Brynn Levy Elected President of the ACMG Foundation for Genetic Advancements
Dr. Brynn Levy, a distinguished Clinical Laboratory Geneticist with extensive experience in genomic medicine, has been elected as the President of the ACMG Foundation for Genetic and Genomic Medicine, reflecting a significant leadership change aimed at enhancing medical genetics practice and education. The ACMG Foundation plays a crucial role in advancing the educational and public health programs of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) through the support of philanthropic contributions from various sources, including corporations and individual donors.
In his new role, Dr. Levy succeeds Dr. Nancy J. Mendelsohn, who will now take on the position of Past President after successfully completing her term. Dr. Levy holds a key position at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, where he serves as a Professor of Pathology and Cell Biology, alongside his responsibilities as the Medical Director of the Cytogenetics Laboratory and Co-Director of the Laboratory for Personalized Genomic Medicine. His extensive career, spanning over 30 years, has included pioneering the adoption of innovative technologies in the realms of both clinical care and research. Dr. Levy's experience encompasses collaborations with prominent organizations, such as the ACMG, the College of American Pathologists, the Cancer Genomics Consortium, and the International Society for Prenatal Diagnosis. These partnerships have been instrumental in developing national and international guidelines for integrating advanced genomic technologies into daily clinical practice.
In a statement reflecting his commitment to the evolving field of genomic medicine, Dr. Levy emphasized the increasing demand for skilled clinical and laboratory geneticists as these technologies become foundational within modern healthcare systems. "As genomic medicine continues to become a central pillar of healthcare, we are tasked with the critical responsibility of nurturing expert knowledge within our healthcare community. The ACMG is leading this charge, setting evidence-based standards that allow for the smooth integration of these lifesaving tools into clinical settings," he said. "I am grateful and inspired by the strong legacy of the Foundation's former leaders such as David L. Rimoin, R. Rodney Howell, and Bruce Korf, and I am eager to work alongside the motivated ACMGF Board to further our mission of enhancing individual and public health."
Dr. Harry Ostrer has been named President-Elect of the ACMG Foundation. A well-respected figure in the field of Pathology and Pediatrics at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Dr. Ostrer brings an extensive background that includes directing the Human Genetics Program at New York University for over two decades. His commitment to the advancement of genetic understanding and healthcare policy is evident in his impressive accomplishments, including significant research into the genetic causes of both common and rare disorders. Dr. Ostrer's vision for the role involves transforming the Foundation into a leading philanthropic entity focused on addressing the critical needs of the medical genetics community. His ambition includes enhancing workforce development in genetics and establishing precise, evidence-based standards for genomic medicine while highlighting the achievements of pioneers in the field.
Reflecting on the leadership transition, Dr. Mendelsohn expressed complete confidence in Drs. Levy and Ostrer's capabilities. She highlighted their intellect, energy, and clarity as essential qualities for guiding the Foundation's future initiatives. The Interim Chief Executive Officer of the ACMG Foundation, Melissa Forburger, echoed these sentiments, noting that their combined expertise will amplify the philanthropic impact of the Foundation, ensuring the continued progression of genetic and genomic medicine for the benefit of patient care.
Founded in 1991, the ACMG has positioned itself as a leading authority in medical genetics and genomics, dedicated to improving healthcare practices through comprehensive education and advocacy within the medical genetics realm. Through the Foundation, the ACMG aims to accelerate the evolution and ethical application of genetics in healthcare, ultimately enhancing the public health landscape. The official journals of the ACMG, "Genetics in Medicine" and "Genetics in Medicine Open," serve as platforms for disseminating vital research and advancements within the field. The ACMG Foundation’s commitment to promoting health systems through philanthropic means significantly contributes to realizing the potential of genetics in tackling today’s healthcare challenges.