Establishing a 2020 Vision for Genomics: Morehouse School of Medicine Host NHGRI Town Hall in Atlanta

Atlanta-medical school hosts scientific and community conversations to spark ideas for innovations in genomics and medical breakthroughs for human health.

ATLANTA – September 27, 2018 – Over 200 genomics researchers, biotechnology industry experts, students, healthcare professionals and civic leaders gathered at Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) on Wednesday September 26, 2018 for a Town Hall titled, “Establishing a 2020 Vision for Genomics.” Four consecutive sessions covered topics that include the application of basic science laboratory research and technology for improved healthcare practice; diversity and disparity considerations for population health; and training for the next generation of leaders in genomics.

The event was part of the traveling Strategic Planning Town Hall series organized by the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) at the National Institutes of Health to hear from scientists, trainees, and members of the public about future opportunities for advancing genomics research, its application to health, and its responsible integration within society. The event marks the Institute’s first stop in the Southeast region since the launch of the strategic planning process in February 2018, which included visits to Stanford School of Medicine and the University of Washington.

“Our goal is to develop a strategic plan that resonates with the scientific and medical communities, as well as diverse communities in the public,” said Dr. Green. “We are pleased to be in Atlanta, Georgia, and to collaborate with Morehouse School of Medicine on this event, which will provide important perspectives and bring us one step closer to achieving that vision,” said Eric Green, M.D., Ph.D., Director of NHGRI, who will convene the Town Hall with an overview of NHGRI’s strategic planning process.

For the first time, the Town Hall culminated with a community conversation entitled, “What Your DNA Can Do for You,” where metro-Atlanta neighborhood residents, community-based organizations, and civic leaders were invited to learn more about genomics and share experiences that NHGRI will consider in the development of its strategic plan, which will guide future Institute priorities.

“We were honored to host the genomics community for conversations that may inform future research that is responsive to scientists, the genomics industry, and diverse communities and their perspectives,” said Sandra Harris-Hooker, Ph.D., Vice President, Executive Vice Dean for Research and Academic Administration and Professor in the Department of Pathology and Anatomy at MSM.

  • Valerie Montgomery Rice, M.D., President and Dean, MSM, welcomes guest NHGRI Director and audience members from the Southeast region
  • Eric Green, M.D., Ph.D., Director, NHGRI convenes the Strategic Planning Town Hall
  • (L-R) Eric Green, M.D., Ph.D., Director, NHGRI, Laura Rodriguez, Ph.D., Director of the Division of Policy, Communications, and Education, and Mr. Vence Bonham, J.D., respond to audience questions and ideas for genomics research, education, and application for healthcare
  • Audience guest suggests ideas to increase diverse representation in genomics workforce and outreach
  • (L-R) Eric Green, M.D., Director, NHGRI, with Valerie Montgomery Rice, M.D., President and Dean, MSM and Rep. Derrick Jackson (District 64)
  • (L-R) Sandra Harris-Hooker, Ph.D., Vice President & Executive Vice Dean. Research & Academic Administration, Eric Green, M.D., Ph.D., Director, NHGRI, with Valerie Montgomery Rice, M.D., President and Dean, MSM, Rep. Derrick Jackson (District 64), Mr. Vence Bonham, J.D., Jr., J.D. , Senior Advisor to the NHGRI Director on Genomics and Health Disparities
  • Eric Green, M.D., Director, NHGRI, with Rep. Derrick Jackson (District 64)
  • Tabia Henry Akintobi Professor, Ph.D., MPH, Community Health and Preventive Medicine Associate Dean, Community Engagement, co-moderates ‘What Your DNA Can Do for You’ culminating Strategic Planning Town Hall
  • Natalie Hernandez, Ph.D., MPH, Assistant Professor, Department of Community Health and Preventive Medicine and Assistant Director, Community Engagement co-moderates ‘What Your DNA Can Do for You’ event culminating Strategic Planning Town Hall
  • Community members attend ‘What Your DNA Can Do for You’ event culminating Strategic Planning Town Hall
  • Pamela Cooper, Manager, Recruitment and Retention Core, MSM and Pricilla Pemu, M.D., Professor and Vice Chair (Research), NIH All of Us Principal Investigator, Department of Medicine, MSM perform skit to answer questions about clinical research participation.
  • (L-R) Carla Easter, Ph.D. chief of the Education and Community Involvement Branch, NHGRI, and David Kaufman, Ph.D., program director, Division of Genomics and Society engage community members about their information needs

Morehouse School of Medicine Founded in 1975, Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) is among the nation's leading educators of primary care physicians, biomedical scientists and public health professionals. In 2011, MSM was recognized by Annals of Internal Medicine as the nation’s No. 1 medical school in fulfilling a social mission. MSM faculty and alumni are noted for excellence in teaching, research and public policy, as well as exceptional patient care. Morehouse School of Medicine is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award doctoral and master's degrees. To learn more about programs and donate, please visit www.msm.edu.

National Human Genome Research Institute is the driving force for advancing genomics research at the National Institutes of Health. By conducting and funding world-class genomics research, training the next generation of genomics experts, and collaborating with diverse communities, NHGRI accelerates scientific and medical breakthroughs that improve human health. Learn more at genome.gov.

 

 

MSM Contact:
Brittaney J. Bethea, MPH
Director of Marketing & Communications, Research
bbethea@msm.edu
404.752.1763

NHGRI Contact:
John Ohab
Chief, Communications and Public Liason
john.ohab@nih.gov