Education Program

CONCURRENT SCIENTIFIC SESSIONS 2024

CONCURRENT SCIENTIFIC SESSION TITLES

Here are some of the exciting Cytogenetic, Molecular, and Biochemical Genetics (CMB) presentations planned for 2024!

*Specific session titles may be adjusted.

Gordon Dewald Plenary Session

Pursuit of Scientific Achievement: Journey of a Farm Boy—A Story of Perseverance
» Sen Pathak, PhD, FNASc, MD Anderson Cancer Center

It is crucial to embrace change and challenges in the field of
biological science, as they pave the way for new discoveries
and advancements. By sharing personal experiences of
perseverance, persistence, and humility, this presentation
will inspire the audience to approach obstacles with an
evidence-based mindset and be willing to challenge existing
beliefs when necessary. The journey through overcoming
hurdles in scientific research will undoubtedly provide valuable
insights and lessons for those in attendance. The AGT Gordon
Dewald Lecture was established to honor Dr. Gordon Dewald
for his contributions to AGT and to cytogenetics. This lecture is
presented by the 2024 award recipient.
Program Area: GEN Level: Basic

Clinical Applications of ctDNA Testing: Present and Future
» Liam Lee, PhD, MB(ASCP), MD Anderson Cancer Center

This session will provide an overview of the rapidly evolving
clinical landscape of ctDNA testing in oncology. The biology
and history of ctDNA, featuring its clinical applications
including screening, minimal residual disease (MRD), and
biomarker treatment selection will be discussed.
Program Area: CMB Level: Basic

Clinical Utilities of Optical Genomic Mapping at Clinical Cytogenetic Labs
» Ying Zou, MD, PhD, FACMG, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Optical genome mapping (OGM) is an emerging technology.
It reveals genome-wide structural and copy number variants,
some of which are important to classify cancer risk. Given
a simple workflow and analysis pipeline, it is adopting into
clinical labs.
Program Area: CMB Level: Basic

An Integrated Cytogenomic Approach to Evaluate Hemato-Oncology Cases in the
New Era
» Carlos Tirado, PhD, FACMGG, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook

This session will provide an opportunity to learn how to
evaluate hematological malignancies cases in a new era of
testing approaches.
Program Area: CMB, HEM Level: Intermediate

An Introduction to Epilepsy-associated Variant Interpretation
» Rachel Lewis, MS, MB(ASCP), Invitae

This session includes a review of some of the medical terms
commonly encountered when reviewing epilepsy cases.
We will also discuss genes that have high positive rates on
next-generation sequencing diagnostic panels and describe
important considerations when evaluating variants.
Program Area: CMB Level: Advanced

Setting up Optical Genome Mapping in your Cytogenetic Laboratory: Points for Consideration in Analysis and Test
Validation
» Wahab Khan, PhD, FACMG, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center

Chromosomal rearrangements are well-known hallmarks of
cancer and constitutional cytogenetics. Learn how to set up an
optical genome mapping (OGM) workflow and validate it for
cancer cytogenetic applications.
Program Area: CMB Level: Intermediate

Introduction to Health/Healthcare Equity: How Laboratorians Can Play a Vital Role in Eliminating Disparities
» Juli-Anne Gardner, MD, CG(ASCP)CM, University of Vermont Medical Center
» Pamela Gibson, MD, University of Vermont Health Network/Larner College of Medicine at the University of
Vermont
» Alicia Hill, MLS(ASCP)CM, Charge Medical Lab Scientist

Laboratory medicine is more than a test result; our discipline
can play a vital role in reducing health/healthcare disparities
and improving the quality of life for patients. We will discuss
ways laboratorians can help reduce disparities.
Program Area: ETH Level: Basic

PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOP

Pre-Conference Workshops – in-person only (JAM registration required; additional fee required)

BOARD CERTIFICATION PREPARATION COURSE

Pre-Conference Course – in-person or virtual (JAM registration NOT required; additional fee required)