DNA Direct Expands Its Clinical Team

September 06, 2007 (PRLEAP.COM) Technology News
San Francisco, CA, September 6, 2007 – DNA Direct, the leading provider of medical genetic testing services, announced today that Trisha Brown has been named Vice President of Clinical Affairs and that Cynthia Kane has been named Clinical Director.

Brown’s 15-year career in genetics includes experience implementing genetic information services and commercialization of new technologies for Laboratory Corporation of America, as well as genetic counseling roles with Duke University Medical Center and St. Peter’s Medical Center. Over the course of her career, Brown has been active in the National Society of Genetic Counselors and has authored over 45 peer-reviewed posters, publications and presentations. She earned her B.S. in Genetics from the University of California, Davis and her M.S. in Human Genetics from Sarah Lawrence College.

“I am delighted to join DNA Direct, a company that I believe delivers the promise of personalized medicine and allows consumers and healthcare providers to keep up with the rapid pace of innovation in genomics,” said Brown. “I look forward to helping this team advance the development of their genetic testing products and services.”

Kane comes to DNA Direct from Kaiser Permanente, where she developed and provided genetics education for both healthcare providers and consumers in her most recent position as Regional Genetics Education Coordinator. Over the course of her career in genetics, she has also held genetic counseling positions at Children’s Hospital Oakland and the UCSF Comprehensive Cancer Center. Kane earned both her B.A. in Physiology and her M.S. in Genetic Counseling from the University of California, Berkeley.

“DNA Direct is helping individuals gain consistent access to accurate genetic test interpretation through its unique web-enabled platform,” Kane said. “I am excited to have the opportunity use my expertise as both an educator and a clinical genetic counselor to advance DNA Direct’s mission.”

Both Brown and Kane will shape DNA Direct’s clinical direction in their respective roles. Brown will leverage her new services development experience to help DNA Direct expand its genetic testing products and services, and Kane will bolster the company’s genetic counseling resources by relying on her 15 years of experience in medical genetics settings.

“DNA Direct is poised to help the healthcare system effectively integrate genetic testing in a way that maximizes the benefits for physicians and patients,” said Ryan Phelan, CEO of DNA Direct. “Trish and Cynthia bring a level of clinical expertise to our team that will enable us to take that strategy to the next level.”

About DNA Direct
DNA Direct is a privately-held San Francisco company offering personalized, confidential genetic testing and interpretation services. DNA Direct’s mission is to provide individuals with access to genetic testing and the information necessary to understand the test results in the context of their overall health, family history, and lifestyle. www.dnadirect.com.