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Genetics

Ask a Librarian!—January 2012

Jim Anderson, PA-C, ATC, Susan Klawansky, MLS, AHIP January 13, 2012

This month's topics include reliable sources for genetic conditions and counseling and where to find Web sites notable for their dermatology resources.

What's new in lung cancer:  Screening, staging, targeted therapies

Michele Taffaro-Neskey, PA-C December 09, 2011

Chemotherapy damages both normal cells and tumor cells, but newer agents target specific biomarkers to inhibit cancer growth and progression.

BRCA gene testing in a woman with a family history of cancer

Terry D. Kober, PA-C; Miranda M. Collins, MEd, MPAS, PA-C August 16, 2010

The case of a woman at risk of breast cancer illustrates the importance of taking action; how a recent law protects all patients.

The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA): How PAs can protect patients and their families

Constance Goldgar, MS, PA-C July 14, 2010

A new law protects against the misuse of genetic information that may reduce health care benefits for patients and their families.

Disfiguring and disabling growth is seen in an existing mass

Meredith Beaty, MS, RPA-C; Nicholas Martella, MS, RPA-C; Scott Baker, MHA, RPA-C; James O’Connor, MD March 23, 2010

A patient presents with a large cutaneous mass on her buttock. It was first noticed years earlier but had recently grown significantly.

The genetics encounter: Not the typical clinic visit

Gary S. Gottesman, MD, FAAP, FACMG March 18, 2010

The author explains the detail-oriented work of a pediatric geneticist working at a genetics clinic to help children and families dealing with rare disorders.

Ask a Librarian!—March 2010

Jim Anderson, PA-C, ATC, Susan Klawansky, MLS, AHIP March 12, 2010

Need more information about genetics or about patient assessment instruments and tests? This month's column discusses resources that can help.

Toward a more nuanced conversation: The role of genetics in understanding racial and ethnic health disparities

Vence L. Bonham, JD January 15, 2010

The role played by genetics in racial and ethnic health disparities must be reported more factually and responsibly than it has been to date.

Helping your patients to deal with a predisposition to genetic disease

Andrea Farkas Patenaude, PhD November 19, 2009

PAs who understand both the medical and psychological implications of genetic information can help to integrate this new area of medical practice into the lives of patients.

Should I be tested for the BRCA gene?

Jill Gore, MPAS, PA-C September 24, 2009

Patients whose family members have breast, ovarian, or prostate cancer will want to know their risk of disease and if there's anything the can do to reduce it.

What PAs should know before they refer patients to a genetic counselor

Erynn Gordon, MS, CGC September 17, 2009

A thorough understanding of the potential risks and benefits is necessary before referring a patient for genetic counseling.

CME Posttest: Carcinoma of unknown primary; Ruptured Achilles tendon

August 04, 2009

August 2009

Carcinoma of unknown primary: Searching for the origin of metastases

Heather R. Carlson, MSPAP, PA-C August 03, 2009

Diagnostic tests and select imaging studies can help identify the potential, and often elusive, primary tumor.

Pharmacogenetics: What PAs need to understand and why

Lawrence Carey, PharmD July 15, 2009

An understanding of how genes can influence drug metabolism will help you select the proper regimen for each patient.

Autistic disorder: Early interventions can improve outcomes

From CSAC, the clinical and scientific affairs council of the AAPA July 15, 2009

Media attention has increased awareness of autism; however, much of the information is misleading and/or confusing. PAs need to have reputable sources of information in order to help patients and their families.

Genetic susceptibility to VTE: A primary care approach

Herbert D. Ridings, MA, PA-C; Lynn Holt; Rebecca Cook, MD; Marisa B. Marques, MD July 01, 2009

Patients with a genetic thrombophilia must be referred to a hematology specialist for long-term management.

The role of genetic assessment in determining a patient's disease risk

Michael A. Rackover, PA-C, MS; Doug Scott, MS May 12, 2009

New genetic testing may allow clinicians to lower patients' risk of disease and institute preventive therapy.

A genome's home: Genomics and health care reform

W. Gregory Feero, MD, PhD March 10, 2009

The PA community has been a leader in adopting and enacting competencies for genetics and genomics education for its members. Continued vision and leadership by PAs will help to ensure that the genome has a home in the future of medicine.

What condition caused the cyclical decompensation in this child?

Tracy M. Deutsch, MS, PA-C February 10, 2009

Mitochondrial cytopathy refers to a group of disorders. A lack of unique symptoms makes the diagnosis difficult.

Get ready for the brave new world of genetic medicine

Michael A. Rackover, PA-C, MS; Constance Goldgar, MS, PA-C January 01, 2009

This first article describes some of the activities PAs are working on in the genetics community.

From the AAPA - April 2006

April 01, 2006

Annual strategic planning meeting:What's next for PAs?; PA work group wins grant to promote genetics education

A night-time episode of syncope in a young man

Alex Shalshin, MD, MS, PA-C; Ronald Lo, MD Erich Fogg, PA-C, MMSc, Department Editor March 01, 2006

The patient is a 21-year-old male who experienced a nonwitnessed episode of syncope that resulted in a chin laceration. He was visiting his girlfriend's parents, and after dinner with the family he retired to his room. He woke up to urinate at 2 AM, approximately 4 hours after falling asleep. The syncope occurred as he was making his way up the stairs; he regained consciousness surrounded by members of the family, who were awakened by the noise. The patient denied using alcohol or drugs, or any other activity that could have precipitated this event.