NHGRI Hosts First Annual Consumer Day

November 1999

This National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) First Annual Consumer Day was held on November 12, 1999 at the Natcher Conference Center at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The program was designed to answer the following frequently asked questions:

  • When I visit my doctor in 10 years, how will my medical care differ as a result of "genetic medicine?"

  • How does an individual's genetic heritage influence his or her risk for becoming ill?

  • Are heart disease, diabetes, cancer and schizophrenia triggered by genes or by environmental factors such as diet and upbringing?

  • Can I gain from the medical benefits that will come from genetics without giving up my privacy and other freedoms?

  • What do the genetic tests that are available today reveal? Are they worthwhile?

  • What is gene therapy and will it live up to its promise to cure disease?

  • How will human genetics research help scientists design drugs that are more effective with fewer negative side effects?

  • What resources will help the public evaluate all the new information about genetics that is becoming available?

Visiting Our Campus
NIH campus map, driving directions and public transportation information.

Agenda

7:30 a.m. Registration
8:45 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Opening Session
Dr. Francis Collins, Director, NHGRI
10:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Tour of NIH Intramural Sequencing Center (NISC)
10:30 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. Concurrent Sessions: A-E
11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Concurrent Sessions: F-J
12:15 p.m. - 1:15 p.m. Lunch
1:15 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Tour of NIH Intramural Sequencing Center (NISC)
1:15 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Concurrent Sessions; A-E
2:15 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Concurrent Sessions: F-J
3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. NHGRI Town Meeting

Concurrent Sessions

  1. Genetic Testing
  2. Prospects for Gene Therapy
  3. Pharmaco-Genomics - Designing Medicines to Fit Your Genes
  4. Human Genetic Variation
  5. Disease Genes - Are They Real? Do They Work?
  6. Research Tools - Chips, Arrays and Cool Software Tools
  7. Genetic Counseling 101 - Role-Playing Session
  8. Participating in Genetic Research - How Can I Learn of Studies and What Should I Consider?
  9. Privacy and Fair Use of Genetic Information - Who Can Collect It, Use It and/or Disclose It?
  10. Genetic Information Resources for Consumers

Scholarships

A limited number of scholarships are available to support participation of active consumer and voluntary health organizations. Scholarship requests to assist in defraying expenses are considered on a first-come basis. Please direct all inquiries to Barbara Fuller at NHGRI : (301) 594-0631.

Consumer Day Contact:
NHGRI
Phone: (301) 594-0631

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Last Reviewed: December 12, 2011