“Partners in Progress: Families and Scientists Catalyze Research for Rare Diseases”

On Nov. 15, 2017, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital hosted a panel discussion as part of theEvenings with Genetics seminar series held at the Children’s Museum of Houston. The topic was “Partners in Progress: Families and Scientists Catalyze Research for Rare Diseases” and panelists traveled from both coasts and the center of the country. Panelists included Jill Chertow Franks, Presidente, Fundação Acidemia propiônico; Cynthia Le Mons, Executive Director of the National Urea Cycle Disorder Foundation, Tracy Smith Hart, Chief Executive Officer, Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation and Brendan Lee, MD, PhD, Robert and Janice McNair Endowed Chair, Professor, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine. These family/scientist partnerships are a new and exciting development in the research efforts for those impacted by rare diseases.

The audience of almost 80 people consisted of parent leaders, rare disease foundations, medical students, genetic counseling students, pharmaceutical companies and undergraduate biotech majors. Each panelist discussed the partnerships with rare disease organizations and scientists and their strategies for success in obtaining funding for research from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). In addition, panelists shared how they became involved in the rare disease organization and offered advice for other rare disease organizations as well as researchers with regards to working together to submit requests for funding. Dr.. Brendan Lee discussed the positive impact of family/scientist partnerships and that these collaborations highly beneficial for progress in understanding rare disorders and developing effective therapies.

Susan D. Fernbach, RN, BSN

Director of Genetic Outreach

Director of Diversity and Community Engagement

Assistant Professor, Dept. Molecular and Human Genetics

Baylor College of Medicine/Texas Children’s Hospital