Genes to Meds: How Genetic Testing Supports Drug Development with Susan Toomey, MS

• Genetic testing is guiding and reshaping drug development, moving us from a one-size-fits-all model to one of precision and personalization. This presentation goes beyond the science to explore the impact of genetic data insights on the pharmaceutical industry, from identifying novel drug targets to creating more effective and safer clinical trials and equitable access to cutting-edge therapies. 

  Level of instruction: Basic

  

  Only the live session qualifies for CEUs but when possible, we host the recordings on our website and NSGC recommends participants to use their personal email instead of work email addresses to ensure they receive their CEU certificates.

  

  Ambry Genetics is approved as a provider for continuing education program by NSGC and ASCLS P.A.C.E ® Program.

Susan Toomey, MS, CGC | Presenter

Senior Medical Science Liaison, Global Pharma Services at Ambry Genetics

Susan Toomey joined Ambry Genetics in 2017 as a Genomic Science Liaison covering the Mountain west region and transitioned to the Clinical Strategy Team in 2022 where she provides clinical program support for our business development and pharmaceutical partnerships. Susan received her Masters of Science Degree in Biophysics and Genetics from the University of Colorado; and holds a BA in Sociology and Evolutionary Science from the University of Cincinnati. She has held previous genetic counseling positions at the Colorado Genetics Laboratory, Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, and the Children’s Hospital Colorado in the Neurocutaneous and Neuromuscular Clinics.  

With over 25 years of patient-centric focus, Susan incorporates the voice of the patient, caregiver, and clinician to the real application of genomics. She trained and began her career in pediatric genetics, helping families understand and traverse an often-difficult rare diagnosis. While neurocutaneous disorders were an early interest, she also developed a first-of-its kind genetics department at a nationally recognized infertility clinic. She now uses her expertise of the patient journey, as well as of genomic testing technology and results outcomes, to inform the diagnostics and pharma industries on meaningful collaborations that put the patient first.   

Victoria Suslovitch, MS, CGC | Moderator

Medical Education Manager

Victoria (Tori) Suslovitch was drawn to genetic counseling as a way to combine her interests in genetics, neurology, public health, and education. She received her Master of Science in Genetic Counseling from Boston University, and is certified by the ABGC. She began her career as a Research Genetic Counselor in the Yu Laboratory at Boston Children's Hospital, in a program that designs and develops experimental therapeutics for children with rare neurogenetic diseases. Since 2023, Tori has worked for Ambry Genetics -- first as a Genomic Science Liaison and now as a Medical Education Manager -- where she educates healthcare providers and lab personnel alike about genetics and genomics.