Dr Christine Patch to be next President of European Society of Human Genetics
Dr Christine Patch to be next President of European Society of Human Genetics
Dr Christine Patch has been named as the next President of the European Society of Human Genetics (ESHG). The appointment was announced at the Society’s annual conference, held at the end of May in Barcelona. Dr Patch is the first Consultant Genetic Counsellor and the first nurse to hold this position.
President of the Society is a year-long role, preceded and succeeded by the roles of President-Elect and Vice-President respectively. Dr Patch is President Elect and will begin the role of President in 2017, coincidentally the 50th anniversary of the Society.
The ESHG aims to promote research in the field of basic and applied human and medical genetics. The President plays an important, pro-active role in advancing these aims, in areas such as education, international outreach and political support. As President, Dr Patch will also oversee the development of a long term strategy in conjunction with the Executive Board of the Society.
Dr Christine Patch commented, “The ESHG’s values are about promoting the best in research and ensuring its translation into real clinical benefits for patients affected by genetic conditions. As the field of genetics research is developing rapidly, the work of the ESHG will only become more important in future. I look forward to taking on a leadership role with the ESHG and shaping this essential work.”
Dr Christine Patch is a Consultant Genetic Counsellor at the Department of Clinical Genetics at Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, where she leads the genetic counselling service. At King’s College London, she is a Reader at the Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing & Midwifery and an Honorary Reader in the Division of Medical and Molecular Genetics. In addition, she is a member of the King’s Health Partners Clinical Academic Group for Genetics, Rheumatology, Infection, Dermatology, and Allergy.
Dr Patch’s research focuses on inherited genetic conditions and patient care, outlining how important it is that patients and families understand not only the clinical effects of a genetic condition but also the emotional impacts of that condition, both on the individual and on relationships within their family.
Watch ‘Genetics & Family Care’, a short video about this research, featuring Dr Patch.