The Precision Health Academy is a short virtual seminar series geared toward non-geneticist providers. The goal of these seminars is to raise awareness of the genetic services at Duke and the processes in place for send-outs. All seminars are free of charge to attend and open to faculty, staff, and trainees.
Spring 2025 courses:
Spring 2025 Seminars
Introduction to Genetic Testing and Genomic Technologies
Instructor: Stefan Rentas, PhD, FACMG
Date and Time: April 29, 12-1 PM
This seminar will provide an overview of key genetic and genomic technologies used in clinical genetic testing, including DNA sequencing and genotyping. Participants will gain insight into how these tools are applied in the diagnosis and management of genetic conditions. The session will also highlight important limitations and considerations—such as test selection, interpretation, and clinical relevance—that are essential when evaluating the use of genetic tests in practice.
The Ins and Outs of Ordering Genetic Testing on Duke Patients
Instructor: Elizabeth (Liz) Heise, MS, CGC
Date and Time: May 6, 12-1 PM
This seminar will review genetic testing services offered at Duke and how to order them as well as how to order genetic tests not offered at Duke. Several related issues such as unique billing challenges, informed consent requirements, and referral to genetic counseling will be raised.
Genetic Variant Interpretation & Understanding Genetic Test Reports
Instructor: Ludmila Francescatto, PhD
Date and Time: May 13, 12-1 PM
This seminar will explore how genetic variants are classified and interpreted in clinical practice, with a focus on standards established by professional organizations such as the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG). Participants will learn about the different categories of variant pathogenicity (e.g., pathogenic, likely pathogenic, VUS, etc.), how variants are reported by clinical laboratories, and how to critically read and interpret sequencing-based genetic test reports.