Dr. Melissa Merideth probably doesn't realize it, but she's got a regular fan club among women with HPS. Sandy brought the following honoring of Dr. Merideth to our attention. Kudos Dr. Merideth! For many years women with HPS were clamouring to have their unique needs met. Many of us have complications with prolonged cycles that can last for days and days, heavy bleeding (both of which can just make you feel wiped out!) or questions surrounding child birth. When Dr. Merideth arrived at NIH and started working with the HPS patients, it was a Godsend to all of us, as well as our doctors back home that were often somewhat puzzled as to what to do with us.
Dr. Merideth has been a frequent presenter at the HPS family conference - and while the sessions are usually small, they are also requested over and over again. (We like them small so women don't feel anxious about asking questions.) Already I've had several e-mails wanting to know if Dr. Merideth would be at this year's conference. And last year she was very gracioous when the hotel's AV team couldn't get her presentation working. Thank God Matt came to the rescue.
The following comes from the publication of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists.
A genetics researcher at the National Institutes of Health, Melissa A. Merideth, MD, MPH, has been selected to receive the 2006 ACOG Issue of the Year award, which addresses "Ethical Issues Unique to Genetic Testing."
Dr. Merideth finished her ob/gyn residency in 2001, and after practicing in Arizona for two years, headed to the NIH in 2003. She is a fellow in clinical genetics and clinical biochemical genetics at the National Human Genome Research Institute and an ob/gyn in the Intramural Office of Rare Diseases at NIH.
"Ob/gyns have an increasing opportunity to offer genetic testing to their patients," Dr. Merideth said. "But as technology leads to increased implementation of genomic information into everyday practice, it is important to address the ethical, legal, and social implications that arise. I would like to bridge that gap between ob/gyn and genetics, facilitating the incorporation of genetics into ob/gyn practice."
Ethical considerations surface in every aspect of genetic testing. Issues include informed consent, confidentiality, and fear of discrimination from insurance companies and employers, Dr. Merideth said.
As recipient of the Issue of the Year award, Dr. Merideth is required to develop a thoroughly researched and referenced background paper of 50-100 pages. She plans to provide a detailed review of the scope of the issues through research and explore patient and provider perceptions through surveys, focus groups, and information from patient advocacy groups.
Dr. Merideth hopes that her paper will lead to a strategic plan to educate ob/gyns about genetic testing and genomic medicine in general, as well as the complex ethical issues providers need to consider.
Dr. Merideth has been a frequent presenter at the HPS family conference - and while the sessions are usually small, they are also requested over and over again. (We like them small so women don't feel anxious about asking questions.) Already I've had several e-mails wanting to know if Dr. Merideth would be at this year's conference. And last year she was very gracioous when the hotel's AV team couldn't get her presentation working. Thank God Matt came to the rescue.
The following comes from the publication of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists.
A genetics researcher at the National Institutes of Health, Melissa A. Merideth, MD, MPH, has been selected to receive the 2006 ACOG Issue of the Year award, which addresses "Ethical Issues Unique to Genetic Testing."
Dr. Merideth finished her ob/gyn residency in 2001, and after practicing in Arizona for two years, headed to the NIH in 2003. She is a fellow in clinical genetics and clinical biochemical genetics at the National Human Genome Research Institute and an ob/gyn in the Intramural Office of Rare Diseases at NIH.
"Ob/gyns have an increasing opportunity to offer genetic testing to their patients," Dr. Merideth said. "But as technology leads to increased implementation of genomic information into everyday practice, it is important to address the ethical, legal, and social implications that arise. I would like to bridge that gap between ob/gyn and genetics, facilitating the incorporation of genetics into ob/gyn practice."
Ethical considerations surface in every aspect of genetic testing. Issues include informed consent, confidentiality, and fear of discrimination from insurance companies and employers, Dr. Merideth said.
As recipient of the Issue of the Year award, Dr. Merideth is required to develop a thoroughly researched and referenced background paper of 50-100 pages. She plans to provide a detailed review of the scope of the issues through research and explore patient and provider perceptions through surveys, focus groups, and information from patient advocacy groups.
Dr. Merideth hopes that her paper will lead to a strategic plan to educate ob/gyns about genetic testing and genomic medicine in general, as well as the complex ethical issues providers need to consider.
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