Managing Health in the Genomic Era

In Managing Health in the Genomic Era: A Guide to Family Health History and Disease Risk, Drs. Vincent C. Henrich, Lori A. Orlando, and Brian H. Shirts discuss the practical considerations surrounding the use of genomic and genetic tests to manage patient health, to provide adult disease risk assessment, to improve diagnosis, and to support effective interventions and treatment. In 10 chapters, evidence-based information and case studies are described and examine the central place of family health history (FHH) in genomic medicine, tools and strategies for compiling and analyzing family health history, how to identify existing and novel genetic markers, how to identify lineage specific (or rare) variants within families, and how to find effective interventions based on genetic testing results and FHH. Factors that influence clinical practice, including gene-environment interactions, FHH social networking, direct to consumer (DTC) genetic testing and data sharing, algorithms for analyzing genetic data, and patient counseling are discussed from the standpoint of clinical practice. Here, frontline healthcare providers will discover succinct commentary and key examples to assist with their local needs. Relevant principles of genetic biology and inheritance are explored and guidance on available support networks and online resources is also provided. - 2021 PROSE Awards - Winner: Category: Clinical Medicine: Association of American Publishers - Presents a practical, accessible resource for primary care providers, allied health professionals, pharmacologists, public health professionals, students and clinical researchers - Addresses genetic and genomic approaches in managing patient health, conducting and analyzing family health histories, and assessing adult disease risk - Features an expert author team with direct experience integrating genetics and genomics in primary care and family medicine settings - Examines the attributes and limitations of family health history, genetic testing, and genomic testing in clinical practice - Includes detailed explanations following practice-based examples

Dr. Vincent Henrich is Professor Emeritus of Biology and former Director of the Center for Biotechnology, Genomics, and Health Research at University of North Carolina at Greensboro. His research interests include gene-environment interactions affecting conditions and nuclear receptor biology. Additionally, he has conducted extensive research related to the connection between family health history and genomic and genetic diagnostics, as a basis for assessing an individual's vulnerability to serious medical conditions and diseases. Dr. Henrich and Dr. Lori Orlando collaborate on the Guilford Genomic Medicine Initiative, a project funded by the Department of Defense to implement family health history usage and appropriate genetic testing into primary care settings. His main responsibility for this project is overseeing genetic counseling and education programs for physicians and patients.