Should Genetics Be a Routine Part of Primary Care?
Primary Care and Genetics: Bringing DNA Into Everyday Healthcare.
Primary Care and Genetics: Bringing DNA Into Everyday Healthcare. Primary care is often the first stop in healthcare—but where does genetics fit in? We unpack what’s realistic, what’s hype, and what patients and clinicians should actually expect. This conversation explores the integration of genetics into primary care, highlighting the importance of genetic testing and counseling in improving patient outcomes. The speakers discuss the evolving role of primary care physicians in addressing genetic health, the need for collaboration with genetic counselors, and the growing awareness among patients regarding genetic testing. They emphasize the necessity of ongoing education and advocacy for genetic professionals within the healthcare system.
Key Takeaways:
Genetic testing can aid in preventative care and early diagnosis.
Patients often bring their own genetic testing results to primary care.
Genetic counseling can support primary care physicians in managing genetic concerns.
Integration of genetics into primary care can improve patient outcomes.
Genetic testing is not a one-time event; it may require re-evaluation.
Patients are becoming more informed and proactive about genetic health.
Collaboration between genetic counselors and primary care is essential.
Mylynda B. Massart, M.D., Ph.D., is a board-certified Family Medicine physician at UPMC, and associate professor at the University of Pittsburgh. She currently serves as the founder and Medical Director of the UPMC Primary Care Precision Medicine clinic and as the Associate Director of Clinical Services for the Institute for Precision Medicine. Dr. Massart is co-director of the HUB Core over Research Inclusivity and Community Partners Core at the Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CSTI). Her research interests are in developing education in genetics and precision medicine for primary care providers and trainees and being a research catalyst facilitating the inclusion of underrepresented populations in biomedical research. She teaches residents and medical students in her clinic and at the hospital and serves as medical director for Bethany Hospice. Currently, Dr. Massart is one of the co-investigators for the All of Us Pennsylvania research project working on community education and engagement. In addition, she is working as a co-investigator to create the local Discovery Biobank at the University of Pittsburgh and developing systems to return precision medicine results to providers and patients. Dr. Massart leads the Community Engagement Alliance Consultative Resource (CEACR), a partnership between the University of Pittsburgh CTSI and Community-Campus Partnerships for Health.
Natasha Berman (she/her) MA, MS, MPH, CGC is a clinical genetic counselor at the UPMC Department of Family Medicine who works within the primary care precision medicine clinic. She provides direct patient care to patients for a variety of indications. She has coauthored multiple textbook chapters covering family medicine genetic topics. Her primary areas of research include improving equitable genetics care.
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Here are more resources related to today’s topic:
Findageneticcounselor.org to search for a genetic counselor near you
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