Understanding Genomics

We are living in one of the most exciting times for modern human medicine and science. The human genome has been deciphered, stem cell and regenerative medicine therapies are on the near horizon (in fact the first Phase I stem cell clinical trial has been approved by the US FDA), and personalized genomic medicine(s) will soon be the norm. What exciting times!

However, with these changes, my thoughts turn to the quality of education and the abilities of the University of South Dakota School of Medicine faculties ability to teach these incredibly radical (textbook altering) concepts. Clearly, not one member of the USD SOM has a background in Stem Cell Biology, not one member has any training in Regenerative Medicine, not one member has even the slightest abilities or training in the fields of Pharmacology & Toxicology (a boggling concept considering physicians precribe regulated drugs and biologics), and certainly not one member of the faculty has any training in the fields of genomics, epi-genomics or bioinformatics.

In a very short time, the standard of care for individuals who are in need of pharmaceutical(s) treatment will involve a highly complex (but simple) pre-prescription genomic analysis of the patients DNA (or in some cases RNA activities). Prior to a patient starting a therapeutic regimen, they will undergo an relatively non-invasive DNA donation (something as simple as a oral swab), a genomic profile will be built and a result compiled of the patients genome sequence will be rendered. With this information scientists will consult with the patients physician an will be able with higher proficiency, detail the appropriate dose of a specific drug, whether or not a specific drug can be used in combination with other medications, and if there are any potential conflicts between therapies and mediciations. This might sound like futuristic thinking, but it is already upon us (in more ways than any of the students or faculty at USD SOM are aware of ... I assure yo of that).

My concerns are in the facts that none of the USD SOM faculty have any background in translational medicine. As has already been pointed out, a majority of the faculty at USD SOM have no research fundiing, do not participate in biomedical research, and certainly have limited (or no) publications. I wonder, how is it that the USD SOM faculty will teach these subjects, when they themselves have NO experience? I assure you that the students have no background or experience in this extremely important area of medicine!

Not long ago, the standard though-pattern of medical science was that following a heart attack, that the cardiomyocytes and associated cardiac tissue was permanently damaged and could not regenerate. Today (and only a short time from previous thought patterns), we know that cardiomyocytes and associated tissues do have the capability of regenerating and in some cases can be replaced with mesenchymal stem cell therapies. I wonder (though we all know the answer) to what level does the USD SOM faculty know these fundamentally groundbreaking discoveries?

My argument stands strong and focused -- the faculty (especially the PhDs and MS) at the University of South Dakota School of Medicine are just not qualified to hold the positions that they hold and they are certainly not qualified to sit on an Admissions Committee.

South Dakota, it is time, stand-up and demand that the Governor and the State Legislature upholds the mission set-out by the Citizens of South Dakota concerning this Medical School. South Dakota is being robbed and this is something we cannot afford!