The Genomedical Connection is creating and implementing a model system for the practice of genomic medicine in a community healthcare system. The three core activities are: 1.) to educate the community, patients, and healthcare providers about genomic medicine; 2.) to create a tool that collects and analyzes family history information provided by the patient; and 3.) to develop protocols for providers to follow patients who are more likely to get certain diseases. The project is initially focusing on identifying and caring for people who are at risk to develop breast/ovarian cancer, colon cancer, and deep vein thrombosis. Later, other conditions, including heart disease and neurological disorders such as Alzheimer and Parkinson disease, can be added to the model. Funding for The Genomedical Connection comes from the Department of Defense. Currently, the military healthcare system spends $38 billion per year on healthcare. This cost is expected to escalate to $64 billion by 2015. The integration of genomic medicine into the military healthcare system can reduce costs while maintaining high-quality care for military personnel and veterans.

Karen Powell, MS, CGC, is a genetic counselor and project coordinator for The Genomedical Connection. Originally from Michigan, Ms. Powell graduated from the University of Minnesota’s genetic counseling program in 1994 and was certified by the American Board of Genetic Counselors in 1996. She provided genetic counseling services in the prenatal and pediatric settings, as well as in specialty clinics, including Down syndrome, muscular dystrophy, Prader-Willi syndrome, and Huntington disease. Ms. Powell joined The Genomedical Connection, formerly The Guilford Genomic Medicine Initiative (GGMI), in 2004 as the project coordinator. She has helped create an education program for her community about the importance of knowing family health history to improve health outcomes. She served on the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) board from 2001-2003 and co-chaired the NSGC Annual Education Conference in 2007. She is currently a member of the NSGC and its Public Health Special Interest Group, and the American Board of Medical Genetics.