National Human Genome Research Institute | National Institutes of Health U.S. Department of Health and Human Services |
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Office of the Clinical Director
At the heart of the OCD mission is the challenge of finding new and better ways to help patients affected by genetic disorders. To that end, the office provides oversight and guidance to NHGRI scientists working to develop better diagnostic methods, innovative therapeutic approaches and improved medical management strategies for genetic disorders. To achieve its goals, the OCD focuses on the following areas:
Another important function of the OCD is assisting NHGRI's Institutional Review Board (IRB) in its task of ensuring the protection of participants in NHGRI clinical protocols or in basic science studies involving human specimens. To promote a spirit of collegiality and help maintain standards of excellence in clinical care, the OCD holds a weekly conference to review the clinical history of each patient participating in NHGRI protocols. Each week, the OCD also hosts a formal Clinical Genetics Conference for the clinical staff, faculty and medical genetics fellows to discuss extraordinary clinical cases or relevant genetics topics. The Clinical Director also conducts weekly walk rounds on in-house patients. As part of its directive, the OCD is responsible for coordinating requests for genetic consults from physicians at the NIH Clinical Center and addressing public inquiries regarding clinical issues. The OCD receives many such requests and refers people to resources such as genetic counselors, support groups, medical experts and patient information centers at the NIH and elsewhere. Clinical DirectorWilliam A. Gahl, M.D., Ph.D. Deputy Clinical DirectorDonna Krasnewich, M.D., Ph. D. AddressOffice of the Clinical Director Phone: (301) 402-8255
Last Updated: November 13, 2008 |
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