In Your Own Words, What Is the HGP?

Q1: Bioinformatics is a subfield of medical informatics that deals with molecular biology. It is primarily used in genetics and genomics, specifically in DNA sequencing. Rapid developments in this area of science have led to an enormous amount of information that needs to be entered, organized, and mined for further analysis and sequencing. The Human Genome Project (HGP) is probably the most publicized bioinformatics endeavor. While the project was technically completed in 2003, analysis of the data is still going on and will continue well into the future. Click here to visit the Human Genome Project Web site. After reviewing the information on the Web site, respond to the following:

In your own words, what is the HGP?

Over a period of 13 years and using computers, the Human Genome Project had two major objective. First it was to first identify the 10-25 thousand genes involved in a strand of human DNA. Secondly, the chemical base pairs which are the sequences of the four chemicals which make up DNA abbreviated as A, T, C and G were identified. There are 3 billion chemical base pairs. This information was then stored in databases.

Why is the HGP an important part of the evolution of bioinformatics?

Bioinformatics was created to understand molecular biology using computers. The Human Genome Project was a colossal undertaking in the understanding of human molecular biology down to its DNA. Bioinformatics was the only choice for such an endeavor. The human genome contains an amazing array of information including information to understand human diseases and for mankind to move forward with “gene-based drug discovery and development” (Genome- Based Therapeutics: Targeted Drug Discovery and Development, 2012, p. 29). Therefore the importance of using bioinformatics is tied with the importance of the HGP. Groups have formed from universities, government and the private sector to do this research moving the evolutionary process of bioinformatics forward at a rapid rate.

Access at least one of the public databases used in the genome project. Perform a search of another organism and compare that organism's makeup to that of humans. Compare and contrast the similarities and differences that you find. Q2: Click here to review the ethical, legal, and social issues on the Human Genome Project (HGP) Web site. Then, answer the following questions: Select one specific area of concern outlined in this section of the HGP Web site for further discussion. Why do you believe that the issue you selected is of high importance for discussion? What are the criticisms or concerns surrounding this particular issue?

I selected the psychological impact and stigmatization due to an individual's genetic differences. We have enough difficulties with our “differences” today without adding differences in genetic makeup to the pool. As mentioned, science has not always been fair or accurate in its pursuit of information. Studies of the possible diseases carried in our racial genomes could further separate the equality of treatment of individuals. We already know or suspect that certain racial minorities are prone to certain diseases such as obesity or diabetes. What if we find that criminal behavior is genetically caused, and that the XYZ tribe carries the gene for a tendency to criminal behavior (for example). The tribe might be rounded up and institutionalized or exterminated because of this information. Our comprehension of the mapping of the human genome is a new science and should not be used in a mass application without further understanding.

Does the HGP offer a response or propose solutions to the concerns and criticisms? Do they identify any of their own concerns?

The HGP offers words like “potential” benefits without really knowing what they will be. They think that there is potential for race-based treatments. Overall this would be a good think but might lead to suspicion and possible disagreement over specialized treatment for some.

However, they are concerned with confidentiality of records, loss of control over the use of an individual’s genetic material, and a general stigmatism against certain races or minorities in everyday life such as employment and health and life insurance availablility. (Minority Issues and Benefits Surround the HGP, n.d.)

What role do you think medical informatics professionals should play in addressing such ethical/legal/social issues?

Scientists job is to formulate the ideas, do the research, write the papers, and draw the conclusions. They should not be charged with maintaining the moral aspects of their work as well. However, I think that a watchdog type of agency should work in tandem with the bioinformatics professionals to provide guidance for moral, ethical, legal and social issues. Q3: The final discussion question deals with your future in the field of medical informatics.

Perform a job search query for a position related to medical informatics using a site such as but not limited to www.monster.com, www.careerbuilder.com, www.publichealthjobs.net, www.alliedhealthcareers.com, etc. Use the key word "medical informatics," "health informatics," or "biomedical informatics." Then, answer the following questions.

Which search engine(s) did you rely upon to perform your query?

I used the AMIA (American Medical Informatics Association) since this is such a specialized fied.

Which keywords resulted in the most matches? health informatics

How many job results were you able to find? Does this indicate a shortage or saturation in the field of medical informatics right now?

There were 27 jobs in various states around the United States. I don’t know if this means that there is a shortage in the field, or if the field is so new that they can’t find enough applications and therefore jobs.

What kind of education and experience did these jobs require/desire for prospective applicants?

Just a few of the job requirements were MD or PhD’s, Master’s degree is Statistics, computer science, information science, and a lot of initials I didn’t understand, MCDBA, MCSE, MCITP in computers. Also a minimum of 3 years experience on the job was the least required. No entry level jobs here.

What type of job responsibilities were described in the ad?

A lot of the jobs involved interfacing with other countries and other organizations. For example “deliver innovative informatics solutions in support of both clinical and research needs to the top 20 nationally ranked cancer centers”

Another called for an individual who could “lead the creation of our care coordination intelligence system … driving clinical content, disease risk models, and EHR data integration”

What type of salary information, if any, was provided?

Salaries were not provided.

Do these results fit with your expectations or surprise you? Explain your answer. No, none of these requirements surpised me. This field is not only fairly new, but it is also fairly crucial to mankind’s next medical advances. We would want the best of the best to be involved.

References

Genome-Based Therapeutics: Targeted Drug Discovery and Development, (September 5, 2012). Retrieved March 1, 2013 from http://www.iom.edu/Reports/2012/Genome-Based- Therapeutics-Targeted-Drug-Discovery-and-Development.aspx

Minority Issues and Benefits Surrounding the HGP, (n.d.). Retrieved March 2013 from http://www.ornl.gov/sci/techresources/Human_Genome/publicat/MinorityConcerns- 82.pdf