Jnetics was delighted to hold an informal evening with Dr Adele Schneider, Medical Director of the Victor Center for Jewish Genetic Diseases (Philadelphia) discussing her experiences in establishing the centre and running outreach programmes in America.
The meeting, held in London on January 5th, was attended by a number of Jewish medical professionals and patient group representatives. Adele’s thought-provoking talk generated a lively discussion across a range of key issues – screening, education and government/community/individual responsibilities.
Although it became clear that differences in approach exist between the USA and the UK, some similarities were also identified in terms of the challenges both countries face in community education. Adele also highlighted some effective outreach methods that could be transferable to education and screening in the UK context.
We look forward to an ongoing dialogue both with Adele and key stakeholders and supporters in the UK as we develop our programme of outreach work through 2011.