James Lu, MD, PhD Joins ACMG Foundation's Board of Directors to Advance Genetic Medicine

James Lu, MD, PhD Joins the ACMG Foundation Board of Directors

In a significant development for the realm of genetics and genomics in medicine, Dr. James Lu has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the ACMG Foundation for Genetic and Genomic Medicine (ACMGF), effective March 1, 2025. This esteemed nonprofit organization aims to promote the integration of genetic and genomic practices into everyday medical environments.

Dr. Lu is not just another addition to the board; he is the co-founder and CEO of Helix, a company that specializes in providing precision health solutions through genomic insight. His expertise in the precision health arena brings a much-needed perspective to the board, as articulated by Nancy J. Mendelsohn, MD, FACMG, President of the ACMG Foundation. She emphasized the foundation’s eagerness to leverage Dr. Lu's experience to enhance funding and amplify the foundation's reach, supporting the mission of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG).

Following the announcement, Dr. Lu expressed his excitement regarding this new role. He shared, "I am honored to join the ACMG Foundation Board and support its vital work in advancing the practice of medical genetics. At Helix, we've seen firsthand how large-scale genomic initiatives can transform patient care and population health." This aligns perfectly with the foundation’s objective of bridging the gap between scientific discovery and clinical application, making genomic medicine more accessible to patients.

Dr. Lu's academic credentials are impressive. He holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Stanford University, in addition to an MD and PhD in Computational Biology from Baylor College of Medicine. His rich educational background and leadership experience within the industry position him as a valuable asset to the ACMG Foundation.

The ACMG Foundation for Genetic and Genomic Medicine, founded in 1992, serves as a beacon for those passionate about the potential of genomics in healthcare. This nonprofit focuses on raising awareness about medical genetics and promoting the training of future geneticists and counselors. With Dr. Lu's inclusion, the board is better equipped to tackle the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in this rapidly evolving field.

In one of his closing remarks, Dr. Lu highlighted the essential goal of making genomic medicine broadly beneficial. "I look forward to supporting ACMG as it works toward expanding the reach of genomic medicine, bridging the gap between discovery and clinical adoption, and ensuring more patients benefit from the power of genetic insights," he said.

With Dr. Lu’s innovative mind and the ACMG Foundation’s commitment to genetics, the future appears bright for the continued integration of genomic advancements into healthcare. As this new chapter unfolds, stakeholders in the field eagerly anticipate the impact of these developments on patient care and public health outcomes.

For those intrigued by the work being done by the ACMG Foundation, further information and a complete list of board members can be found on their official website: ACMG Foundation.

In summary, as Dr. Lu steps into this pivotal role, he not only represents a wealth of knowledge and experience but also signifies a promising future for genetic medicine, ensuring that groundbreaking discoveries translate into tangible benefits for patients everywhere.