals, families, and communities.

To celebrate 25 years of advocacy in genetics, they’re hosting a 25th Anniversary Annual Conference to celebrate the power and promise of innovation. The dynamic sessions include a variety of issues that are important to the disability community including: Collaborating Across Conditions and Communities, Beyond “Celebrity Genomics”: The Current Status of Whole Genome Sequencing for Clinical Care, and Walking in My Shoes (a session on inclusion and education).

From thought-provoking workshops to symposiums on genetics services, organizational development, research, and transformational leadership, the conference is sure to be full of cutting-edge discourse. Advocates and community leaders, health and industry professionals, policymakers, academicians, and anyone invested in disability research should consider attending. You can register online [http://geneticalliance.org/conference2011_register] for the conference, which will be held in Washington, D.C June 23-36.

At Van Products, we love seeing think-tanks like this that are devoted to making a difference. Each genetic discovery puts us one step further towards transforming health as we know it.

How could innovations in genetic research effect your medical condition?