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GTAC announces Collaborate: CPD sessions for the specialist genomics workforce

The webinars will enhance interprofessional collaboration among NHS professionals

The Genomics Training Academy (GTAC) is pleased to announce the launch of its newest resource, Collaborate: A Clinical Laboratory Education Initiative. Starting on Wednesday 6 November 2024 at 1pm, Collaborate will bring together the specialist genomics workforce for a webinar regularly to address real clinical challenges. 

Who can participate?

Collaborate is open to NHS genomics professionals, including genetic counsellors, clinical geneticists and Genomic Laboratory Hub staff, at all career stages.

Each session will feature a brief case presentation, followed by a 30-minute look at the specific genomic technology, how the data is analysed and reported, and how the results affect patient management. It will conclude with time for questions and discussion. Collaborate webinars will also be recorded for asynchronous access, allowing participants to revisit the material at their convenience.  

Kick-off sessions

Collaborate is launching with a two-part webinar series. The 6 November session will be about the genomic testing options available for patients with high-grade serous ovarian cancer, including a case study of a patient referred for BRCA1/BRCA2 and homologous recombinationdeficiency (HRD) testing. Expert speakers, listed on the Collaborate page, will provide an overview of their roles in the patient pathway, including the technical workflow, data processing, analysis, reporting and how results directly influence treatment decisions.  

On Wednesday 4 December, session two will look at the significance of the patient’s BRCA1/BRCA2 results from the perspective of the clinical genetics team. Speakers will discuss how complex findings and the concept of reduced penetrance are effectively communicated to the patient and explore additional testing options for the patient and their family members. This will include an overview of the technical workflow and the tools used to interpret and classify complex variants.   

*Update: Details for the next Collaborate session will be announced soon.