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Genomic medicine has revolutionized healthcare worldwide. It works by analyzing genetic, clinical, and environmental data to provide accurate diagnoses and prognoses. The results are utilized in selecting treatments and guiding targeted pharmaceutical interventions. Additionally, genomic medicine plays a crucial role in data-driven disease risk assessment and prevention.
Artirat Charukitpipat, Ph.D., CEO of Bumrungrad International Hospital, stated that the hospital is committed to continuously improving its quaternary care capabilities and leveraging its status as an academic hospital. The research and education departments are staffed with Ph.D.-level experts who support the professional development of doctors and medical staff. Furthermore, the hospital strives to effectively utilize modern digital technology and artificial intelligence to deliver top-quality care. It also partners with academic institutions and universities nationwide to enhance its medical practices. The hospital’s ultimate aim is for all patients to enjoy long and healthy lives.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Polakit Teekakirikul, Chief Scientific Officer at Bumrungrad International Hospital, announced that the hospital’s Preventive Genomics Clinic has been upgraded and expanded into the Bumrungrad Genomic Medicine Center. This center is currently the only one in Thailand utilizing genomic medicine and related technologies to provide comprehensive preventive care. Additionally, Bumrungrad is committed to delivering long-term healthcare that focuses on quality in every aspect. The hospital’s laboratory, certified by the College of American Pathologists, features expert lab specialists and doctors—many holding Ph.D. degrees—performing preventive genetic risk assessments. These experts also adhere to a process of continuous improvement to enhance patient care by integrating innovations at Bumrungrad. This commitment to advancement is why Bumrungrad International Hospital is the first private hospital to be certified as a genomic medicine provider by the Ministry of Public Health of Thailand.
Dr. Chanin Limwongse, a specialist in Genomic Medicine at Bumrungrad International Hospital, stated that the hospital recognizes the importance of utilizing modern technology in genomic analysis to deliver personalized, precision care to each patient. This approach proves particularly beneficial in treating complex diseases and assessing predisposition risks for various conditions, including cancer and cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, Bumrungrad employs whole exome sequencing, a comprehensive analysis technique that identifies genes associated with unpredictable genetic disorders. This method is especially advantageous for patients at risk of developing rare diseases.
Additionally, genetic testing for couples planning to conceive can help determine the risk of genetic disorders that may affect their children. This includes testing for predispositions to passing on certain genetic disorders, prenatal and postnatal testing for genetic conditions, and pre-implantation genetic testing in embryos.
Prof. Dr. Chonlaphat Sukasem, Clinical Pharmacogenetics Consultant at Bumrungrad International Hospital, stated that the hospital utilizes pharmacogenetic testing and precision medicine approach to identify potential drug allergies and adverse drug reactions. This enables doctors to prescribe the correct medications and dosages, ensuring maximum benefit and minimize toxicity for each patient. Bumrungrad has successfully integrated this practice into its clinical procedures to improve patient safety and the quality of medical care. The hospital’s certified genomics laboratory excels in genomic analysis, specializing in gene analysis that accommodates patients of all nationalities. It can interpret results accurately and precisely, adhering to safety and quality standards and providing maximum confidence to patients through a seamless multidisciplinary team-based approach.
Bumrungrad also serves as a training center for “pharmacists” who specialize in pharmacogenomics and precision medicine. The hospital provides ongoing support to specialized medical personnel, including doctors, medical technologist, and genetic counselors. Additionally, the Bumrungrad Genomic Medicine Center conducts ongoing research in pharmacogenetics to generate new knowledge for both the hospital and the broader medical community. Currently, the hospital is also developing a centralized pharmacogenomics database to ensure that every patient’s genetic information, such as drug allergies, is seamless integration into hospital’s healthcare systems. Lastly, Bumrungrad is striving to make genetic testing more accessible to everyone through the home healthcare and community pharmacy model. The initiative aims to enable individuals to undergo pharmacogenetic testing both at home and in community pharmacies.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Polakit Teekakirikul concluded the conference by stating that Bumrungrad International Hospital is a leader in leveraging genetic technology to provide quality, holistic healthcare—from disease prevention to diagnosis and treatment. The hospital also utilizes multi-omics, a modern medical technology that helps identify the risk of unpreventable genetic disorders and leverages AI for greater analytical accuracy. Bumrungrad’s goal is to provide effective, personalized healthcare, rooted in genomics, to develop preventive medicine that promotes long-term health and improves patients’ quality of life.
Bumrungrad International Hospital reaffirms its commitment to advancing medicine by adopting the best innovations and technologies. The hospital will always strive to provide effective, high-quality treatments that align with the highest international standards of quality and safety in care.
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