DDC Clinic Showcases Research at National Conference
March 16, 2026
Our clinic’s life-changing work was in the national spotlight this spring when six of our staff members attended the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics Annual Meeting in Baltimore March 10-14.
Focused on genetics, genomics and rare disease research, the event brought together clinicians, researchers and medical professionals from around the globe who are dedicated to advancing understanding and treatment of rare genetic conditions.
During the conference, four DDC Clinic team members – Medical Director Dr Heng Wang; Research and Technical Director Dr. Bao Xin; Family Nurse Practitioner Dr. Nicole Stevens; and Clinical Charge Nurse Valerie Sency – presented our work, showcasing our clinic’s cutting-edge research and contributions to the field of medical genetics and rare disease care.
The four presentations, one of which won an award at the conference, focused on:
- Our GAP testing which uses a baby’s cord blood to detect genetic conditions found in the Amish, effectively complementing standard state newborn screenings and demonstrating how tailored genomic testing aids in early diagnosis. (Award winner.)
- Research related to a rare case of an NALCN-related neurodevelopmental disorder in an Amish patient which furthered our understanding of how the condition affects brain development, movement and overall health.
- Our clinic’s use of therapeutic phlebotomy as a safe, effective and affordable option for managing iron overload in adults with pyruvate kinase deficiency.
- How our Family Heart Center, a community-based, culturally sensitive, family-centered clinic improves health outcomes among an at-risk, medically underserved population.
The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics Annual Meeting provided our team with the opportunity to connect with fellow genetics professionals from around the world, share our knowledge and insights, and learn from others working to improve diagnosis, treatment, and care of genetic disorders.