More than 450 delegates gathered at ExCeL London on May 23-24 for the inaugural Genomics and Precision Medicine Expo, in partnership with Genomics England.
The conference and exhibition delivered 13 sessions presented by 20 leading speakers in the genomics and precision medicine field.
A wide range of professionals, including consultants, pharmacists, healthcare scientists, nurses, GPs and pathologists attended the event to advance their knowledge and bridge the gap between science and patient care.
Event Manager, Lucy Clarke, said:
“We are delighted with the launch of the Genomics and Precision Medicine Expo.
“Delegates were able to explore the latest advancements in genome sequencing and genomic testing, and the immediate and future potential for the development of precision medicine within the NHS and beyond. We look forward to bigger and better edition next year!”
Highlights on day one included a discussion on the progress, limitations and opportunities of precision cancer medicine from Elaine Vickers, Author and Cancer Educator.
Meanwhile, Dr Jack Bartram, Consultant Paediatric Haematologist of Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital, presented on implementing whole genome sequencing into routine clinical practice.
Comprehensive genomic diagnostics for better cancer care in the NHS was covered by Mike Hubank, Scientific Director at the Royal Marsden and North Thames GLH.
Mainstreaming into the NHS was discussed on day two by Vicky Cuthill, Nurse Consultant at LNWUH NHS Trust and Jessica Keen, Pharmacy Lead at North West Genomic Medicine Service Alliance, explored the implementation of pharmacogenomics in the NHS and its application to the oncology setting.
Chair, Nisha Shaunak, Associate Chief Pharmacist, Clinical Services, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and Pharmacy Lead, South East Genomic Medicine Service Alliance, said: “The event was a great opportunity to launch and begin to disseminate the great work going on in genomics and precision medicine.
“It gave attendees the opportunity to network and share best practice.
“ This is of course just the tip of the iceberg and there is much to learn in cancer and across other therapeutic clinical areas, both within primary and secondary care. I look forward to the next one!”
Speaker, Dharmisha Chauhan, Lead Genomic Clinical Pharmacist of North Thames GMSA, said: “There is a lot of interest at multi-disciplinary level and a wide range of topics have been discussed from advanced technologies right through to what’s happening at the frontline in terms of nursing and pharmacy.
“Even midwifery got a mention as well so it really has a huge multi-disciplinary effect on what’s happening in the genomic world at the moment.”
Oncology Professional Care was co-located with the event, with the multi-professional and multi-disciplinary oncology event focusing on the whole patient pathway.
Attendees were also able to enjoy sessions focusing on cutting-edge developments in cancer care, patient stories, and the evolving policy landscape from NHS England, as well as network with a wide range of healthcare professionals and clinical leads from across the UK.
The next edition of Genomics and Precision Medicine Expo is taking place on May 21-22 2024 at ExCeL London.
