Expert in Clinical Genetics to Speak on the Genetics Revolution
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 12, 2001
Kathleen McPartland
530-898-4260
Lee Altier, Sigma Xi
College of Agriculture
503-898-4137
Expert in Clinical Genetics to Speak on the Genetics Revolution
Dr. Paul Billings, co-founder of GeneSage and editorÐin-chief of GeneLetter, will present a public lecture, “The Promise and Pitfalls of the Genetics Revolution,” on Wednesday, May 2, at California State University, Chico.
In his lecture, Dr. Billings will talk about the way progress in human genetics and genomics (the study of genes and their function) promises to revolutionize heath care and other aspects of our lives. He asks us to think about what individuals and communities need to consider as these new technologies are developed and applied.
As well as co-founding GeneSage (a new company dedicated to translating the promise of genetics into practical solutions), Dr. Billings is also deputy network director and chief medical officer of the Heart of Texas Veterans Health Care System and an expert in clinical genetics, immunogenetics and the impact of genetic technology on society.
Dr. Billings received his M.D. and Ph.D. from Harvard University in 1979 and completed his clinical training in internal medicine and medical genetics at the University of Washington in Seattle in 1983.
He was a Harvard Medical School faculty member from 1985 until 1990, when he was appointed chief of the division of Genetic Medicine at Pacific Presbyterian Medical Center in San Francisco. He founded the Center in Inherited Diseases and led the Program in Genetics and Society, the Center for Adults with Cystic Fibrosis, The Breast Cancer Risk Assessment and Management Program, as well as the Prenatal Diagnostic Center at Alta Bates Hospital.
In 1993, Dr. Billings joined the staff at the Palo Alto Veterans Affairs Health Care System as chief of general internal medicine. He was later selected to be associate professor of medicine at Stanford University. In 1997, he accepted his current position as deputy network director and chief medical officer of the Heart of Texas Veterans Integrated Service Network.
Dr. Billings has published over 100 scholarly articles and book chapters in addition to his book, DNA on Trial: Genetic Identification and Criminal Justice.
Sigma Xi, a Scientific Research Society, and the Center for Applied and Professional Ethics are sponsoring Dr. Billings’ visit.
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