The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center

Clinics & Programs

Genomics Program

Genomics plays an important role in most common (heart disease, cancer) and rare (cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy) diseases. By understanding your genetic and non-genetic (behavioral and environmental) risks you can make informed health care decisions about disease prevention and/or management.

In the Genomics Program, we use both family medical history information and genetic and genomic testing results to help assess your risk for diseases that have a genetic component.  Thousands of genetic tests have been developed for more than 2200 diseases, of which about 2,000 are currently available for use in clinical settings. Predictive gene tests may be used, in conjunction with your family history and behavioral and environmental risk factor information, to help determine your risk for multiple different diseases. Also, pharmacogenetic tests may be used to help identify genetic variations that could influence the way your body responds to certain medications. Using your genomic information, your doctors may be able to prescribe safer and more effective medications for you.

The CPHC Genomics Program’s board certified genetic counselors are available to meet with you, either virtually through our web portal or in person, to perform risk assessment based on your family medical history and help you determine whether genetic testing is right for you. We also provide genetic and genomic counseling to individuals who have already had some type of genetic testing.

Participate in the Genomics Program

Our Genomics Program offers convenient appointments virtually through our online portal, or in-person, if that is preferred and/or necessary.

Board certified genetic counselors are specialized health professionals whose skills include:

• Pedigree collection and risk assessment
• Comprehensive knowledge of the benefits and limitations of genetic testing
• Interpretation and disclosure of genetic test results
• Educating about disease characteristics, management, prevention and follow-up
• Facilitating the identification and testing of at-risk family members
• Provision of screening and preventive options
• Psychosocial counseling surrounding issues related to heritable cardiovascular diseases, such as congestive heart therapy.
• Referring to specialists or outside resources

During your appointment in the Genomics Program, the genetic counselor, in conjunction with a medical geneticist, will create a unique action plan for you. In applicable cases, this will include genetic testing and treatment and/or preventive recommendations. We will also send you and your doctor(s) a summary that includes your genetic testing results and your personalized medicine prevention plan. To schedule an appointment, please call 614-366-3410.

Preventive Health Care at the Genomics Program

We are entering a new and exciting era of genomic and personalized medicine and preventive health care, in which people will be able to learn a great deal from their genetic makeup. Extracting useful information from your family medical history and your genes will help you and your family better understand your risks for both rare and common diseases. In addition, this information may help your doctor choose the safest and most effective drugs and treatments for you when you do get sick, minimizing harmful side effects and ensuring more successful outcomes. Also, knowing your genetic risks may help motivate you to live a healthier life.