Experts in genomic medicine and pharmacogenomics shared their strategies and techniques for expanding precision medicine’s role in reshaping health care at the 2018 University of Florida Precision Medicine Conference. The third annual event was held March 8-10 in Orlando.
Programming spanned a broad interest of precision medicine with physicians, pharmacists and researchers offering different insights into implementing genomic medicine and pharmacogenomics into a variety of clinical settings. Speakers addressed some of the challenges facing the field and presented real-world examples of precision medicine in practice. Attention was given to a number of specialized areas of precision medicine, including cardiology, oncology, psychiatry, primary care, pain management and others.
“Genomic medicine is improving outcomes for patients,” said Julie Johnson, Pharm.D., dean and distinguished professor of the UF College of Pharmacy and a keynote speaker at the conference. “We are unraveling the individual characteristics to improve understanding of disease and health. Genomic medicine is at the heart of precision medicine.”
A strong turnout of nearly 175 attendees and speakers from 27 states and several countries brought diverse perspectives to the conference.
“National interest in genomic medicine and pharmacogenomics has never been stronger, but the pathway toward clinical implementation has its challenges,” said Kristin Weitzel, Pharm.D., a clinical professor and associate director of the UF Health Personalized Medicine Program and conference director. “The UF Precision Medicine Conference provides a venue to share information and ideas and hear from health care experts who are leading precision medicine initiatives that improve health care.”
Similar to the evolving field it represents, the 2018 UF Precision Medicine Conference unveiled many new features this year. For the first time, the Guidewell Innovation Center in Orlando hosted a portion of the conference. The state-of-the-art theatre featured 360-degree seating and allowed presenters to engage in TED-Talk style presentations that connected with audience members. In addition, continuing medical education credit was offered to physicians.
A poster session featuring 27 presenting authors gave attendees a sample of the latest research in genomic medicine and pharmacogenomics. The event had international appeal with presenting authors from as far away as Lebanon and Singapore.
To view photos from the event, visit: https://ufcollegeofpharmacy.smugmug.com/Precision-Medicine-Conference-2018.