| CONTACT - Volume 8, Number 2
Alumni News
Demystifying the Human Genome Project
The history of the International Human Genome Project (HGP) was reviewed and its implications considered during an alumni weekend presentation by Dr. Jean Davis titled Demystifying the Human Genome Project. Dr. Mary Jo Iozzio gave the response.
Jean Davis is an associate professor of nursing at Barry University. She attended the Summer Genetics Institutes sponsored by the National Institutes of Health's Human Genome Research Institute in 1998 and 1999 and has since served as a spokesperson on the ethical, legal, and social implications section of the project.
Mary Jo Iozzio, Ph.D. is an associate professor in the Department of Theology at Barry. Dr. Iozzio has written extensively and presented nationally and internationally, and also received a Fulbright Senior Research Award in 1998-1999.
The human genome is commonly referred to as the book of life, although a better term might be the book of health. Virtually every disease process has a genetic component-a genetic cause, predisposition, susceptibility or resistance. Recent HGP developments were discussed such as the realization that humans have far fewer genes than first expected-only 30 to 40 thousand.
Much of the discussion revolved around the ethical, legal and social implications of the project. Many concerns about confidentiality, privacy, informed consent, treatment and insurance were addressed. The recent recommendations of the DHHS Secretary's Advisory Committee on Genetic Testing were noted. http://www4.od.nih.gov/oba/sacgt.htm
Changing genes will soon be a part of routine nursing care. Genetic treatments are pending FDA approval. Will this prolong quality life? Will there be a "senior boom" greater than the "baby boom"? What affect will these developments have on the nursing shortage? These and many other HGP related questions were considered. This is an area where nurses need to think before acting. The People's Genome Celebration June 6-10 at the Smithsonian should keep the spotlight on genetics this summer.
Jean W. Davis, Ed.D., RN, CS |
