Genomic Practice for Genetic Counsellors

We are pleased to announce the third in our series of courses for genetic
counsellors. This course, supported by Health Education England, aims to
meet the training needs of genetic counsellors as they upskill in
response to the introduction of genomic sequencing in the clinic.

The programme will provide an introduction to the fundamental aspects of
genomics and bioinformatics that underpin clinical practice. It will
focus on the use of sequencing in relation to diagnostics and has been
designed specifically by genetic counsellors for genetic counsellors.
There is a particular focus on learning how to do variant
interpretation.  Attendees will have the opportunity to work with
sequence data and explore how it is created, analysed and
delivered.  There will be two workshop sessions focusing on case
studies involving eye disorders and developmental disorders.  An
optional refresher session on molecular genetics will be held before the
main programme commences – this offers an overview of all the terminology
that will be built upon in the main course.

The course is suitable for clinically practising genetic counsellors.
Applications are welcome from international candidates but priority will
be given to those working within the NHS. It has been designed so that it
is relevant for use by genetic counsellors in their GCRB registration.

To optimize discussions and interactions, numbers are limited; therefore,
early application is advised. Please note that we may need to limit the
number of places allocated to each centre/institute to increase diversity
on the course.

Learning outcomes
Following attendance of this course, participants will be able to:

• Describe and critically evaluate the current role of genomics in healthcare.
• Explain and discuss the basic principles of how genomic sequencing is done.
• Anticipate issues that might arise around informed consent for an exploratory sequence.
• Make judgments about appropriateness of single gene, targeted panel or whole sequence analysis, based upon clinical questions.
• Assess and critique the use of a variety of visualization tools and databases such as DECIPHER.
• Communicate effectively with patients about findings from genome sequencing.

An optional genetics revision session will be held on 7th February,
starting at 13.00. The main programme will start at 10.00 on Wednesday, 8
February and close at approximately 17.00 on Thursday, 9 February 2017.

The following topics will be covered:

• The role of genomics in healthcare
• Sequencing and bioinformatics – what does the genetic counsellor need to know?
• Choosing what to test for and taking consent
• Sequencing and analysis
• Variant interpretation
• Visualising and reporting genomic data

There will also be a guided tour of the sequencing facilities and data
centre at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute.

This is a residential course. All students are requested to stay onsite
for the full duration to benefit fully from discussions and interactions
with the faculty and other students.

A draft
programme is available.

Scientific programme committee
Anna Middleton Wellcome Genome Campus,
UK
Georgie Hall St Mary’s Hospital Manchester, UK
Marion McAllister Cardiff University, UK
Christine Patch King’s College London, UK

Confirmed tutors
Gemma Chandratillake University of Cambridge,
UK
Helen Firth University of Cambridge,
UK
Clara Gaff Melbourne Genomics Health Alliance,
Australia
Alastair Kent Genetic Alliance, UK
Andrew Read University of Manchester, UK
Simon Ramsden St Mary’s Hospital Manchester, UK
Steve Scott Wellcome Genome Campus, UK
Ellen Thomas Genomics England, UK
Caroline Wright Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute,
UK

Event organiser
Laura Hubbard Wellcome Genome Campus, UK

Fees

The registration fee includes entrance to the lectures, course materials,
meals (lunch and dinner) and refreshments during the course. The fee will
be requested once acceptance is confirmed.

Accommodation
Accommodation is provided for the 8th February with the workshop
registration and for the 7th & 8th February with the workshop and
refresher registration. For twin accommodation, roommates will be
allocated on a gender basis.

If you wish to book onsite accommodation either side of the course dates,
please contact the Conference
Centre directly.

Applications
Application deadline: Closed

Travel visas
Please contact the event organiser if you require a letter to support a
travel visa application. Note that letters will be provided to confirmed
attendees.

Non-European Economic Area or Swiss nationals may be required to have a
visa to enter the UK.
Early application is strongly advised, as this process can take 6-8 weeks
or longer.

Please visit the following websites for further information:
UK Border Agency website: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/
Information for general visitors and business visitors: www.gov.uk/standard-visitor-visa