This episode features Dr. Wes Walker, Director of Genomics & Personalized Health at AdventHealth. Here, he discusses his background, how he is using data strategy in research, barriers he’s seeing in genomics, and more.
Summary
AdventHealth's Director of Genomics Discusses Data Strategy in Healthcare Research
Background of Dr. Wes Walker
Dr. Wes Walker is the Director of Genomics & Personalized Health at AdventHealth. With his extensive experience in healthcare research and a passion for improving healthcare delivery, Dr. Walker is leading a team of experts in genomics and personalized health to drive innovation in the healthcare industry.
AdventHealth's Investment in Genomics
AdventHealth has been investing in the Genomics and Personalized Health program due to the confluence of advances in sequencing technology, computing power and data science capabilities, and scientific understanding of the molecular mechanisms of disease. To accelerate the deployment of the program, they have partnered with testing companies, data platform companies, analytics and software companies, and have focused on granular ROI of individual use cases. Finally, senior executive sponsorship is essential for convening and budgeting.
Genomics and Precision Health as the Future of Healthcare
Dr. Walker describes his experience with genomics and precision health as a part of the future of healthcare. He started to look at this about four years ago when he saw the applications of rapid whole genome sequencing for critically ill babies, as well as the investment from biopharma in these types of therapies. He notes that there is a shortage of genetics-trained personnel and that education, legislative and policy engagement, and reimbursement are all important factors to consider when developing a program like this. He is most excited about population genomics, rare disease, women's health, neuroscience, and neurodegenerative diseases, autoimmune and immune-mediated diseases, and cardiac conditions.
Barriers in Genomics
Despite the progress made in the field, Dr. Walker acknowledges the barriers that still exist in genomics. Among these is the shortage of genetics-trained personnel and the need for continued education, policy changes, and reimbursement. Nevertheless, he remains optimistic that these barriers can be overcome through collaborations and partnerships with industry stakeholders.
Note: This is an AI generated transcript, not edited by a staff writer and is solely intended for educational purposes. If you have any questions/concerns, reach out to podcasts@beckershealthcare.com
This episode aired on 04/08/2023 and can be listened here.
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