Evenings with Genetics focuses on cystic fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition that causes persistent lung infections, resulting in progressive damage to the lungs and digestive system. On Tuesday, Jan. 15, Evenings with Genetics, a monthly speaker series hosted by Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital, will highlight this disease, the genetics that drive it, and how physicians are looking to personalized medicine for answers.

Dr. Fidel Ruiz, assistant professor of pediatrics at Baylor and director of the Cystic Fibrosis Center at Texas Children’s Hospital, and Pam Tuley, clinical program director at the Cystic Fibrosis Center at Texas Children’s, will speak about the effect of modulator therapies on the course of the disease and its outcomes and life expectancy. A parent of a child with cystic fibrosis will also join the panel as a guest speaker.

“Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic disorder that affects people of all backgrounds. This seminar will review the genetic aspects of the disease, from diagnosis to the current genetic modifier therapies available, as well as the ongoing research to improve and identify new treatments that will reach all patients with cystic fibrosis, no matter what their mutation is,” said Ruiz. “Additionally, attendees will have the opportunity to hear more about the impact of these therapies at the individual and family level.”

The Evenings with Genetics series offers current information regarding care, education and research as they relate to genetic disorders and encourages networking within the community by connecting patients and their families with others in similar situations.

The program is free and open to the public, but registration is required. The seminar will be held at the Children’s Museum of Houston, 1500 Binz St., 77004. Light refreshments will be provided beginning at 6:30 p.m., and the seminar will begin at 7 p.m. For more information, please call 713-798-8407 or visit the event’s registration page.