Title: Innovations in capacity building in genomic technology in USA

Authors: William Ebomoyi, S. Srinivasan

Addresses: Department of Health Studies, CSU, Ill 60628-1598, Chicago, USA. ' Department of Health Informatics, UMDNJ, Newark, NJ 07107-3001, USA

Abstract: With the documented benefits of the human genome sequencing, the added scientific values will occur in personalised, predictive and preventive medical services. However, only a paucity of studies have reported the tremendous challenges which have unfolded from the process of human genome sequencing. There is hardly well-organised mechanism of training molecular biologists, genetic epidemiologists and other biomedical scientists about ways to develop innovations in capacity building in genomics. Therefore, this study assesses the challenges involved, and the concepts of innovations in capacity building. The issues about human capital development pertain to the expertise of genomic technology workforce, what specific skills are required and how knowledge about genomics will be utilised in organised public health settings. Epidemiologists must alert the public about problems areas to skirt about sensitivity of certain tests, specificity, negative predictive and positive predictive indices; and the inextricable linkage with ethical, legal, social and financial implications of genomic science.

Keywords: innovations; capacity building; genomic technology; hemoglobinopathies; predictive medicine; preventive medicine; clinical validity; analytical validity; ELSI; USA; United States; medical engineering; human genome sequencing; human capital.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMEI.2008.020751

International Journal of Medical Engineering and Informatics, 2008 Vol.1 No.2, pp.210 - 226

Published online: 13 Oct 2008 *

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