"Is GATTACA soon to become a reality?" Wendy Chung, MD, PhD.

Should newborn screening for genetic disorders be expanded to include whole genome sequencing? In this talk, Wendy Chung, Director of the Clinical Genetics Program at Columbia University, argues that whole genome sequencing could be invaluable for disorders that are treatable, preventable, and where early diagnosis matters. She cautions against inequitable access to sequencing, and she advises distinguishing between true diseases and cultural preferences such as height or gender.

Wendy Chung, M.D., Ph.D. is a clinical and molecular geneticist who directs the clinical genetics program at Columbia University and performs human genetic research. She is the Herbert Irving associate professor of pediatrics and medicine.  She received her B.A. in biochemistry and economics from Cornell University, her M.D. from Cornell University Medical College, and her Ph.D. from The Rockefeller University in genetics. Dr. Chung directs NIH funded research programs on the human genetics of obesity, breast cancer, and birth defects including congenital diaphragmatic hernia and congenital heart disease. She was the recipient of the American Academy of Pediatrics Young Investigator Award, the Medical Achievement Award from Bonei Olam, and a career development award from Doris Duke. Dr. Chung is renowned for her teaching and mentoring. She is a member of the Glenda Garvey Teaching Academy and has won many awards for teaching including the Charles W. Bohmfalk Award for Distinguished Contributions to Teaching, American Medical Women's Association Mentor Award, and Columbia University Presidential Award for Outstanding Teaching. Dr. Chung enjoys the challenges of genetics as a rapidly changing field of medicine and strives to facilitate the integration of genetic medicine into all areas of health care in a medically, scientifically, and ethnically sound, accessible, and cost effective manner.