The American College of Medical Genetics Foundation (ACMGF) recently awarded David H. Ledbetter, PhD, FACMG of Emory University the 2008-2009 Luminex/ACMGF Award at the ACMG 2008 Annual Clinical Genetics Meeting in Phoenix, AZ. The award includes a $100,000 grant and is aimed at the promotion of safe and effective genetic testing and services, including the development of research guidelines.
“Medical geneticists play a vital role in translating genetic research into medical services and in ensuring the safe integration of genetics into health care and public health. The Luminex/ACMGF Award recognizes this crucial role of medical geneticists by supporting an individual in undertaking activities that promote the highest levels of safety and effectiveness in genetic testing and genetic services,” said R. Rodney Howell, MD, FACMG, President of the ACMGF.
Dr. Ledbetter is the Robert W. Woodruff Professor of Human Genetics and Director of the Division of Medical Genetics in the Department of Human Genetics at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta. Along with his colleague Dr. Christa Martin of Emory, he is currently leading a consortium of academic cytogenetics laboratories to develop a uniform, evidence-based “Molecular Karyotype” and shared national database to rapidly accumulate data on pathogenic vs. benign deletions and duplications in the human genome.
About the American College of Medical Genetics
Founded in 1991, the American College of Medical Genetics (www.acmg.net) advances the practice of medical genetics by providing education, resources and a voice for more than 1400 biochemical, clinical, cytogenetic, medical and molecular geneticists, genetic counselors and other health care professionals committed to the practice of medical genetics. ACMG’s activities include the development of laboratory and practice standards and guidelines, advocating for quality genetic services in health care and in public health, and promoting the development of methods to diagnose, treat and prevent genetic disease. Genetics in Medicine, published monthly, is the official ACMG peer-reviewed journal. ACMG’s website (www.acmg.net) offers a variety of resources including Policy Statements, Practice Guidelines, Educational Resources, and a Medical Geneticist Locator. The educational and public health programs of the American College of Medical Genetics are dependent upon charitable gifts from corporations, foundations, and individuals. The American College of Medical Genetics Foundation is a 501 (3)(c) not-for-profit organization dedicated to funding the College’s diverse efforts to translate genes into health.
About Luminex Corporation
Luminex Corporation develops, manufactures and markets proprietary biological testing technologies with applications throughout the diagnostic and life sciences industries. The Company's xMAP® technology is sold worldwide and is in use in leading clinical laboratories as well as major pharmaceutical, diagnostic and biotechnology companies. Further information on Luminex Corporation or xMAP can be obtained at www.luminexcorp.com.