Greenwood Genetic Center Newsletter - Winter 2016

Where Compassion Inspires Progress

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GGC and Project Hope Foundation team up through ‘Helix & Hope’ - p.3

Winter 2016

Rett Syndrome Center of Excellence - p.8

Gene Week - p.6

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The GGC Impact We speak often about the impact that the Greenwood Genetic Center has on the lives of our patients, the health of our community and the economy of our state, but what does that really mean? In many ways, our impact is hard to measure. We know that we directly influence around 6,000 families each year through our clinics and tens of thousands more by assisting with their laboratory diagnosis. We know that our work makes a difference when families tell us how we have helped them, send thank you cards and come out for events like Race the Helix (p.6). We know that our research helps families when support organizations honor our work (p.8-9) and volunteers sign up to participate in studies. We are gratified when a teacher writes to tell us of a student who was inspired to consider a career in genetics by our Gene Machine visit.

But how are those personal stories translated into measurable impact on our community and state? For that, we can look to hard data. The SC Birth Defects Prevention Program (p.5), coordinated by GGC, has led a 60% decline in neural tube defects (serious birth defects of the brain and spine). That means that 70 babies were born healthy this year in SC - babies who 25 years ago would have succumbed to or been seriously impacted by a severe birth defect. In the more than two decades of this program that’s over 1,500 healthy children, saving over 1,500 families from bad news, added financial burden, and heartache.

These healthy babies also save the state of SC $25-30 million in healthcare costs annually! This program is funded at around $600,000 per year. What a return on investment!

GGC’s focus on treatment has led to the development of a metabolic treatment program that is the envy of other states. When babies are diagnosed with a rare metabolic disorder through the newborn screen, or heel-stick test, GGC’s treatment teams of MDs, genetic counselors, dietitians, and psychologists spring into action to counsel, educate and begin treatment as soon as possible. These dietary-based treatments save and prolong lives and can prevent serious health and developmental problems.

With the over 200 patients enrolled in our metabolic clinics, the state of SC saves approximately $45 million per year in healthcare costs. Costs that have been prevented through screening, effective treatments, and a coordinated effort between GGC, the SC Department of Disabilities and Special Needs, and the Department of Health and Environmental Control to identify and treat these patients as early as possible.

GGC will never leave it to simple dollars and cents to know our impact. We know that we are providing services and supporting families beyond what any study or statistician could ever measure, and that’s what keeps us moving forward every day. That’s what keeps our researchers striving to develop a blood test to diagnose autism at the earliest possible age, what encourages our laboratory technologists to work hard to give families the answer they have been struggling to find, what keeps our genetic counselors providing compassion along with information, and what keeps our Gene Machine driver logging the miles. The employees at GGC are impacted at least as much by our patients and those we serve as they are impacted by us. That’s why we do what we do everyday. We thank you for your interest and continued support of GGC.

Steve Skinner, MD Director

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‘Helix & Hope’ - joining forces for autism GGC and Project Hope Foundation have created Helix & Hope, a collaboration of science and services to improve the lives of those with autism spectrum disorders.

In 2015, GGC Director, Dr. Steve Skinner visited Project Hope Foundation, a nonprofit organization in the Upstate of SC that provides a variety of services to individuals with autism from diagnosis through adulthood. They were looking to expand.

(3) provide educational and classroom models to suppor t inclusion; (4)formulate evidence -based medical treatment strategies; and (5) enhance transition opportunities for adults on the spectrum with both job training and independent living skills.

“Why not Greenwood?” he asked. In the ensuing weeks he pulled together Greenwood organizations including the Burton Center, Greenwood School District 50, Lander University, Piedmont Technical College, and even a family, whose grandson has autism, who was willing to purchase and donate a 58,000 square foot elementary school building.

An Advocacy Council for Helix & Hope, a nationally-recruited group of parents, scientists, business professionals, health care providers and autism advocates, met

Advocacy Council Back row (L-R): Anand Srivastava, PhD; Roger Stevenson, MD; Skip Garner, PhD; David Atchley; John Rocovich; Chris Ratchford, MD; Tom Farthing; Sachs; Tim Newman (chair); Charles Schwartz, PhD; and Joe Lesesne, PhD. Front row (L-R) Lane; Skinner, Annabel Barber, MD; Laura Beth Dehority, MA; Sue Ellen Rocovich, DO, PhD; and Kelli Embler.

Project Hope Foundation had found their new home. In September they began serving students in Greenwood with Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy at the former Merrywood Elementary campus (cover photo).

The relationship between GGC and Project Hope Foundation has now evolved into a formal collaborative called Helix & Hope.

These organizations are working together to accomplish several specific goals: (1) develop a blood-based test for autism for an accurate, objective, and early diagnosis; (2) deliver ABA therapy and other currently existing therapies to people with autism;

components together - science and services,” said Susan Sachs, co-executive director of Project Hope Foundation, who founded the organization with Lisa Lane in 1996 when they had difficulty accessing services for their sons on the spectrum.

“GGC’s research in developing new diagnostic options is a game-changer for our families, who often waste critical years waiting for a diagnosis before they can access services.”

for the first time this fall to learn more about both organizations and how the collaboration is poised to fundamentally change the way autism is diagnosed and how services are delivered.

“This collaboration is truly innovative in the world of autism, bringing two important

The initial fundraising goal for Helix & Hope is $1.5 million to help complete scientific validation of the bloodbased test and correlate results with the variable clinical and behavioral signs in the Project Hope Foundation population. For more information visit www.GGC.org/HelixandHope.

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DR. MIKE LYONS CONSULTS WITH PATIENT VIA TELEHEALTH

Moving Forward GGC strives to be forward-thinking - keeping on top of the latest technologies and employing initiatives in the best interest of our patients, our students and our colleagues.

TELEHEALTH

GGC has been working closely with the Medical University of SC in developing a telehealth initiative to provide improved access to genetics services for all patients in SC. Telehealth is a way for patients to receive services including physical exams, counseling and consultations virtually, from a provider in another location. GGC began its telehealth program in November between the offices in Florence and Charleston, with plans to expand it statewide next year.

“Patient access to care is a challenge that we have addressed in many ways over the years at GGC,” said Mike Lyons, MD, Co-Director of Clinical Services and head of the telehealth initiative at GGC. “With the advanced communication technologies now available, a provider in one location can see a patient in another location and provide clinical evaluations, consults and genetic counseling. This will make it so much easier for patients in rural areas of our state, or those with transportation issues or other barriers, to access the care they need.”

The telehealth system includes high resolution video and audio equipment with screen sharing capability to provide counseling sessions and consultations. In addition, specialized

telehealth medical tools with digital stethoscope and otoscope attachments allow physical examinations to be performed with general viewing. A dermscope attachment is also available for detailed visual genetics examinations.

“We are often caring for families in very difficult and fragile medical situations,” shared Lyons. “Telehealth will remove the inconvenience, burden and expense of travel, so these families can focus on what’s most important – getting the care their loved ones need.”

The program has received grants through the SC Telehealth Alliance, MUSC, and gifts through the GGC Foundation (p.10).

STRATEGIC PLANS

GGC is currently involved in two strategic planning efforts, to guide the future of both the Center, as well as the surrounding area which had been planned as a research park.

Point A Consultants have completed their plan for the research park, and have presented recommendations to GGC, the

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Greenwood Partnership Alliance, and other community stakeholders with the goal of preserving the GGC campus while strategically expanding opportunities to attract other entities as part of a Partnership Campus community.

relationships and projects that not only bring in revenue, but also connect us with companies on the cutting-edge of treatments and clinical trials.”

Consulting firm TEConomy is currently working on a separate comprehensive plan focusing on the growth and future of GGC . Modernization of operations, diversification on revenue sources, and pursuit of growth initiatives have been the focus to date. This plan is expected to be completed by March of 2017.

GGC’s Medical Genetics Training Program is undergoing changes in accordance with the new American Board of Genetics and Genomics. A new training program, Laboratory Genetics and Genomics, will combine and replace the Clinical Cytogenetics and Clinical Molecular Genetics Programs beginning July 1, 2017.

LAB EXPANSION

Based upon some initial themes identified by the TEConomy strategic planning process, and recognizing the climate of increasing competition and reimbursement challenges, GGC is responding with a $5 million expansion of the Diagnostic Laboratories. This expansion will encompass the addition of new diagnostic tests and services, better approaches to marketing and billing for services, and the addition of several new employees to boost productivity and income.

Part of the lab’s rapid growth will include an expansion of the current GGC test menu, offering more in-house options for diagnosis with fewer tests requiring send-out to other labs. New tests being validated for the lab will include the areas of oncology, cardiovascular, and eye-related disorders, as well as other important tests related to medical specialties that have not histrorically been a part of GGC’s test menu.

“Another focus of this expansion will be in hiring several new positions in our laboratory including additional technologists and scientists to develop and implement these new tests, as well as staff to enhance our marketing strategies,” said Mike Friez, PhD, Director of the Diagnostic Laboratories. “Also, with our increase in industry contract work, we have added staff to manage these

GRADUATE PROGRAM CHANGES

“There has been a great deal of overlap in the application of technologies between cytogenetics and molecular testing in recent years,” said Laura Pollard, the new Training Program Laboratory Director.

“Through this new program, fellows will extend their training by one year, but will be better prepared to run a diagnostic laboratory that incorporate all of these new technologies.”

The Clinical Genetics Residency program will also be evolving with a move from GGC’s Greenwood campus to the Greenville office. David Everman, MD, will assume the leadership of the residency program beginning December 1. The transition in location will allow for the establishment of a 4-year combined Pediatrics -Medical Genetics and Genomics Residency program in partnership with Greenville Health System.

CLEMSON UPDATE

The Clemson University Center for Human Genetics’ 17,000 square foot facility on GGC’s campus has been completed. The facility houses eight labs, along with equipment, student and office space for the incoming faculty.

The facility will be lead by the Self Family Endowed Chair, who will lead the development of the human genetics program for Clemson and will hire additional faculty. The search for the Endowed Chair is ongoing. The building will also be able to accommodate up to 15 graduate students.

A ribbon cutting for the building is planned for February.

BIRTH DEFECTS BACK ON THE DECLINE Following a worrisome 2014-15 year for the SC Birth Defects Prevention Program, the data just in from year 24 of the Program (2015-16) shows a marked decline in neural tube defects across the state.

“After we saw a rise in NTDs during year 23, we stepped up our efforts with new marketing materials and the addition of a folic acid office representative to provide more outreach education for healthcare providers,” said Jane Dean, Statewide Coordinator for the Program.

“We are pleased to report that, based on preliminary numbers, this year saw a 26% decline from last year, and was a near-record low for SC.” “After careful analysis of last year’s data, it appeared that there was a spike in neural tube defects that were associated with other genetic disorders,” said Dr. Roger Stevenson. “These cases are not likely to have responded to folic acid prevention.

We suspect that was an unusual year, and our work continues to better understand those cases.”

CLEMSON CENTER

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Gene Week Celebrating GGC

GGC and the City of Greenwood designated the last week of September 2016 as ‘Gene Week’. With support from numerous businesses and the community, hundreds were introduced to GGC’s work in fun and educational ways.

Twitch Documentary

The week began on Tuesday evening with a screening of a powerful documentary, Twitch, at Lander University.

Hundreds of students and community members viewed the film which chronicles the genetic testing journey of Kristen Powers, a young woman who lost her mother to Huntington’s Disease. This is an autosomal dominant condition meaning that Kristen had a 50% chance of inheriting this debilitating, progressive neurological disease. The film sparked many conversations around the question ‘Would you want to know?’

Kristen’s film revealed a look a the very personal journey that patients experience as they decide whether or not to undergo testing, the uncertainty of waiting for results and the emotions they experience when those results are revealed. Following the screening, she answered questions and spoke to the importance of raising awareness of this disease.

GGC’s Lauren Baggett, MS, had seen Twitch at a national meeting and coordinated the event which was sponsored

by Lander University and the Rotary Club of Greenwood.

Double Helix Society Reception

On Thursday evening, GGC supporter and Double Helix Society member, Thornwell Dunlap III, opened his beautiful home on Lake Greenwood to the Double Helix Society reception. This event recognizes those who have supported the GGC Foundation with a gift of $1,000 or more in the past year.

A New Orleans theme complete with a jazz ensemble greeted guests who also heard from Dunlap and GGC Director, Dr. Steve Skinner on how their generosity is propelling the Center forward and impacting patients in meaningful ways every day. At the event’s conclusion,

all guests were sent home with exquisite notecards featuring landscape paintings by Michael Sachs, an artist who has autism.

Jammin for Genes

The 3rd annual Jammin’ for Genes, a barbeque and music lawn festival presented by Self Regional Healthcare, was held on Friday evening on the grounds at GGC. Beautiful weather accompanied the event which included Little Pigs Barbeque and bluegrass music. Guests also had the chance to see an array of antique cars, tour the Gene Machine, view and purchase artwork by Eric New, an artist with autism, and support GGC through a raffle and silent auction.

Jammin’ for Genes was organized by Gene League volunteers, Vickie Chandler, Sharlene Greene, Leslie Sanford, Louise Watkins, and Marcia Young, as well the GGC Foundation.

Race the Helix®

Race the Helix, presented by Affymetrix, wrapped up Gene Week on Saturday morning, October 1, in spectacular style with a beautiful fall morning run and walk. Teams from Ascend Performance Materials and Fuji joined GGC employees, community supporters and families to raise money for the GGC Foundation. A highlight of the event was watching Ryleigh Shenal and two other GGC patients cross the finish line in strollers assisted by their families and special education teachers.

Gene Week events raised over $20,000 t o s u p p o r t t h e G G C Fo u n d a t i o n !

Save the dates, Gene Week 2017 is planned for Sept 30 - Oct 7!

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Photo courtesy Shoot Y’all Photography

GGC Participates in TRANSFORM SC Grant The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has awarded a four-year, $1.6 million grant to the University of South Carolina (USC) School of Medicine to establish a statewide Pediatric Clinical Trials Network. The purpose of the network is to boost participation in “research that makes a difference” for children and families across South Carolina. The grant places particular emphasis on clinical research to better understand and improve health outcomes for children and families living in rural and medically underserved areas of the state, which is critically important to states like South Carolina.

Neena Champaigne, MD, Co-director of Clinical Services (above right) and Lauren Baggett, MS, Clinical Genetic Counselor (above left) of the Greenwood Genetic Center will lead the Center’s participation in this statewide collaboration.

Top: Race the Helix® starting line. 2nd row: GGC

“We are very excited to be a part of this multisite initiative,” said Champaigne. “Our participation will allow us to gain experience, develop infrastructure and ultimately enhance our ability to participate in clinical trials for neurodevelopmental disorders.”

co-founder, Hal Taylor, PhD, and his wife Paula greet Dr. Kasia Ellsworth and her daughter, Helena, at Jammin’ for Genes; Artist Eric New’s artwork on display at Jammin’ for Genes. 3rd row: (L-R) GGC’s Lori Bassett and Lauren Baggett, Kristen Powers, and Lander University’s Dr. Dave Slimmer following the ‘Twitch’ documentary screening; the City of Greenwood’s Gene Week Proclamation. Left: Dr. Steve Skinner addresses donors at the Double Helix Society reception.

The first six months of the grant will focus on establishing research sites around the state, putting informatics and telehealth infrastructure in place, and recruiting and training new pediatrician researchers. The sites will then begin creating a registry of families interested in participating in future research studies. ”

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DR. STEVE SKINNER EVALUATES A PATIENT IN RETT SYNDROME TREATMENT TRIAL

Recognitions

Collaborations with national and international organizations is an important way for GGC’s work to extend its impact beyond SC. Our faculty members are leaders.

RETT CENTER OF EXCELLENCE

The Greenwood Genetic Center has been selected by the International Rett Syndrome Foundation, also known as Rettsyndrome.org, as a Clinical Research Center of Excellence.

It is one of 14 clinical centers to receive this newly established designation.

Rett Syndrome Centers of Excellence are chosen based on criteria that includes broad experience with patients with Rett syndrome, a team-based approach in delivering care and services to families, a commitment to clinical training, and engagement in clinical trials and research programs in search of cures, treatments and therapies for Rett syndrome.

“Rett syndrome has become an area of specialty for us here at GGC, and we are so indebted to these wonderful families for their commitment and support of our efforts,” said Fran Annese, Clinic Research Coordinator and member of the NIH-sponsored Rett syndrome natural history study team. “It is gratifying to receive this designation, especially because it comes from an organization run by and dedicated to these families.”

GGC is currently part of a multicenter Rett syndrome treatment

trial sponsored by Neuren Pharmaceuticals. GGC has completed enrollment with six patients to assess the effectiveness of an investigational medication called trofinetide.

Work on Rett syndrome continues through GGC’s Center of Translational Research to organize a Rett syndrome specialty clinic in Greenville and develop various outcome measures to assess the effectiveness of medications for future trials.

KAUFMANN HONORED

Dr. Walter Kaufmann, Director of the Center for Translational Research at GGC and Boykin Ravenel Curry Endowed Chair in Genetic Therapeutics, has a long career of studying and working with families impacted by Rett syndrome. In June, he received the ‘Circle of Angels Research Award’ at the 2016 Rettsyndrome.org Conference held in Illinois.

This is the foundation’s highest honor reserved for those who go above and beyond in the study of Rett syndrome.

“Dr. Kaufmann is a tireless researcher, advocate, and physician to all with Rett syndrome, said Paige Nues, Director of Family

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by his alma mater, Wake Forest School of Medicine, with the Medical Alumni Association’s (MAA) Distinguished Achievement Award. The award was presented at his recent 50th class reunion from what was then Bowman Gray School of Medicine. The award recognizes his co-founding of GGC in 1974 as well as his lifelong dedication and achievements in advancing the study of genetic disorders, particularly birth defects and intellectual disabilities. He was presented the award

by MAA Secretary, Dr. Stanley Tennant (far left) and Wake Forest School of Medicine Dean, Dr. Edward Abraham.

CHAUBEY JOINS CANCER BOARD

STEVENSON RECOGNIZED Empowerment and Conference Director, Rettsyndrome.org.

“Working collaboratively and closely with him always leaves us better informed than when we began. “ Dr. Kaufmann was also a member of the organizing committee for the RTT 50.1 Conference held in Vienna, Austria, in September. This meeting celebrated the 50th anniversary of the first publication describing Rett syndrome by Dr. Andreas Rett. Dr. Kaufmann presented at the meeting, “Clinical Trials in Rett syndrome: Opportunities and Challenges.”

in Orlando this summer with the Best Poster Presentation.

The genetic abnormality in PhelanMcDermid syndrome, which causes severe speech and developmental delays, intellectual disability, poor muscle tone, and autistic features, was discovered at GGC in 1992 by then-lab director Dr. Katy Phelan (center). Ever since that discovery, GGC researchers have been invested in studying this rare disease and working with families. Dr. Boccuto presented his group’s work which involved methodologies to better characterize this complex and variable genetic disorder.

Coauthors on the poster were GGC’s Lauren Cascio, Mat Darmer, Rebekah Dixon, Sarah Dunn, Dr. Barb DuPont, Kelly Jones, Dr. Walter Kaufmann, Dr. Curtis Rogers (right), Dr. Sara Sarasua, Cindy Skinner, Dr. Charles Schwartz, and Jennifer Stallworth, as well as Dr. Lindsay Oberman of Boston Children’s Hospital and Dr. Phelan.

INTERNATIONAL POSTER AWARD

Dr. Luigi Boccuto (picture above, left) and colleagues were recognized at the International Phelan-McDermid syndrome

STEVENSON RECOGNIZED BY ALMA MATER

GGC co-founder, Dr. Roger Stevenson, (above center), was recently recognized

GGC’s Cytogenetics Laboratory Director, Alka Chaubey, PhD, has been selected to join the Board of Directors for the Cancer Genomics Consortium (CGC). The CGC is an international group of clinical cytogeneticists, molecular geneticists, and molecular pathologists who are interested in applying microarray technologies to cancer diagnosis and cancer research.

Chaubey has a strong interest in microarray technology, which detects very small changes within the DNA. She was involved with the validation of the first and only FDA-cleared microarray test and led GGC to be the first lab in the country to clinically offer this test.

“Microarray is a powerful tool to diagnose patients with a variety of genetic disorders involving intellectual disability, autism, birth defects, and now, cancer,” said Chaubey. “Identifying small changes within the DNA of cancer patients can provide valuable information to assist in providing a prognosis, as well as guiding treatment decisions.”

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GGC Foundation The GGC Foundation, led by Director of Development, Victoria Hann, is in constant motion working on special events (p.6) and promoting the many reasons why gifts to the Foundation are investments in the future of children and families impacted by genetic disorders.

SUSAN R. PATTERSON AWARD

In October, longtime GGC friend and supporter, Dr. Walt Patterson established the Susan R. Patterson Professional Development Award in Bioinformatics and Computational Genomics in memory of his wife, Susan. The award serves to honor and perpetuate her lifelong devotion to the field of education in mathematics. Susan was also passionate about supporting families and children faced with genetic disorders who are served by GGC. The award will support ongoing professional education and development for faculty and staff at GGC who are involved in bioinformatics work.

FUNDING FOR TELEHEALTH

The Foundation secured two generous contributions to support the Center’s telehealth initiative (p.4). An anonymous private family foundation from the Upstate of SC has contributed $150,000 to support this program aimed at improving access to genetic services. First Citizens Bank Foundation provided an additional gift of $30,000 to purchase telehealth equipment. Pictured left are First Citizens Bank’s Senior VP and Market Executive, Jerry Stevens (left) and VP and Business Banker, Matt Howard (right), presenting their gift to Dr. Steve Skinner and Victoria Hann.

CHANGE AT THE HELM

The Foundation is also pleased to announce that Julian ‘Jay’ Nexsen, Jr. (left) has been named chair of the GGC Foundation Board of Trustees beginning in January. Nexsen has a long history of support for GGC through his service on the GGC Board of Directors since 2006, He also serves on the Foundation’s Gift Development Committee. He is retired President and CEO of Greenwood Communities and Resorts, Inc. Nexsen will be replacing outgoing board chair, Robert ‘Bob’ Erwin, Esq.(right). Erwin has served GGC tirelessly for over 40 years and was one of the founding board members (1974-1980). “Bob Erwin has been one of the most loyal supporters of GGC from our very beginnings,” said Dr. Steve Skinner. “His wisdom, guidance and enthusiasm for the work of GGC has helped us succeed in so many ways. We can’t thank him enough for his selfless service and dedication to our mission.”

“Bob has been instrumental in restructuring and reinvigorating the Foundation to not only grow the financial support of the Center’s mission, but also to help share the GGC story with a wider audience,” said Nexsen. “I hope to be able to build on the great work that he has established.”

Save the Dates!

Race the Helix®- Upstate - March 11, 2016 The first Race the Helix - LowCountry - May 6, 2017 For more information on how you can support the Center through the GGC Foundation, visit GGC.org or contact the Foundation at (864) 388-1813 or 1-888-442-4363.

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GGC’s people are the heart of our organization. We welcome these dedicated individuals to our team...

Taraka Donti, PhD

Assistant Director, Biochemical Genetics Laboratory

Dr. Donti joined GGC in July after completing his PhD in Molecular and Cellular Medicine from Texas A&M and a fellowship at Baylor College of Medicine. He has a special interest in biochemical genetics and mitochondrial biology. The focus of his postdoctoral research was to identify and characterize genes that are involved in mitochondrial disorders. At GGC, Dr. Donti is involved in establishing and validating diagnostic tests for mitochondrial disorders. He is a member of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics, the American Society of Human Genetics and the Society of Inherited Metabolic Disease.

Carrie Buchanan, MD

Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician

Carrie Buchanan is a board certified pediatrician and a board eligible developmental-behavioral pediatrician. After graduating from a fellowship at Greenville Health System, she joined GGC’s Center for Translational Research (CTR) team. Her research interests include autism spectrum disorders, intellectual disability, fragile X syndrome, Rett syndrome and Phelan-McDermid Syndrome. Dr. Buchanan will be involved in the development of outcome measures, identification of biomarkers and the design and implementation of clinical trials. She will also be involved in the development of a Fragile X Syndrome Clinic and a Phelan-McDermid Syndrome Clinic where her focus will be primarily behavioral management.

Edward Massey Board of Directors

Ed Massey joins the GGC Board of Directors at the December meeting. Mr. Massey is President of Patriot Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc. and Residential Building Solutions and serves as a consultant for Health Care Services Group. He has a Master’s degree in Health Care Administration and degrees in business administration and marketing. With a strong background in health care business development and administration, he will bring a unique perspective to the Board to help guide GGC policy and growth.

Junior Scholars Camp New Genetics Summer Camp The Division of Education is planning an inaugural Summer Junior Scholars Camp for July 10-14, 2017. The camp will provide innovative instruction and hands-on experiences for rising high school juniors and seniors interested in the field of medical genetics. Follow www.GGC.org and GGC’s social media pages for details as plans develop.

The Greenwood Genetic Center is a nonprofit institiute organized to provide clinical genetic services, diagnostic laboratory testing, educational programs and materials, and research in the field of medical genetics.

106 Gregor Mendel Circle Greenwood, SC 29646 Tel: 864-941-8100 Toll Free 888-442-4363 www.ggc.org

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