RCGP publishes genomics podcasts and webinars

The Royal College’s series raises awareness of the increased use of genomic information in healthcare and the issues facing primary care professionals

The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) has published a new series of webinars and podcasts covering genomics in primary care.

With increasing access to genomic testing through clinical care, research projects and direct-to-consumer testing, growing numbers of patients are presenting to primary care professionals with questions about genomics.

These webinars and podcasts, led by joint clinical champions for genomics Dr Jude Hayward and Dr Imran Rafi, have been developed to give primary care professionals an introduction to genomics, including some of the terminology, applications and ethical, social and legal considerations relevant to primary care.

Webinar series

The webinar series covers four key areas and each is presented by a GP with an interest in genomics.

Genomics Webinar Part 1: Familial cancer

Genomics Webinar Part 2: Rare disease

Genomics Webinar Part 3: Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT)

Genomics Webinar Part 4: Ethical issues

Podcast series

The podcast series starts with an introduction from RCGP chair Professor Helen Stokes-Lampard on the potential of genomics to bring benefits to patients in primary care. The subsequent recordings feature discussions between Dr Hayward and Dr Rafi on a range of topics.

Podcast 1: An introduction to genomics in primary care from Helen Stokes-Lampard

Podcast 2: An introduction to genomics basic terminology and the potential for primary care involvement

Podcast 3: Potential impact of applications of genomic medicine in primary care citing the importance of family history and conditions seen though secondary care specialties

Podcast 4: Considerations around the ethical, social and legal implications of genomics in primary care. Discussion around direct consumer testing and pharmacogenomics

This RCGP series has been produced with funding from Health Education England’s Genomics Education Programme and in partnership with key stakeholders from Genomics England, NHS England and other professional bodies. It aims to support the primary care workforce of today and the future to respond to the fast-paced developments in genomics.

For more information about the role of the RCGP in genomic medicine, please visit the RCGP website.