Session Abstract – PMWC 2019 Silicon Valley
Session Synopsis: As genetic and genomic testing becomes more routine, access to genetic counseling is imperative to ensure proper understanding of test results. We will discuss the future of genetic counseling and testing given the current genetics workforce shortage and the opportunities to transform the field and reach more patients with technology.
Session Chair Profile
Product Director, Myriad Women’s Health
Biography
Kaylene is a genetic counselor and product director at Myriad Women’s Health, a women’s health genetic testing company. She has had the privilege to witness and contribute to the growth of the company, which has now tested more than one million patients. Her work has challenged her to think outside the box, particularly during her time as a member of the team that designed one of the first online results delivery platforms. Kaylene has since developed a passion for using technology to increase access to genetic counseling. She has written for several mainstream consumer media outlets, including Huffington Post and FastCompany. Kaylene is also an active member of the National Society of Genetic Counselors where she has served on the Board of Directors. Kaylene previously worked in the breast clinic at MD Anderson Cancer Center and completed her masters in genetic counseling at the University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.
Speaker Profile
M.S., Director and Head of Clinical & Business Development, Geisinger National Precision Health
Biography
Erica Ramos develops and implements strategic partnerships and ventures to extend the Geisinger MyCode model on the national scene and accelerate the transition from research to clinical programs, both at Geisinger and beyond. She is also the 2018 President of the National Society of Genetic Counselors, the leading professional organization for genetic counselors more than 3500 members strong. Prior to joining Geisinger, Ms. Ramos spent 11 years in patient care, ranging from prenatal to cancer and adult, then joined Illumina’s Clinical Services Laboratory in 2012, where she managed the clinical group that implemented interpretation and reporting processes for clinical whole genome sequencing (cWGS). As an Associate Director of Market Development at Illumina, she then focused on advancing the use of whole genome sequencing in clinical care, with a focus on predictive genomics and population health. She also tweets from @ERamosSD about genomics and genetic counseling, music, travel and other interests.
Speaker Profile
MS, LCGC, MBA, Speaker, Entrepreneur
Biography
Elizabeth (Liz) Kearney, MS, LCGC, MBA is an entrepreneur developing digital health tools for application of genomic medicine. A thought leader in delivery of genetic services, she has served in influential roles in the genetics field from both clinical and commercial perspectives at organizations like Kaiser Permanente, Johnson & Johnson, Cord Blood Registry, Veracyte, and PWNHealth. As a past President of the National Society of Genetic Counselors, she led key initiatives like re-branding the association and providing the genetic counseling perspective to the FDA on genetic test regulation. Liz speaks regularly at universities and conferences across the nation on topics such as leadership and trends in genetic care delivery and co-facilitates the NSGC’s leadership development program. Her credentials include a Master’s in Human Genetics from the University of Michigan in 1996, and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University in 2006.
Speaker Profile
MS, CGC, Head of Clinical & Business Development, Clear Genetics
Biography
Shivani Nazareth leads clinical development at Clear Genetics, a healthcare technology company dedicated to the thoughtful integration of genetics into routine patient care. Prior to this, she was a key member of the leadership team at Counsyl, seeing the company from startup phase through public acquisition in 2018. Her experience includes consumer and clinical marketing, health plan contracting, physician engagement and education, advocacy relations, and strategic business development. Shivani worked directly with patients as a clinical genetic counselor for over 15 years in various New York City hospitals. Her areas of interest include reproductive, pediatric and cancer genetics. She is a coauthor on several scientific studies and appears in consumer media outlets like Woman’s Day Magazine, Parents Magazine, ABC news and the Wall Street Journal as an expert in her field. After graduating from Rutgers College as a Henry Rutgers Scholar, Shivani obtained her Master’s in Human Genetics from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Aside from genetics, she is passionate about yoga, storytelling and urban gardening.
