Aim
To provide comprehensive, compassionate, and evidence-based genetic services that empower patients and families with the knowledge to make informed healthcare decisions regarding hereditary conditions.
Objectives
- Accurate Diagnosis: Utilize advanced genomic technologies to identify the underlying genetic causes of rare and complex disorders.
- Risk Assessment: Provide detailed pedigree analysis and recurrence risk counseling for patients and their relatives.
- Personalized Management: Tailor medical surveillance and treatment plans based on an individual’s unique genetic profile.
- Psychosocial Support: Offer a supportive environment to help families navigate the emotional and ethical complexities of genetic information.
- Education: Act as a hub for clinical genetics excellence, educating both the public and healthcare professionals on genomic advancements.
Consultants
Our multidisciplinary team is comprised of experts dedicated to the field of clinical genomics and patient care:
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Name
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Designation
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Specialization
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Dr. Varun Venkat Ragavendra
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HOD, Clinical Geneticist
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Rare Mendelian disorders, Clinical Dysmorphology & Neurogenetics, skeletal dysplasia, immunogenetics and metabolic disorder.
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Dr. Ashwini K. R
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Clinical Geneticist
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Paediatric Genetics, Reproductive and prenatal
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Dr. Deepa Bhat
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Senior Genetic Counsellor
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Paediatric Genetics, Reproductive and prenatal, hemoglobinopathies
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Nisha
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Genetic Counselor
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Reproductive & Paediatric Genetics, prenatal.
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Role & Responsibilities
The clinic serves as a bridge between complex laboratory data and clinical patient care. Our core responsibilities include:
- Clinical Evaluation: Detailed physical examinations and medical history reviews to identify genetic indicators.
- Diagnostic Stewardship: Selecting the most appropriate genetic tests (e.g., Exome Sequencing, Chromosomal Microarray) and interpreting results with clinical correlation.
- Preventive Screening: Managing high-risk surveillance programs for families with hereditary cancer syndromes or cardiovascular predispositions.
- Multidisciplinary Coordination: Collaborating with oncologists, neurologists, and paediatricians to integrate genetic findings into overall care.
The Counseling Process
Genetic counseling is more than just delivering results; it is a specialized communication process.
- Pre-test Counseling: Discussing the benefits, limitations, and potential psychological impact of genetic testing to ensure informed consent.
- Post-test Counseling: Explaining complex results in an accessible manner and outlining the next steps for medical management.
- Ethical Guidance: Navigating sensitive issues such as privacy, non-directiveness, and the implications of findings for extended family members.
Future Perspectives
As genomic medicine evolves, our clinic is committed to staying at the forefront of the field:
- Integration of Pharmacogenomics: Implementing routine genetic testing to predict drug responses and minimize adverse reactions.
- Expansion of PGT-A/M Services: Advancing Preimplantation Genetic Testing to assist families in preventing the transmission of known single-gene disorders.
- Community Genomics: Developing outreach programs to increase awareness and accessibility of genetic services in underserved regions.
- Research & Innovation: Actively participating in clinical trials and variant interpretation research to contribute to the global understanding of the human genome.