Viewing Translational Genomics through an Ethical, Legal/Policy, Social Implications (ELSI) Lens Syllabus

This core developed by Jennifer B McCormick examines fundamental concepts in scholarship on the ethical, legal/policy, social implications of genetic and genomic science. These include how the field of genetics has evolved into the current era of translational genomics and personalized medicine, genetic discrimination and stigmatization, existing legal/regulatory frameworks, race and ethnicity, return of research results, return of incidental findings from genomic sequencing, individual’s right to know/right not to know, and data ownership and sharing.

Unequal Access to Genetic Testing and Follow-up Care

The integration of genetics into clinical practice offers the potential to revolutionize healthcare through personalized medicine. Yet, it also risks exacerbating existing health disparities if steps are not taken to provide access to genetic testing and follow-up care for medically underserved populations which may include racial and ethnic minorities, under- and uninsured individuals, unhoused persons, low-income families, rural communities, and people with disabilities, among other marginalized groups.