Overview

Recent advances in human genome research and biomarker validation are leading the healthcare industry toward a new era where physicians tailor treatments to individuals based on their genetic, biochemical and epigenetic makeup rather than using traditional therapeutic approaches that originate from population studies.  This new field of “personalized medicine” is rapidly growing and holds great potential for transforming the management of healthcare by improving clinical outcomes and making healthcare more cost-effective. New diagnostic tools are increasing the ability to predict the likely outcomes of drug selection and therapy, while the expanded use of biomarkers – biological molecules that indicate a particular biological state – are resulting in more focused and targeted drug development initiatives.

The Symposium on Human Variation will feature lectures, panel discussions and poster presentations from academic and industry scientists and policy makers across North America working at the forefront of translational research and the enablement of personalized medicine. This gathering will bring clinicians, researchers, students and policy makers together for a robust dialogue of science and policy that will facilitate the transition from treating diseases, to treating individuals. New Jersey Medical School is an ideal venue for this activity given the school's emphasis on innovative medical education and the quality of numerous basic and clinical scientific enterprises located on campus.

The practice of personalized medicine requires an understanding of current and future directions of scientific progress; implications for drug development; implications for clinical practice; issues related to patient's rights; reimbursement issues; safety issues and other concerns. This symposium will feature 18 experts who will explore these issues in the context of specific diseases (psychiatric disorders, cancer, CNS diseases, inflammatory diseases). Up to 9.5 hours of continuing medical education (CME) credit will be offered to physicians at this event through the UMDNJ Center for Continuing and Outreach Education, accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education. Learning objectives related to the event include an understanding of how:

• advances in human genome research and biomarker validation are leading the healthcare industry towards a new era of personalized medicine.
• personalized medicine enables physicians to tailor treatments to individual patient needs based on their unique genetic, biochemical and epigenetic makeup in contrast to traditional therapeutic approaches that evolved from population studies.
• diagnostic clinical tests can direct physicians to use more efficacious treatment options.
• biomarkers can reduce cost and expedite development of new drugs.
• personalized medicine may transform the management of healthcare.
• policy issues underlie the enablement of personalized medicine.

Breakfast and lunch will be provided on both days.

Chair/Program Director:

Peter P. Tolias, PhD, Director, UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School's Institute of Genomic Medicine (IGM)

Target

Audience:

Upon completion of this activity, the participant should be able to:

•  discuss how advances in human genome research and biomarker validation are leading the healthcare industry toward a new era of personalized medicine,

•  describe how personalized medicine enables physicians to tailor treatments to individuals based on their unique genetic, biochemical and epigenetic makeup in contrast to traditional therapeutic approaches that originate from population studies,

•  understand how diagnostic clinical tests can direct physicians to use more efficacious treatment options,

•  discuss how biomarkers can reduce cost and expedite development of new drugs,

•  describe how personalized medicine may transform the management of healthcare, and

•  discuss policy issues underlying the enablement of personalized medicine

The NJMS Institute of Genomic Medicine (IGM),

The NJMS Research Office

The UMDNJ Center for Continuing and Outreach Education (CCOE)

Physicians: 

The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ)–Center for Continuing and Outreach Education (CCOE) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.  UMDNJ-CCOE designates this educational activity for a maximum of 9.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)TM. Physicians should claim credits commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Dentists:

9.75 participation credit hours.  UMDNJ-New Jersey Dental School is an approved course sponsor by the New Jersey State Board of Dentistry. Our courses, which deal with the scientific or clinical practice of dentistry, professional responsibilities, or ethical obligations of the profession, fulfill Board requirements for dentists’ license renewal. Credit hours are granted on an hour-for-hour basis, provided the course is completed as designed.  UMDNJ-New Jersey Dental School is an ADA Continuing Education Recognition Program (ADA CERP) recognized provider; the term of acceptance extends to 12/09. UMDNJ is also an Academy of General Dentistry (AGD PACE) approved national sponsor for FAGD/MAGD credit; the term of acceptance extends to 12/10. Additionally, all courses meet the criteria for Continuing Education Units (CEUs) that are granted on an hour-for-hour basis, provided the course is completed as designed.

General CEUs:
UMDNJ-Center for Continuing and Outreach Education (CCOE) certifies that this continuing education offering meets the criteria for up to .975 Continuing Education Units (CEUs), provided the activity is completed as designed. One CEU equals 10 contact hours of participation in an organized continuing education experience under responsible sponsorship, capable direction, and qualified instruction.

PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED for all attendees