C11. Precision Medicine- the transformative power of education on delivering on innovation
Tracks
General Interest
| Thursday, June 5, 2025 |
| 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM |
| Parkside 2 |
Chair & Speakers
Dr Orin Chisholm
Program Director, PMDD Programs
University Of Sydney
Precision Medicine- the transformative power of education on delivering on innovation
Abstract
Precision medicine is a transformative approach in healthcare, emphasizing tailored treatments based on individual genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. For professionals in the pharmaceutical and medtech industries, understanding and applying the principles of precision medicine is essential for advancing patient-centric innovations. Integrating knowledge of genetic counseling and biotechnology into professional education and training is critical to ensuring these industries remain at the forefront of personalized healthcare solutions. Genetic counseling provides industry professionals with the expertise to interpret genetic data and understand its implications for drug development, diagnostics, and patient outcomes. This knowledge is vital for designing therapies that account for genetic variability, optimizing treatment efficacy, and minimizing adverse reactions. Additionally, training in ethical considerations, such as genetic privacy and equity in access to precision medicine, ensures responsible application of genomic advancements. Biotechnology education complements genetic counseling by equipping professionals with insights into cutting-edge technologies, including pharmacogenomics, gene editing, and biopharmaceutical innovation. Understanding these technologies is crucial for the development of targeted therapies, biologics, and advanced diagnostics. Exposure to tools like companion diagnostics and personalized drug delivery systems enables medtech and pharmaceutical professionals to create integrated solutions that align with the principles of precision medicine. An interdisciplinary approach to education and skill development fosters collaboration between pharmaceutical scientists, engineers, clinicians, and data specialists. By incorporating opportunities for cross-functional learning, industry professionals can better navigate the complexities of developing and delivering precision medicine solutions. This session will discuss aspects of embedding precision medicine competencies into ongoing professional development within the pharmaceutical and medtech sectors. It highlights innovative educational strategies that bridge the gap between research, development, and real-world application, and recognises that by investing in education that emphasizes a precision medicine focus, organizations can empower their workforce to drive innovations that transform patient care and maintain their competitive edge in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.
Biography
Orin is the program director for the postgraduate programs in Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Development at the University of Sydney. She has academic appointments with UNSW and Arizona State University, USA. Orin has previously spent many years in industry roles and is a consultant in regulatory affairs. She is on the Board of the Association of Graduate Regulatory Educators (USA) and on the editorial advisory committee for the Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society (RAPS) in the USA. Orin received the Organisation for Professionals in Regulatory Affairs (TOPRA), UK award for excellence in regulatory education in 2017; became a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (UK) in 2018 and was elected a Fellow of RAPS in 2021. Her research focuses on regulatory science, workforce development and pharmaceutical policy.
Nicholette Conway
Co-Founder and Director
AxisHealthCo.
Precision Medicine- the transformative power of education on delivering on innovation
Abstract
Precision medicine is a transformative approach in healthcare, emphasizing tailored treatments based on individual genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. For professionals in the pharmaceutical and medtech industries, understanding and applying the principles of precision medicine is essential for advancing patient-centric innovations. Integrating knowledge of genetic counseling and biotechnology into professional education and training is critical to ensuring these industries remain at the forefront of personalized healthcare solutions. Genetic counseling provides industry professionals with the expertise to interpret genetic data and understand its implications for drug development, diagnostics, and patient outcomes. This knowledge is vital for designing therapies that account for genetic variability, optimizing treatment efficacy, and minimizing adverse reactions. Additionally, training in ethical considerations, such as genetic privacy and equity in access to precision medicine, ensures responsible application of genomic advancements. Biotechnology education complements genetic counseling by equipping professionals with insights into cutting-edge technologies, including pharmacogenomics, gene editing, and biopharmaceutical innovation. Understanding these technologies is crucial for the development of targeted therapies, biologics, and advanced diagnostics. Exposure to tools like companion diagnostics and personalized drug delivery systems enables medtech and pharmaceutical professionals to create integrated solutions that align with the principles of precision medicine. An interdisciplinary approach to education and skill development fosters collaboration between pharmaceutical scientists, engineers, clinicians, and data specialists. By incorporating opportunities for cross-functional learning, industry professionals can better navigate the complexities of developing and delivering precision medicine solutions. This session will discuss aspects of embedding precision medicine competencies into ongoing professional development within the pharmaceutical and medtech sectors. It highlights innovative educational strategies that bridge the gap between research, development, and real-world application, and recognises that by investing in education that emphasizes a precision medicine focus, organizations can empower their workforce to drive innovations that transform patient care and maintain their competitive edge in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape
Biography
Accelerating innovation though cross disciplinary collaboration and patient inclusion.
Healthcare Advisory & Consulting, Board Director, MedTech Commercialisation
With over 25 years of experience, I has worked in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and diagnostics, focusing on patient access to innovative treatments. I’ve worked and collaborated with precision medicine and health tech startups, biotech and medtech scale-ups, and worked in major pharmaceutical companies including Eli Lilly, Amgen, MSD, and Bayer. My expertise spans clinical development (Phase 1-4), Health Technology Assessment (HTA) new product planning (NPP), market access, patient advocacy, and reimbursement (MSAC & PBAC), and I’ve successfully led commercial strategy, product development and implementation across oncology, rare diseases, infectious diseases, chronic disease, reproductive technologies, and genetics. My approach is pragmatic and holistic and includes broad and diverse stakeholder engagement, and especially the inclusion of patient support and advocacy groups to guide care. I am the current Board Chair of Genetic Alliance Australia, and I work collaboratively to enable patient access to new technologies and precision medicine and do this through leading commercialization, education and workforce development initiatives.
Dr Daniel Czech
Senior Lecturer
University of Melbourne
C11. Precision Medicine- the transformative power of education on delivering on innovation
Abstract
Precision medicine is a transformative approach in healthcare, emphasizing tailored treatments based on individual genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. For professionals in the pharmaceutical and medtech industries, understanding and applying the principles of precision medicine is essential for advancing patient-centric innovations. Integrating knowledge of genetic counseling and biotechnology into professional education and training is critical to ensuring these industries remain at the forefront of personalized healthcare solutions. Genetic counseling provides industry professionals with the expertise to interpret genetic data and understand its implications for drug development, diagnostics, and patient outcomes. This knowledge is vital for designing therapies that account for genetic variability, optimizing treatment efficacy, and minimizing adverse reactions. Additionally, training in ethical considerations, such as genetic privacy and equity in access to precision medicine, ensures responsible application of genomic advancements. Biotechnology education complements genetic counseling by equipping professionals with insights into cutting-edge technologies, including pharmacogenomics, gene editing, and biopharmaceutical innovation. Understanding these technologies is crucial for the development of targeted therapies, biologics, and advanced diagnostics. Exposure to tools like companion diagnostics and personalized drug delivery systems enables medtech and pharmaceutical professionals to create integrated solutions that align with the principles of precision medicine. An interdisciplinary approach to education and skill development fosters collaboration between pharmaceutical scientists, engineers, clinicians, and data specialists. By incorporating opportunities for cross-functional learning, industry professionals can better navigate the complexities of developing and delivering precision medicine solutions. This session will discuss aspects of embedding precision medicine competencies into ongoing professional development within the pharmaceutical and medtech sectors. It highlights innovative educational strategies that bridge the gap between research, development, and real-world application, and recognises that by investing in education that emphasizes a precision medicine focus, organizations can empower their workforce to drive innovations that transform patient care and maintain their competitive edge in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.
Biography
Dr Daniel Czech is an education focused Senior Lecturer within the School of BioSciences at The University of Melbourne. Daniel supports learning and teaching within the Master of Biotechnology and the Bachelor of Science programs. Daniel is a specialist in biomedical science, teaching and education scholarship. His teaching practice is founded upon evidence-based teaching and constructivist learning philosophy. Daniel's professional expertise extends to redefining industry involvement in higher education, reflecting his passion for enhancing student employability. At The University of Melbourne, he has held multiple leadership roles, including Director of the Master of Biotechnology, Deputy Director of Teaching and Learning in the School of BioSciences, and Coordinator of the Biotechnology Major.
In his research endeavours, Daniel explores the intersection of bioscience education and employability, examining topics including graduate employability, work-integrated learning, and transferable skill development. His current projects focus on understanding biotech industry perspectives on work-integrated learning. Daniel’s earlier research examined genetic sex differences in Parkinson’s Disease. Through his multifaceted education roles and research endeavours, Daniel continues to advance the field of bioscience and its impact on student employability.
Alison McEwen
Professor, Discipline of Genetic Counselling
University of Technology Sydney
Precision Medicine- the transformative power of education on delivering on innovation
Abstract
Precision medicine is a transformative approach in healthcare, emphasizing tailored treatments based on individual genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. For professionals in the pharmaceutical and medtech industries, understanding and applying the principles of precision medicine is essential for advancing patient-centric innovations. Integrating knowledge of genetic counseling and biotechnology into professional education and training is critical to ensuring these industries remain at the forefront of personalized healthcare solutions. Genetic counseling provides industry professionals with the expertise to interpret genetic data and understand its implications for drug development, diagnostics, and patient outcomes. This knowledge is vital for designing therapies that account for genetic variability, optimizing treatment efficacy, and minimizing adverse reactions. Additionally, training in ethical considerations, such as genetic privacy and equity in access to precision medicine, ensures responsible application of genomic advancements. Biotechnology education complements genetic counseling by equipping professionals with insights into cutting-edge technologies, including pharmacogenomics, gene editing, and biopharmaceutical innovation. Understanding these technologies is crucial for the development of targeted therapies, biologics, and advanced diagnostics. Exposure to tools like companion diagnostics and personalized drug delivery systems enables medtech and pharmaceutical professionals to create integrated solutions that align with the principles of precision medicine. An interdisciplinary approach to education and skill development fosters collaboration between pharmaceutical scientists, engineers, clinicians, and data specialists. By incorporating opportunities for cross-functional learning, industry professionals can better navigate the complexities of developing and delivering precision medicine solutions. This session will discuss aspects of embedding precision medicine competencies into ongoing professional development within the pharmaceutical and medtech sectors. It highlights innovative educational strategies that bridge the gap between research, development, and real-world application, and recognises that by investing in education that emphasizes a precision medicine focus, organizations can empower their workforce to drive innovations that transform patient care and maintain their competitive edge in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.
Biography
Professor Alison McEwen led the establishment of the Discipline of Genetic Counselling and the Master of Genetic Counselling at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). Utilising co-design principles and engaging with the profession, she collaborated with innovative learning designers and other key stakeholders in the program's design. The program has since welcomed five cohorts of students from across Australasia.
She is the immediate past president of the Human Genetics Society of Australasia (HGSA), having been only the second genetic counsellor to hold the position of President.
Prior to her tenure at UTS, Professor McEwen served as a Senior Genetic Counsellor in Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand. She has held leadership roles in the Australasian Society of Genetic Counsellors and the HGSA, focusing particularly on the education and certification of genetic counsellors. Between 2017 and 2018, she was an active member of the working group that advanced the application for professional regulation of genetic counsellors in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.
Professor McEwen has a particular interest in professional supervision and reflective practice, having completed a graduate certificate in this area in 2016. She facilitates supervision training for the HGSA.
