Grant: CIHR Café Scientifique Program

The aim of this Cafe Scientifique is to generate a discussion about the personal, social, ethical, and legal issues pertaining to genomics, genetic testing, and personalized medicine in healthcare. We will engage the general public in an interactive conversation with a panel of scientific, medical, and legal experts about how genetic information can be used to guide medical treatment. We will discuss both the benefits and the risks of personal genome sequencing and genetic testing, exploring the personal and emotional consequences of genetic testing (including the 'burden of knowing'), discrimination, and potential privacy and legal issues, such as gene/genome patenting. Some of the questions we hope to cover include the following: What is genome sequencing? Would you (the general public) want to sequence your genome or offer your genetic information for research? Why or why not? What does giving 'consent' for genome sequencing really mean? What are researchers doing with this genetic information? What responsibilities do researchers that utilize this information have to the donors? Are there hidden risks of donating your DNA for research or genetic testing? Would you or your relatives want to know if you were at risk for a serious disease (even if the test was not definitive and/or no cure was available)? How is personalized medicine changing the practice of medicine and helping to improve healthcare? Is genetic information distinct from other personal health information (e.g. family history)? How could employers or insurance companies use your genetic information to discriminate against you? How can the government help to protect an individual's genetic information? Why do biotechnology companies want to patent genes? Should genes or genomes be allowed to be patented? What is the future of personalized medicine?