Broad range of genetics topics to be discussed at 2008 Annual Clinical Genetics Meeting, March 12-16

Abstracts now available online at www.acmgmeeting.net

Bethesda, MD – February 29, 2008 --The American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG) will hold its 15th Annual Clinical Genetics Meeting from Wednesday, March 12 through Sunday, March 16, 2008 at the Phoenix Convention Center and the Hyatt Regency in Phoenix, AZ.

Clinical and medical genetics is evolving at a record pace and the 2008 ACMG Annual Clinical Genetics Meeting is an excellent opportunity for the medical and scientific media to learn firsthand about the latest genetics news and what it means for the public and to interact with presenters and attendees from the USA, Canada, and Europe.

The ACMG Annual Clinical Genetics Meeting offers four days of presentations, platform sessions, plenary and poster sessions on the latest clinical developments, research, practice and ethical issues in medical and clinical genetics. A media room with workspace is also available and interviews with presenters can be arranged.

Following are a few highlights of the latest research and program topics to be presented at the meeting. Please note that all research is strictly embargoed until the time of the presentation. Full meeting, abstract and program details are available at www.acmgmeeting.net/

Program Topics include:

• Pharmacogenetics – Matching Medicine to Genetic Makeup

• Public Health and Genetics

• Legal and Ethical Issues in Genetics

• The Genetics of Autism

• Newborn Screening

• Genetics of Cholesterol Disorders

• Genetic Markers and Risk Scores for Complex Common Diseases

• Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis

• Genetics and Specific Diseases Such as Diabetes, Cancer, Fragile X and Cystic Fibrosis

• And many more

For complete daily program details, visit www.acmgmeeting.net.

Approximately 100 companies will also participate as exhibitors showcasing the latest products and services in genetics and many of these representatives will be available for interviews and will be providing press information.

Members of the medical and scientific media interested in attending and interacting with the ‘movers and shakers’ in medical genetics may register on-line for the meeting no later than March 5, 2008 – or on-site at the Phoenix Convention Center (please bring press credentials if registering on-site). To register on-line – go to www.acmgmeeting.net – click on the “Registration” link on the left side of the page and then click “Register Now”. On that page click “Register” to begin the registration process. Select “Press” as the attendee role and when asked for the access code, enter PRSPASS. You will then be able to proceed through the registration process at the complimentary rate. After registering – please provide press credentials via email to acmg-reg@jrdaggett.com or via fax to 703-783-0501.

Note to editors: Phone interviews with study authors and presenters available upon request.

Founded in 1991, the American College of Medical Genetics (www.acmg.net) advances the practice of medical genetics by providing education, resources and a voice for more than 1400 biochemical, clinical, cytogenetic, medical and molecular geneticists, genetic counselors and other health care professionals committed to the practice of medical genetics. ACMG’s activities include the development of laboratory and practice standards and guidelines, advocating for quality genetic services in health care and in public health, and promoting the development of methods to diagnose, treat and prevent genetic disease. Genetics in Medicine, published monthly, is the official ACMG peer-reviewed journal. ACMG’s website (www.acmg.net) offers a variety of resources including Policy Statements, Practice Guidelines, Educational Tools, and a Medical Geneticist Locator. The educational and public health programs of the American College of Medical Genetics are dependent upon charitable gifts from corporations, foundations, and individuals. The American College of Medical Genetics Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to funding the College’s diverse efforts to translate genes into health.