Genomics , on the other hand , involves the study of all of the genes that comprise the human genome – more than 22,000 . Genomic testing includes genome sequencing ( evaluation ) as well as other technologies , such as sequencing the RNA copies of all of the genes that are expressed in a specific type of cell . Genomic testing can reveal diagnostic findings in people for whom a diagnosis had been previously unsolved and also can identify genetic changes that are driving disease – causing cancer cells to behave abnormally , for example . For these and other reasons , genomic testing sometimes can lead to new treatment approaches .
If my genes are tested , how often will they need to be retested ? Generally speaking , genes do not change over the course of a lifetime , so subsequent genetic testing usually is not necessary . However , as the science behind genomic medicine continues to evolve , a more precise analysis of the original test results may yield helpful new information . Also , cancer cells do continually evolve as the cancer progresses , so repeated testing may be needed for individuals with cancer .
Are there specific physicians who practice precision medicine ? The precision medicine approach applies to all areas of medical care , and , over time , it is expected to be integrated throughout UAB Medicine . There are , however , health providers who take a global view of an individual ’ s risk of disease and potential interventions , as well as their predicted response to specific medications . These providers include medical geneticists and genetic counselors , along with laboratory geneticists , pathologists , and radiologists who provide state-of-the-art diagnostic testing .
What is a genetic counselor ? Genetic counselors are health professionals with specialized graduate degrees and experience in the areas of medical genetics and counseling . They review family histories , medical records , and genetic testing results and advise patients and / or their families about the risk of an inherited disorder , the nature and consequences of the disorder , the probability of developing or transmitting it , and the options available to them with regard to prevention , management , and family planning .
Is this part of the federal Precision Medicine Initiative ? During Pres . Barack Obama ’ s January 2015 State of the Union address , he announced a Precision Medicine Initiative to encourage advances in research , technology , funding , and policies that promote precision medicine . The federal Precision Medicine Initiative includes research programs managed by the National Institutes of Health and other federal agencies . UAB ’ s precision medicine program is not directly connected to this federal effort , though UAB is involved in research and other activities funded by the Precision Medicine Initiative , such as the All of Us Research Program .
Is there a precision medicine clinic , and where is it located ? UAB ’ s Precision Medicine program is not located in a single office . Depending on a person ’ s medical status and circumstances , individuals may be evaluated , tested , counseled , and treated by a number of physicians and other medical professionals at a variety of locations within the UAB Medicine system . UAB ’ s dedicated Genomic Medicine Clinic can provide a global overview for a person ’ s risk of certain diseases based on genomic testing .