This article is part of a report called Genomics in Victoria: What’s changed in 10 years? The information in this article is current as at October 2023.
Back in 2013, even geneticists were just learning how to use genomics. Working on Melbourne Genomics clinical projects enabled them to bring this emerging knowledge into other areas of medicine.
Geneticists and diagnostic scientists were brought into multidisciplinary teams, working alongside oncologists, cardiologists, nephrologists or other medical specialists to diagnose patients and determine treatment options. This approach was critical to the high diagnostic rate of genomics, and became standard practice.
Today, clinical genetics services struggle to keep up with the demand for genomics. New models are being trialled to build genomics expertise within medical specialties, so that only complex cases are referred to clinical genetics.
Paediatricians are creating resources to streamline the ordering of Medicare-funded genomics tests. Nephrologists are leading multidisciplinary teams that meet to discuss patients who may need genomic testing. The teams include nephrologists, clinical geneticists, renal nurses and genetic counsellors.
Oncologists are now trialling ways to access genomics expertise when their patients need it: from holding telehealth consultations with the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, to establishing ‘genomics superusers’ within cancer hospitals.
Meanwhile, genetic counsellors are joining the team at dementia and neurology clinics, to support families where dementia has a genetic origin. A groundbreaking project is underway to sequence the genomes of Victorians who will receive liver or kidney transplants, to prevent adverse reactions and increase the chance of success.
Whatever the speciality, genomics is here to stay.