The #GenomicsConversation 2023 is here!
Join the National Genomics Education programme and colleagues across the health service as we shine a spotlight on how genomics is shaping patient treatment and care
Today is the start of the sixth #GenomicsConversation, the annual week-long awareness campaign run by the National Genomics Education programme.
The campaign is designed for all healthcare professionals, and this year’s focus is ‘hidden genomics’. Throughout the week, powerful stories and engaging activities will help you explore the ways in which genomics is applied across the healthcare system, and will uncover the unexpected places in which it can appear for both healthcare professionals and patients.
Each day of the week is dedicated to a different key theme, and an interactive calendar of events will allow you to follow along with the action.
Monday: ‘Hidden genomics’: What’s it all about?
Genomics is the word of the moment – but what is it and why is it considered hidden? Join us on Monday for a quick introduction to the key concepts, and check out our introductory resources to learn the basics. In our soundbite collection, hear from patients and professionals about the genomics buzz and where it’s cropping up. Read our blog post, ‘Various types of variant’, to find out more about genomic variation and its often hidden role in our health. Finally, test your knowledge with our fun Twitter quiz.
Tuesday: Finding genomics: From clinic to corridor
Many people wrongly believe that genomics is limited to the realms of the laboratory. To find out where else you might encounter it, check out our fun infographics. Meanwhile, over on our Twitter feed you’ll find handy links to our comprehensive pharmacogenomics resources, through which you can learn about the role genomics plays in predicting drug reactions. We are also delighted to premiere a short film featuring the University of Cambridge’s Professor Serena Nik Zainal, who talks about recognising the mutational signatures of cancer.
Wednesday: Hear hooves, think zebra: Health professionals’ stories
The third day of this year’s #GenomicsConversation will showcase a range of resources all about the ways in which genomics might be hidden from health professionals who don’t recognise the clinical clues. Read our blog post featuring our clinical director, Professor Kate Tatton-Brown, who shares her experience of the genomic testing process – not as a professional, but as a patient. Finally, we take a look at the range of professions that already use genomics in their practice.
Thursday: Experts through experience: Patient stories
We’re privileged to be able to bring you powerful patient stories on this fourth day of our campaign. Over on our blog, meet some of the members of our Patient Advisors for Genomics Education (PAGE) group, who share their personal experiences of genomic testing within the NHS. We also invite you to spot the clinical clues in our new infographics.
Friday: Seeking support and finding out more
On the final day of this year’s #GenomicsConversation, we’ll signpost and share resources to support you as you learn more about genomics and stay up to date (why not start your own learning journey?). Watch our films, sign up to complete one of our short online courses or consider one of our funded taught courses – the choice is yours. Whatever you do, don’t forget to continue the conversation and tell us what else we can do for you.
Follow all the action on our Twitter and Facebook pages this week, and please do share information with all your colleagues. Make sure to use the #GenomicsConversation hashtag and tag @genomicsedu so we can like or share your posts.
