Society of Physician Assistants in Genetics and Genomics PA and Genetic News

SPAGG Attends CGAPP 2025

Wesley Patterson — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 17:27:46 GMT

This week, members of SPAGG, along with other genetics APPs, attended the Clinical Genetics Advanced Practice Provider Conference in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

FREE SPAGG Dues for 2025

Wesley Patterson — Mon, 03 Feb 2025 13:15:24 GMT

SPAGG has been fortunate to receive grant funding as part of an initiative with the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) and the National Coordinating Center for the Regional Genetics Networks (NCC) to increase SPAGG membership. For the fiscal year 2025 (January 1 – December 31, 2025), we can offer FREE membership to all PAs and PA students interested in joining SPAGG.

SPAGG Attends CGAPP 2024

Wesley Patterson — Fri, 20 Sep 2024 17:55:05 GMT

This week, members of SPAGG, along with other genetics APPs, attended the Clinical Genetics Advanced Practice Provider Conference in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

AAPA 2024 - Genetics/Genomics Content

Wesley Patterson — Sat, 18 May 2024 22:07:29 GMT

Attending AAPA 2024? Well it is full of genetics/genomics content! Please see the list below and join the lectures to learn as much as you can about this rapidly changing field.

What PAs Should Know About the Genetics of Autism

Monday, May 20 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Location: George R. Brown Convention Center, Level 3, 371

Pharmacogenetics Cases: Prescribing Opioids & Antidepressants

Wednesday, May 22 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Location: George R. Brown Convention Center, Level 3, 340

Implementing Genetics/ Genomic Medicine into Clinical Practice

Wednesday, May 22 • 9:15 AM - 10:15 AM

Location: George R. Brown Convention Center, Level 3, 340

Implementing Pharmacogenetic-guided Prescribing: Focus on Cardiology

Wednesday, May 22 • 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Location: George R. Brown Convention Center, Level 3, 340

What PAs Need to Know about Genetic and Genomic Testing

Wednesday, May 22 • 11:45 AM - 12:45 PM

Location: George R. Brown Convention Center, Level 3, 340

Sanofi US Medical is also having a Sponsor Industry Session (pre-registration required):

Hidden in Plain Sight: Recognizing Manageable Genetic Conditions

Tuesday, May 21, 2024 • 4:45 PM - 5:45 PM

Marriott Marquis Houston 1777 Walker Street Houston, TX 77010

Location: River Oaks A-C, 3rd Floor

SPAGG Attends WORLD Symposium 2024

Wesley Patterson — Thu, 08 Feb 2024 12:57:09 GMT

This week, members of SPAGG, along with other genetics APPs, attended WORLDSymposium 2024 in San Diego, CA!

FREE SPAGG Dues for 2024

Wesley Patterson — Thu, 25 Jan 2024 16:36:31 GMT

SPAGG has been fortunate to receive grant funding as part of an initiative with the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) and the National Coordinating Center for the Regional Genetics Networks (NCC) to increase SPAGG membership. For the fiscal year 2024 (January 1 – December 31, 2024), we can offer FREE membership to all PAs and PA students interested in joining SPAGG.

SPAGG Attends AAPA 2023

Wesley Patterson — Tue, 23 May 2023 00:30:00 GMT

This week, members of SPAGG attended AAPA 2023! We had our first-ever SPAGG reception and had a blast!! Four members were also part of the genetics track lectures sponsored by an educational grant from the National Coordinating Center for the Regional Genetics Networks (NCC) and the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG). We appreciate the support. See you in Houston for AAPA 2024.

FREE SPAGG Dues for 2023

Wesley Patterson — Fri, 20 Jan 2023 21:15:20 GMT

SPAGG has been fortunate to receive grant funding as part of an initiative with the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) and the National Coordinating Center for the Regional Genetics Networks (NCC) to increase SPAGG membership. For the fiscal year 2023 (January 1 – December 31, 2023), we can offer FREE membership to all PAs interested in joining SPAGG. SPAGG will be part of a workforce assessment aimed at genetics PAs in the next few weeks.

SPAGG Attends CGAPP 2022

Wesley Patterson — Thu, 15 Sep 2022 22:47:53 GMT

This week, members of SPAGG attended the third annual Clinical Genetics Advanced Practice Provider (CGAPP) Conference in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Pictured below (left to right): Carol Trana PA-C, Laura Buch PA-C, Wesley Patterson PA-C, Brittany Hoyle PA-C, and Jennifer Stengrevics PA-C. This year, 40 APPs from 18 states attended! It was an amazing conference, and we would encourage any genetics APP to attend!!

Top 10 Things PAs Should Know About Genetics

Wesley Patterson — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 22:38:59 GMT

Learning more about patients’ genetic conditions, family histories, and dysmorphic features can help PAs know when to refer patients to genetics providers. Check out the American Academy of Physician Associates' "Top 10" list developed by two genetics PAs!

Check out the article on the AAPA's News Central here!

SPAGG Attends AAPA

Wesley Patterson — Sat, 21 May 2022 18:30:00 GMT

Today, SPAGG members participated in the Student Symposium: Genetics and Precision Medicine in PA Practice on behalf of the PA Foundation and All of Us Research Program. They had a good turn out and a lot of student interest! Pictured below are SPAGG President - Nguyen Park, PA-C (right), SPAGG Treasurer - Wesley Patterson, PA-C (middle), and Program Analyst at NIH - JoAnn Smith, MPH (left).

A Day in the Life of a PA in Genetics

Wesley Patterson — Sun, 27 Mar 2022 17:30:00 GMT

Did you know there are only 18 PAs working in genetics?!

The link below is an article published by AAPA explaining Wesley Patterson's journey in becoming a Genetics PA and what PAs do in the field of medical genetics.

Read the full AAPA article here!

SPAGG Attends ACMG 2022

Wesley Patterson — Fri, 25 Mar 2022 12:30:00 GMT

This week some members of SPAGG attended the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) Annual Clinical Genetics Meeting in Nashville, TN. Pictured below are SPAGG members Wesley Patterson PA-C (left) and Nguyen Park, PA-C (right) who attended the conference. It was a great conference, and they would encourage any PA to attend!!

Two Genetics PAs Use Genetics and Precision Medicine to Provide Answers and Develop Plans for Patients

Wesley Patterson — Wed, 22 Dec 2021 23:30:00 GMT

An article published by AAPA showcasing two Genetics PAs (and SPAGG members)!

At the Greenwood Genetic Center (GGC) in South Carolina, PAs Wesley Patterson and Laura Buch find great reward in helping patients who have unexplained symptoms and providing treatment plans so they can live full lives.

Read the full AAPA article here.

NCCPA Announces Permanent Alternative to PANRE, PANRE-LA

Wesley Patterson — Sun, 05 Dec 2021 13:35:20 GMT

NCCPA has announced that beginning in 2023, PAs will have two options for their recertification assessment. The traditional PANRE that is administered at Pearson VUE test centers will remain as one option, and NCCPA will also launch an official alternative longitudinal, take-at-home process.

Please see the full article on the NCCPA website here.

AAPA House of Delegates Votes to Change Profession Title to Physician Associate

Wesley Patterson — Mon, 24 May 2021 18:30:00 GMT

Officially from the AAPA:

The AAPA House of Delegates (HOD) today passed a resolution affirming “physician associate” as the official title for the PA profession by a majority vote of 198 to 68. The vote followed several hours of deliberation by HOD members and several years of study by an international marketing and communications firm.

The AAPA Board of Directors will now begin discussions to implement the HOD policy. As the Board moves forward with implementation, each constituent organization will conduct its own deliberations about a title change to physician associate. It is inappropriate for PAs to hold themselves out as “physician associates” at this time until legislative and regulatory changes are made to incorporate the new title.

AAPA will work to provide the same excellent member services and the robust work that is so essential to support the growth and advancement of the PA profession. The organization will continue to empower our members to advance their careers and ultimately enhance patient health.

For questions about title change, contact TCIinfo@aapa.org.

Happy Medical Genetics Awareness Week; Day 4/4

Wesley Patterson — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 13:05:43 GMT

Happy Medical Genetics Awareness Week! The goal of this week is to raise awareness of the invaluable contributions that medical genetics healthcare professionals make in the diagnosis, management and prevention of genetic diseases! Each day we will feature an amazing PA who works in the field of medical genetics!

Day 4/4: Meet Candace Muss, PA-C. Candace is a genetics PA at Nemours Dupont Pediatrics Hospital for Children.

Why genetics?

Genetics has always drawn my interest. It is a field that is always evolving in testing technology and our understanding of genetic interactions and consequences. This forces one to continue to learn new information, and I feel this is an exciting challenge.

What does your typical day entail?

No two days are the same. I work in a general genetics pediatric clinic as well as part of the research team in the skeletal dysplasia clinic. I have clinic visits, inpatient consults, and research families that are spaced out throughout the week. I have the support of a number of medical geneticists for whom I can turn for questions and our team reviews all patients seen by our department as a group on a weekly basis. However, on a day to day, I work solo in both clinic and during research appointments. Inpatient consultations require varying degrees of teamwork. My days are typically full of the same things that take up a GC and geneticist’s time: clinic appointments, patient calls, provider calls, and paperwork.

What is your favorite part of being a genetics PA?

Honestly, my favorite thing about being a PA in genetics is the families. In genetics, I get the luxury of spending time getting to know families and seeing them grow over the years. While the mystery of finding a genetic diagnosis is always exciting, it is truly the families that keep me going through the rough days.

Happy Medical Genetics Awareness Week; Day 3/4

Wesley Patterson — Thu, 15 Apr 2021 13:46:03 GMT

Day 3/4: Meet Melanie Rasnic, PA-C. Melanie is a genetics PA at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Health System in the Department of Human and Molecular Genetics.

Why genetics?

I started my career here in September 2019, and I am the first PA in this particular specialty at VCU so this has been a great opportunity to collaborate with the geneticists and genetic counselors on carving out my role and responsibilities. I chose medical genetics for a number of reasons, one being this is a topic that has always interested me, especially after finishing my pre-reqs for PA school which included courses in General Genetics, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, and Pharmacology among others that touched on the topic. I have close friends who live with genetic disorders such as Marfan syndrome and others who have lost children to conditions such as MCADD and Apert Syndrome.

What does your typical day entail?

I work Monday-Friday, seeing patients 3-4 days a week at two outpatient clinics. Most days I see 2-4 patients (new and follow-up), and I see both adults and children. The patient populations I see the most are children with autism spectrum disorder and/or significant delays, connective tissue evaluations, and follow-up on patients with an established diagnosis of Trisomy 21.

What is your favorite thing about being a genetics PA?

My favorite part of being a Genetics PA is being a member of a brilliant team that works tirelessly to advocate for our patients, whether that is for additional therapies, specialist referrals, genetic testing, resources for support, and everything that has to happen behind the scenes to pull that off; all with a view to providing answers and management to the best of our abilities. I am so proud to have the opportunity to be a part of this department and this health system, and look forward to the exciting advancements in the field that will enable us to provide even more help and support to our patients.

Happy Medical Genetics Awareness Week; Day 2/4

Wesley Patterson — Wed, 14 Apr 2021 14:05:28 GMT

Day 2/4: Meet Khareem Burkli, PA-C. Khareem is a genetics PA at Baptist Health of South Florida.

Why genetics?

I had an amazing Radiation Oncologist Attending who was passionate about breast cancer and its association with hereditary predisposition cancer syndromes. He introduced me to the field of cancer genetics. When he announced his retirement, it just happened that the Division of Clinical Genetics at the Miami Cancer Institute was being restructured, and there was an opportunity for me to transfer there and become a part of the world of Genetics. It was the best decision of my life. I absolutely love it!

I feel like I am acting as a private investigator who is trying to find a missing piece of a puzzle. I enjoy looking for answers to questions such as: Why do certain people develop cancer? How can we help them and their families to prevent cancer, or if it occurs, catch it at an early stage? Also, I love being part of a multicultural team with different backgrounds. In addition, I very much enjoy the Miami Cancer Institute’s multidisciplinary approach to fighting cancer.

Once I transferred to Clinical Genetics, I had the opportunity of being trained by the geneticist, genetic counselors, and the nurse educator. In addition, I recently completed my training at City of Hope where I obtained my certification in Cancer Risk Assessment.

What does your typical day entail?

My role is constantly changing and evolving as I am becoming more proficient in cancer risk assessment. I see patients with the geneticist and/or genetic counselors and assist with risk assessment. The geneticist has a very full schedule. To see a greater number of patients, the plans are for me to soon start my own clinic.

What is your favorite thing about being a genetics PA?

I get a chance to interact with a multidisciplinary team, and keep learning all the time, but, most importantly, I feel that I can help patients by recommending treatments and risk-reducing procedures based on standardized clinical guidelines.

Happy Medical Genetics Awareness Week; Day 1/4

Wesley Patterson — Tue, 13 Apr 2021 13:43:40 GMT

Day 1/4: Meet Margie Glissmeyer, PA-C! Margie is a genetics PA at Seattle Children’s Hospital.

Why genetics?

I originally came to the world of genetics through my previous role in Surgical Oncology. I completed the City of Hope Intensive Course in 2016 to add access to genetic testing for our cancer patients. As my practice in cancer genetics grew, I fell in love with the field. I enjoyed genetics so much that I transitioned out of surgery and ultimately landed in Pediatric Genetics at Seattle Children’s Hospital. Being new to Pediatric Genetics has been a steep learning curve that I am enjoying every day!

What does your typical day entail?

I work in outpatient general pediatric genetics as part of a large regional group. I see clinic patients several days a week. My patients have a range of conditions from multiple patients with developmental delays or autism to extremely rare genetic conditions. In clinic, my day involves working with a paired genetic counselor who sees our patients first. I then complete the history and physical exam then we regroup and come up with a testing plan. Outside of clinic, my days are filled with follow-up including interpretation of test results and coordination with other specialties. I also participate in case conferences and have the opportunity to participate in educational activities with leading experts at the University of Washington weekly.

What is your favorite part of being a genetics PA?

My favorite part of genetics is that it involves developing strong relationships with patients and their families that can lead to real changes in their management and provide answers to difficult questions. I also love that it is a fast changing field with new discoveries and advancements. It’s an exciting time to be working in genetics!

PAs Say Genetics and Genomics Key to Patient Diagnosis and Treatment

Wesley Patterson — Fri, 05 Mar 2021 23:46:55 GMT

Precision medicine is an emerging approach to disease treatment and prevention that considers differences in people’s lifestyles, environments, and biological makeup, including genes.

In a recent AAPA article, Debra Ryan, MS, PA-C, and DeShana Collett, PhD, PA-C discuss precision medicine and how it can be utilized in patient care.

Without incorporating genomic data into care and treatment of patients, educator DeShana Collett, PhD, PA-C, says, “We’re not making true informed decisions. We’re basing our decisions and our treatment on race, ethnicity-based calculators or algorithms which can be detrimental. It can actually increase the risk of having health disparities.”

The full article can be found on the AAPA website here!

PAs Getting More Involved in Genetics

Wesley Patterson — Thu, 01 Oct 2020 00:47:42 GMT

PA Nguyen Park is a passionate advocate for PAs to become involved in genomic medicine. Park, the founder and president of the Society of PAs in Genetics and Genomics and AAPA’s representative to the NIH/NHGRI’s Inter-Society Coordinating Committee for Practitioner Education in Genomics, recognizes the value of this growing field of medicine. “By working in genetics, PAs can make a huge difference for their patients by providing the high-quality care we’re known for and by increasing access to care,” says Park, who graduated from the PA program at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, in 2003.

The full article can be found on the PA Foundation Website here!

Pictured: Nguyen Park, PA-C, SPAGG President

Happy Medical Genetics Awareness Week; Day 5/5

Wesley Patterson — Sat, 21 Mar 2020 17:51:00 GMT

Day 5/5: Meet Laura Gardner, PA-C! Laura is a PA at the Greenwood Genetic Center. She is the Metabolic Advanced Practice Provider Fellow.

Why genetics?

In all honesty, genetics chose me. As a PA, I knew I wanted to have an ongoing and meaningful relationship with my patients, and I wanted to work with a team of compassionate, friendly, motivated, and intellectually-curious healthcare professionals. I found all of this and more at the Greenwood Genetic Center in Greenville, SC. I knew this was the field for me when I applied to a fellowship for advanced practice providers, knowing admittedly very little about the field of genetics. I walked in the door of GGC and was greeted by a community—a community of individuals who truly care and go above and beyond for their patients, and a community who educates and fosters learning in a way unparalleled in the medical community at large. I knew then that the field of genetics was going to give me what I dreamed of, and I was going to be able to give that energy back to my patients tenfold.

What does your typical day entail?

Depending on whether I am working in general genetics clinic, metabolic/biochemical genetics clinic, or with our Lysosomal Storage Disorders (LSD) population that day, I may see 1-5 patients. Visits with my patients in the LSD community are detailed and lengthy, and can sometimes take several hours! Following up with our patients in the Metabolic Clinic requires a lot of behind the scenes work, especially when it comes to tracking infusions, working with insurance companies to get medications approved, and researching the most up-to-date guidelines for the best possible management and care of my patients. There can be emergent situations too, so my schedule remains fairly flexible to allow for such unforeseen circumstances.

When I am not seeing patients, I am following up on genetic testing, counseling families on results, and keeping track of orders, labs, and infusion records. I spend a lot of time preparing for my visits with patients on the front end too, ensuring that I am informed of the most recent research, data, and therapies available for my patients. As I see patients with very rare genetic disorders, sometimes that means collaborating with the most knowledgeable specialists in the field and creating individualized plans for a patient from scratch. I am extremely grateful to my patients on a daily basis for the hope, exuberance, and joy they bring to my life and to the lives of those around them.

What’s your favorite part of being a Genetics PA?

I think it is obvious that the best thing about working in the field of genetics is the patients I have the honor of meeting and treating. There is nothing like working with a patient to help end the diagnostic odyssey, catching a disease trait early and providing counseling for a growing family, or finding out that there is a new treatment, clinical trial, or genetic test available to a patient that was not available the year before. The rapid pace at which this field is developing is certainly another draw. We are seeing new clinical trials, therapies, and technologies come to light on a near-daily basis, and this is exciting and invigorating to me. I like to be challenged in my work, and have found that genetics is the perfect field for ongoing education, professional development, and personal growth. Having all that, on top of working with some of the best and brightest caregivers in the world, makes this profession the most fulfilling and meaningful I could imagine.

Happy Medical Genetics Awareness Week; Day 4/5

Wesley Patterson — Fri, 20 Mar 2020 17:15:02 GMT

Day 4/5: Meet Brittany Hoyle, PA-C! Brittany is a PA in the genetics department at the Medical College of Wisconsin.

Why genetics?

I am a biologist at heart and had always enjoyed the topic of genetics while in school. I had the privilege of rotating through genetics while in PA school, where I fell in love with the field. Genetics particularly appealed to me as it had the fun mystery solving aspect, while it also provided the opportunity to develop relationships with and follow patients over long periods of time and help them at different times in their life. So after graduation I jumped at the opportunity to move to a new state to accept a job in genetics. As a new PA in the field, there is definitely a steep learning curve, but this is a field that will always stimulate my curiosity and ask more questions than answers, and so I know I will always be a continual student while working in this field.

What does your typical day entail?

I work in an outpatient pediatric genetics clinic, seeing patients in clinic 3-4 days per week. I work in a general genetics, metabolic, and rasopathy clinic. In general clinic we see children with developmental delays, autism, or epilepsy to name a few common conditions. A typical work-up involves detailed review of systems, review of past specialist visits, family history, developmental history, and a physical which includes a dysmorphology examination. In metabolic clinic we see patients with inborn errors of metabolism such as phenylketonuria or fatty acid oxidation disorders. Metabolic clinic can be different, because it involves more treatment and detailed management of the disease. Finally, in rasopathy clinic we see patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 and related disorders, Noonan syndrome, or Tuberous Sclerosis. This clinic involves evaluating patients for a diagnosis or following patients long-term to ensure they are receiving all the guideline evaluations. The days I am not in clinic, I am prepping for future patients, going over results of past patients, or managing imaging and prescription orders.

What’s your favorite part of being a Genetics PA?

Genetics is an exciting and fast-growing field to be in. Each year with advancements in technology, we are adding to the depth and accuracy of our genetic testing. Families come to us after years of trying to find answers, and it can be really satisfying to help them come to a diagnosis. Getting to be a part of clinical and research trials is exhilarating, because I can contribute to this fast-evolving field. I think it is particularly exciting to be an advanced practice provider in this field as I see the potential for lots of growth.

Happy Medical Genetics Awareness Week; Day 3/5

Wesley Patterson — Thu, 19 Mar 2020 21:37:02 GMT

Day 3/5: Meet Ashley Taylor, PA-C! Ashley is a PA at the University of Oklahoma Health Science Center. She works for OU Children’s Physicians in the genetics clinic.

Why genetics?

I chose genetics because it fits well with both my degrees as a dietician and physician assistant. I was able to spend time with our metabolic dietitian Ashley Ethriedge RD/LD during my dietetics training. During my training to become a dietitian, I was accepted into the University of Oklahoma Physician Associate Program. After finishing the Oklahoma State University dietetics program, I quickly transitioned to the University of Oklahoma physician associate program. Following graduation from the OU Physician Associate Program, a job opening was available in the genetics clinic and help was needed in the metabolic clinic. This was a perfect fit that gave me a chance to use my expertise in dietetics and medicine. I was able to develop other interests as well while training in the genetics clinic. I am passionate about helping patients with neurocutaneous conditions including Neurofibromatosis and Tuberous Sclerosis Complex. I enjoy participating in specialty clinics including the neurocutaneous team clinic and cleft team.

What does your typical day entail?

I work Monday through Friday and see patients in clinic 3-4 days a week. I see patients in the outpatient clinic and also help with inpatient consults and call coverage. I work mainly in the pediatric genetics clinic. Although our clinic is located at the Children’s hospital, we see both children and adults. We have a team of providers in our clinic including medical geneticists, genetic counselors, a metabolic dietitian, and a metabolic nurse. I see a wide variety of patients and examples include patients with inborn error of metabolism, neurofibromatosis, autism, developmental delay, and connective tissue disorders. A typical work-up includes obtaining a detailed family history and medical history, conducting a physical examination including a dysmorphology examination, developing a differential diagnosis, and coming up with a treatment plan. The treatment plan often times includes imaging, referrals, and genetic testing.

What is your favorite part of being a Genetics PA?

Patients are like family to me. and I enjoy the relationship that I have with my patients. I strive to help them in any way that I can. I particularly enjoy the metabolic clinic because with the newborn screening program, we have been able to diagnose babies with inborn error of metabolism at birth and start treatment quickly. With early treatment, we have been able to save lives and prevent the complications of these conditions. For example, with early treatment of phenylketonuria, our patients are able to attend college. Before newborn screening, many of these patients are in a wheelchair and unable to communicate. I also enjoy working with our neurocutaneous team. Through my career, different treatment options have become available, such as MEK inhibitors for the treatment of tumors in patients with Neurofibromatosis. These treatments have also saved lives and prevented severe complications of the condition. I am thrilled to work in an advancing field where new treatment options are becoming available and also enjoy participating in clinical trials to help find new treatments for these rare conditions. With the advancement of genetic testing such as whole exome sequencing, we have been able to diagnose patients that desperately want to find an answer. I am excited to see where our field will be in the next 10 years of my career!

Happy Medical Genetics Awareness Week; Day 2/5

Wesley Patterson — Wed, 18 Mar 2020 22:57:19 GMT

Day 2/5: Meet Wesley Patterson, PA-C! Wesley is a PA at the Greenwood Genetic Center (GGC). He is a founding member of SPAGG for which he serves as treasurer and web designer.

Why genetics?

I absolutely love genetics! My interest in genetics started in high school when we started learning the basics of the human cell and DNA. Later while in undergrad, I had a summer internship in the research department at the GGC. From then I was hooked! After graduating from Clemson University, I worked in the molecular laboratory at the GGC for 2 years before going to PA school. While in PA school, I also had a clinical rotation at the GGC, which I loved! Upon graduating from PA school, I worked in family medicine before getting the phone that landed me back at the GGC. I love genetics so much that I am also pursuing a PhD in Healthcare Genetics through Clemson University, and my dissertation work is focusing on educating PAs and PA students in regard to genetics.

What does your typical day entail?

I work the typical Monday through Friday, seeing patients in clinic 3-4 days per week. In a typical day, I see 4-6 patients. I see mostly outpatient with the occasional NICU consult. I work in the general and metabolic clinics. My patient population consists of mostly children with developmental delay, intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, connective tissue disorders, epilepsy, metabolic disorders, and birth defects. With each patient, I obtain a comprehensive medical (prenatal, birth, perinatal, personal) family history and perform a thorough physical exam. I review the genetic testing process, order the appropriate genetic testing, if indicated, and review the results with the patient and family. The days that I do not have clinic are spent interpreting genetic results and going through the literature to determine the significance of the results. I am also working with some PA schools in South Carolina to revamp their genetics curriculum.

What’s your favorite part of being a Genetics PA?

Without a doubt, I would have to say the patients. In medical genetics, we serve a unique and extraordinary population. Being able to help this patient population is truly rewarding. A lot of work and compassion goes in to each of our patient visits in order to evaluate and care for our patients. Medical genetics is like a puzzle. We take the pieces (history, physical exam, etc.) and try to put the pieces together into a puzzle (syndrome). However, this can be challenging as we know that “diseases don’t read textbooks.” Nevertheless, in some cases we are able to end the diagnostic odyssey for a family and give them an answer, thus directing medical management and/or interventions. This is the most amazing feeling in our field. Another aspect of medical genetics that I love is the ever changing and improving technology. As technology improves, the diagnostic yield increases for our patients. The enviable goal is to find answers for all families, and I think with the amazing advancements in this field, we are heading in the right direction!

2020 Medical Genetics Awareness Week; Day 1/5

Wesley Patterson — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 21:12:13 GMT

Day 1/5: Meet Jina Stephen, PA-C

Why genetics?

My interest in genetics goes back to the days in my seventh grade class where we were learning about Punnett squares and mixing pea plants to see what kind of plant would arise from any particular combination. It is so fascinating to me to think that the smallest changes among 3 billion base pairs are what make us different, predispose us to certain conditions, make us more or less responsive to certain therapies, and so much more. The field of genetics is on the forefronts of so many discoveries to aid in prevention and treatment and being utilized to create personalized medicine which I also find so astounding and promising.

What does your typical day entail?

I currently function as a Genetic Counselor Extender for hereditary cancer syndromes to put it in the simplest terms. I recently completed the Intensive Course through the City of Hope and am now a "Trained Clinician in Cancer Risk Assessment". I see patients who have been referred by medical oncologists, breast surgeons, gastroenterologists, gynecologists and primary care specialists due to young cancer diagnoses, particular pathological findings, or concerning family histories. I perform comprehensive histories, draw and evaluate family trees, explain the genetic testing process and order appropriate testing for patients who qualify or are interested in genetic testing. Once the results are back, I meet with patients who test positive for pathogenic mutations to explain the implications of the results to the patient, their family members, and their healthcare providers. Some of the mutations identified help providers make decisions regarding surgical or pharmacologic management or screening modifications. When I am not seeing patients, I attend tumor boards and conferences where I also gather more information regarding my referrals, update patients regarding changes to variant status and am also currently working on implementing a risk assessment program at my institution.

What is your favorite thing about being a genetics PA?

Since I have transitioned in to this role, what I love most is the connections I am getting to develop with individual patients and their family members. In some cases, being able to find an explanation as to why someone may have developed a particular cancer (whether it be the type or the age at which they developed it) or to explain the cancer that has happened in their family provides patients and myself with some satisfaction and gratitude. We often say that in this field, we can save lives without knowing it. The idea comes from the basis that someone who tests positive for a pathogenic mutation provides one with the opportunity to perform screenings that may not have been performed in the general population and thus hopefully prevent cancer or catch it at its earliest stage to ensure the best outcomes. I also love being a part of these oncology teams that comprise of medical oncologists, breast surgeons, community specialists, pharmacists, pathologists, and radiologists to ensure that the patients are receiving the most personalized care we can offer them.

SPAGG Attends the ISCC Meeting

Wesley Patterson — Tue, 03 Mar 2020 19:47:33 GMT

SPAGG was well represented at the 9th Annual Inter-Society Coordinating Committee for Practitioner Education in Genomics In-Person Meeting by SPAGG president, Nguyen Park, PA-C. She also attended Rare Diseases Day at NIH!!

Medicare Makes Major PA-Positive Changes for 2020

Wesley Patterson — Mon, 30 Dec 2019 22:54:38 GMT

PA Supervision Rules Largely Defer to State Law

Representing a significant victory for PAs in the patients they serve, the final 2020 Physician Fee Schedule rule issued by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) changes Medicare supervision requirements for PAs by largely deferring to state law on how PAs practice with physicians in other members of the healthcare team. This change, advocated by AAPA, will take effect on January 1, 2020.

Please click here for the full article on the AAPA website.

SPAGG Attends the CGAPP Conference

Wesley Patterson — Fri, 27 Sep 2019 17:10:17 GMT

This week some members of SPAGG attended the first annual Clinical Genetics Advanced Practice Provider (CGAPP) Conference in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Pictured below (left to right) are the SPAGG members that attended: Sarah Feddersen PA-C, Brittany Hoyle PA-C, Wesley Patterson PA-C, and Alisha Searles PA-C. There were 36 APPs from 19 states that attended! It was an amazing conference, and we would encourage any PA or NP to attend!!

SPAGG Represented at SERGG

Wesley Patterson — Sat, 20 Jul 2019 01:21:48 GMT

SPAGG members Wesley G. Patterson, PA-C (left) and Laura D. Gardner, PA-C (right) attended the Southeastern Regional Genetics Group Meeting from Wednesday, July 18 to Saturday, July 20 in Asheville, North Carolina. Patterson presented a poster about PAs practicing in genetics.

GGC Teaming with Sanofi Genzyme for PAs

Wesley Patterson — Mon, 15 Jul 2019 21:38:00 GMT

In April 2019, the Greenwood Genetic Center (GGC) welcomed its second PA in the Greenville office, Laura Gardner, MSPAS, PA-C. Gardner, who is a member of SPAGG, is in the Metabolic Advanced Practice Provider (MAPP) Fellowship, funded by Sanofi Genzyme.

The MAPP Fellowship is a 24 month training program designed to prepare a PA or nurse practitioner in the diagnosis and medical management of individuals with lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs). LSDs are a group of about 50 rare disorders characterized by the accumulation of waste products in the lysosomes of the cells in the body. When asked about the MAPP Fellowship, Gardner responded, “I am thrilled to have been selected to be a part of such a unique and exciting opportunity. Getting to work in the field of genetics, specifically with patients with such rare disorders, is a true honor, and I am grateful to Sanofi Genzyme and the GGC in facilitating my training.” Gardner is being mentored by Dr. Curtis Rogers in GGC’s Greenville office, where the majority of LSD patients are followed. Gardner notes that she is “looking forward to the future of this field, the future of rare diseases, and the future of PAs in genetics.”

The GGC’s Division of Education has also received an $82,000 grant from Sanofi Genzyme to expand PA education in genetics, especially as it relates to LSDs. With this grant, the GGC is leading efforts to provide lectures for PA students and create reference material specifically for PAs. The LSD Fact Sheets created through the Sanofi Genzyme grant can be found here on our website. The GGC is also working on developing materials for the website of the American Academy of Physician Assistants where there are currently no genetics resources.

More information can be found on page 7 of the GGC’s Summer News Letter.

AAPA’s HOD passed a resolution to investigate the feasibility of changing the legal title of the PA profession

Wesley Patterson — Wed, 22 May 2019 21:30:00 GMT

Ninety percent of PA respondents report a disconnect between their official title (physician assistant) and their role in healthcare, according to new research presented today to the House of Delegates (HOD) of the American Academy of PAs (AAPA) by WPP, the agency selected to lead the independent Title Change Investigation. Overall research findings strongly suggest that exploration of an alternative professional title for PAs should be pursued. For more information, please click here for the full article by the AAPA.

Dr. Roger Stevenson Recognized by the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) Foundation

Wesley Patterson — Wed, 03 Apr 2019 16:15:00 GMT

SPAGG Treasurer, Wesley Patterson PA-C, is attending the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics Meeting in Seattle, WA. He wanted to share that his supervising physician, mentor, and SPAGG enthusiast, Dr. Roger Stevenson, received the David L. Rimoin Lifetime Achievement Award! This is the highest honor that the ACMG bestows. When asked about Dr. Stevenson, Wesley said, "It is a true honor and pleasure to work with a world class geneticist and human being. He is an inspiration and is the gold standard that all genetic providers should strive to be." For more details, please click here.

Pictured: Dr. Roger Stevenson (right) and SPAGG Treasurer, Wesley Patterson PA-C (left)

AAPA Leadership and Advocacy Summit

Wesley Patterson — Sat, 16 Mar 2019 16:15:00 GMT

SPAGG had strong representation at the AAPA Leadership and Advocacy Summit from March 14-16, 2019 in Alexandria, VA. SPAGG president, Nguyen Roche, attended and represented SPAGG. A lot of people are interested in SPAGG and what we can accomplish! It is a very exciting time for our organization!

Pictured: (right) AAPA President, Jonathan Sobel PA-C, and (left) SPAGG President, Nguyen Roche PA-C.

Senate Legislation to Authorize Direct Pay to PAs Under Medicare Introduced

Wesley Patterson — Fri, 01 Mar 2019 23:00:00 GMT

The American Academy of PAs (AAPA), the professional organization representing more than 131,000 PAs across the country, applauds U.S. Senators John Barrasso (R-WY) and Tom Carper (D-DE), for introducing S. 596, the Physician Assistant Direct Payment Act, authorizing PAs to receive direct payment under Medicare.

Currently, PAs are the only health professionals who are authorized to bill Medicare for their services but are not able to receive direct payment. Medicare permits all health professionals—physicians, advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), physical therapists, psychologists, podiatrists, social workers, and others—to receive direct payment under their own name and National Provider Identifier number.

When PAs cannot be paid directly by Medicare, they are unable to reassign their payments in a manner similar to physicians and APRNs. The inability to be paid directly further hinders PAs from fully participating in the increasing number of innovative value-based payment arrangements and emerging models of healthcare delivery.

Click here to read the full article on the AAPA website.

Expert Research and Branding Firm Selected to Conduct PA Title Change Investigation

Wesley Patterson — Sun, 11 Nov 2018 18:00:00 GMT

AAPA is announced the selection of WPP, a world-renowned research, branding, and communications company, as the firm that will conduct the PA Title Change Investigation. The firm’s unparalleled expertise in research and branding will be an invaluable asset to this independent, comprehensive investigation. Members of their team will be able to access as a resource an Advisory Council of PAs, which is composed of PAs with differing clinical specialties and from a range of geographic areas. Click here to read the full article on the AAPA website.

AAPA and NCCPA Partner to Raise Public Awareness of PA Profession

Wesley Patterson — Tue, 09 Oct 2018 12:06:18 GMT

The American Academy of PAs (AAPA) and the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) have partnered to raise public awareness of the PA profession by funding a nationwide advertising campaign. NCCPA has contributed $500,000 to this joint effort, matching funding approved by AAPA’s Board of Directors.

Click here for a link to the AAPA website or here for a link to the NCCPA website for the full article. This article was written by the AAPA and NCCPA.

PA Title Change Investigation Advances with Selection of Advisory Council Members

Wesley Patterson — Wed, 19 Sep 2018 22:30:00 GMT

AAPA’s president and chair of the Board of Directors, Jonathan E. Sober, DMSc, MBA, PA-C, DFAAPA, FAPACVS, has selected 12 PAs to serve on the Title Change Investigation (TCI) Advisory Council. Members represent a broad range of clinical specialties from different geographic areas, and include individuals from PAEA, ARC-PA, and NCCPA. Click here for the full article on the AAPA website.