Overview

Over the past decade genetics and genomics have come into the forefront of cardiovascular diagnostics and therapeutics. Cardiovascular genomics has moved from identification of single-gene mutations to complex polygenomic analysis. The ability to sequence the human genome has led to genome-wide association studies at the level of single nucleotide polymorphisms. This emerging information is moving physicians into the era of “Personalized Medicine” with the promise of individualizing cardiac care.

The George Washington University’s Richard B. and Lynne V. Cheney Cardiovascular Institute & McCormick Genomics Center are pleased to host a series designed to introduce and update practicing internists and cardiologists, as well as health policy analysts about the current state of knowledge in cardiovascular genomics and its current application to clinical practice. The luncheon series continues where the highly successful Personalized Medicine Symposium held October 25, 2007 left off. This year we are pleased to have the Personalized Medicine Coalition, an educational and advocacy organization, as a co-sponsor.

Experts in the science of cardiac genomics and the current policy of personalized medicine will be invited on a quarterly schedule as visiting lecturers to the campus of The George Washington University Medical Center from June 2008 to May 2009. Each visiting lecturer will present a keynote address on an important topic in cardiovascular personalized medicine to a general medical, scientist and policy audience. The keynote address will then be followed by a more informal and interactive discussion with the keynote presenter and two panelists.

Each program is open to attendees at no cost and offers CME credit.

Objectives

The specific goals of this educational series are:

• To introduce internists, cardiologists, cardiovascular researchers and health policy analysts to the current concepts of genetics and genomics.
• To review the current status of genome-wide association studies and other approaches to genomic analysis in the areas of atherosclerosis and heart failure.
• To review the current application of cardiovascular genomics in clinical practice, including indications, limitations and genetic counseling.
• To provide an overview of the health policy implications for the shift to “personalized cardiac care.” 

Who Will Attend

The series is intended for researchers, cardiologists, policy makers, medical industry and other individuals with an interest in personalized medicine and genomics.

• Cardiologists and internal medicine physicians
• Medical students and advanced trainees (residents, fellows)
• Basic and clinical researchers with an interest in cardiovascular genomics
• Cardiovascular epidemiologists
• Medical industry representatives
• Health policy analysts
• Federal and local policymakers and staff 

Lecture 1

June 12, 2008
“Genomics of Cardiovascular Disease: Current Clinical Applications”

Kári Stefánsson, MD
Dr. Stefansson is CEO and co-founder of deCODE genetics and a former professor of neurology, neuropathology, and neuroscience at Harvard University.

The deCODE group has identified unique genomic markers for atherosclerosis, atrial fibrillation, and type II diabetes mellitus. As one of the world’s leading experts on genomics, Dr. Stefansson will discuss the current clinical applications of cardiovascular personalized medicine. Key to understanding the potential of genomics, Dr. Stefansson will define single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and their role in genetic diseases. His talk will highlight the breakthroughs in cardiovascular genomics for both clinical cardiologists as well as researchers.

Learning Objectives

After Dr. Stefansson’s lecture, participants will:

• Understand the currently available genetic tests for clinical practice and how to use them.
• Understand the definition of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and their role in genetic diseases.
• Understand current methods of determining SNPs on a genomic scale.

Agenda

12 noon to 1 PM            Lecture
1 PM to 1:45 PM            Luncheon
1:45 PM to 2: 30 PM      Panel Discussion

Location

Lecture
The George Washington University Hospital
Auditorium
900 23^rd Street, NW
Washington, DC 20037

Luncheon & Panel Discussion
Marvin Center
The George Washington University
800 21st Street, NW
Washington, DC 20052

Registration

To register for this program, please E-mail your full name, title, affiliation, and contact information to: rsumner@vrsevents.com

Seating is limited, therefore registration is required for all participants. Registrations will be accepted until June 6, 2008. After June 6, 2008, please call 202-315-3296 for availability.

Questions? Contact: VRS Meetings & Events Inc at 202-315-3296.

Acknowledgments

Program support provided by the following:
deCODE genetics, Pfizer, Novartis, Merck, Merck/Schering-Plough Pharmaceuticals