Consistent with our reputation as an early adopter of technology, and our proximity to some of the world’s top genomics organizations, El Camino Hospital was the first community hospital in the country to offer a Genomic Medicine Institute. Our goal is simple: to help speed the translation of this important new science from the research labs to the medical offices of El Camino Hospital physicians - all for the benefit of our patients and the community.

Our work has been guided since the beginning by an extraordinary group of doctors, who serve long hours voluntarily, both for their love of discovery and their desire to better serve their patients. Please take the time to view our panel of distinguished practitioners.

Our interest in genomics is enhanced by our location in the Silicon Valley: with its unique high-tech heritage and burgeoning biotech industry, this is one of the great epicenters of genomic activity. The era of scientifically validated “predictive medicine” and “pre-emptive care” is being ushered in, right here in our backyard, and we are working collaboratively with many industry partners and research institutions.

Like most hospitals, we do not perform genetic testing in our own laboratory. However, we do know where to send specimens for genetic testing and that is part of the service we offer. It’s a bit of a maze at this time, with some tests being proprietary to a single laboratory and some others being offered by several competing laboratories. Fortunately, our partner, DNA Direct, is well versed in the capabilities of the various laboratories, and they share that expertise with our physicians and patients.

Many will argue that genomics is not ready for prime time and their opinion is not without merit. Most physicians are conservative by nature, as they have a responsibility for the health and well-being families who entrust them with their care. They do not like to recommend anything other than well-validated, evidence-based diagnostics and treatments. Although the genomics revolution is still too young to have amassed a large number of replicated studies, there are now several tests for which the evidence is clear and for which the results are clearly actionable. Controversy will continue to surround this field for many years to come, as it does for all new forms of discovery. The GMI is here to help both our physicians and the community sort through the issues and provide the most state-of-the-art guidance possible.

The GMI is focusing on four main initiatives:

• Physician Education
• Community Outreach and Education
• Clinical Trials
• Risk Assessment Programs 

Physician Education

The GMI strives to provide El Camino Hospital physicians with information and resources about the most clinically useful genomic tests. Since opening in 2009, we have sponsored many “grand rounds” and webinars for doctors, encompassing everything from Genomics 101 to specialty programs in cancer and cardiology. We are now developing a comprehensive curriculum, the “Genomic University,” which will include a series of monthly, hospital-based meetings leading to a “proficiency” examination.

In addition, the physician portal at DNA Direct provides practical information about genetic tests we provide (from the perspective of a treating physician.). We also provide physicians with tools, such as sample letters of medical necessity to help you get tests pre-authorized by insurance, and educational reports that help translate results into plain English.

Most importantly, GMI has contracted with DNA Direct to provide board certified genetic counselors that can talk with both patients and doctors.

Community Outreach and Education

The GMI has developed a variety of tools and resources to help you learn more about genomics and how it can be used to improve your family’s health. This website is one of those resources. Review the information here and consider accessing our new on-line Family Medical History Tool. It offers you a well-organized way to store, share and update your family health history.

The GMI also has a small office located on the first floor of the Melchor Pavilion on the hospital campus, right next to the coffee shop. You are welcome to stop in and ask questions or work on your family medical history at one of two computer work stations maintained for that purpose. In addition, a DNA Direct genetic counselor will offer on-site consultations by appointment for you upon referral from your physician.

Clinical Trials

Although the GMI was never intended to be a research institute, we find there is no lack of interest on the part of industry to work with our doctors in their real-world, community setting. Among the trials currently underway are:

• The REACT lung cancer trial - using a genetic test along with low-dose screening CT to predict the risk of lung cancer in current or former smokers
• Plavix sensitivity test efficacy pilot - identifying patients who may not metabolize Plavix properly
• Tailored Advanced Cancer Therapy (TACT) national trial - Genetic sequencing of tumors in patients with refractory cancers to identify possible novel treatments

If you would like more information about any of these trials or if you qualify for participation, please call the GMI at 650-962-4577.

Risk Assessment Programs

The GMI is currently working with both the Cancer Center and the Women’s Hospital at El Camino Hospital to develop a series of risk assessment programs designed to find mutation carriers for hereditary syndromes before disease occurs. The first such program will be implemented in the mammography suite, using a well-validated tool developed by Kevin Hughes, MD, Associate Professor of Surgery at Harvard and Co-Director of the Avon Comprehensive Breast Evaluation Center at Massachusetts General Hospital. Dr. Hughes has developed a “risk application” that will be loaded onto an Ipad and completed by patients presenting for their screening mammogram. If family history indicates a high risk for the BRCA mutation, the patient and their referring physician will be so notified and offered genetic counseling. If the counselor confirms the risk, the patient may then opt for genetic testing.

The GMI plans to develop additional risk assessment programs—the most likely next candidate being hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (Lynch syndrome.)