Exploring Genetics

This free educational series is focused on relating your genes to your health. Learn how genetics plays a major role in your health in a specific area of genetic medicine each month.

2019 Schedule

Jan. 8
Inheriting High Cholesterol
Speakers: Bethany Tucker, MS, CGC; Jennifer Leonhard, MS, CGC, Gabe Kringlen, MS, CGC
More than 90% of patients with inherited high cholesterol do not know they have it. Left untreated, the condition often leads to early, life threatening cardiovascular problems. Join Sanford Imagenetics for a deep dive into this common, frequently undiagnosed disorder and learn how health care is working to find and diagnose FH patients.

Feb. 12
Forensic Science Simplified
Speakers: Sherin Shabaan, MD, PhD
DNA is important across all aspects of life, from identifying a person or relationship to diagnosing and treating disease to agriculture, animal modifications and more. Join Sanford Imagenetics to explore genetics, learn how DNA is used to improve everyday life and get your questions answered.

Mar. 12
Dwarfism: More than Genetics
Speakers: Andrea Schelhaas; Rob Pyatt, PhD
Hear the story of the Ovitz family, Jewish performers with dwarfism who survived World War II. This session will cover the genetics of dwarfism, eugenics (the historical movement that aimed to improve genetic traits in the human population through selective breeding) and ethical issues of future genetic technologies, like gene editing (CRISPR).

Apr. 9
Managing Developmental Disabilities
Speakers: Lisa Ohden, MS, CGC; Carolyn Kippes, MD
During this session, our specialists discuss how developmental disabilities occur and are diagosed, when genetic testing is recommended, and what interventions and resources are available.

May 14
Life with Cystic Fibrosis
Speakers: RaeAnn Kragenbring, MS, CGC; Angela Hausvik, BS, ADN, RN
Cystic fibrosis is a rare genetic condition affecting the lungs, pancreas and digestive system of over 30,000 children and adults in the U.S. During the hour-long sessions we will explain the genetics of cystic fibrosis, discuss the importance of newborn screening, tell a first-hand account of raising a child with cystic fibrosis and answer questions.

All lectures are free and open to the public. They will be held from 7-8 p.m. in the Sanford Imagenetics Courtyard at 1321 W. 22nd St. in Sioux Falls, SD.