For the full program or registration for the other sessions of the Singapore Medical Association 9th Ethics Convention, please go to www.sma.org.sg .

A/Prof Terry Kaan
Faculty of Law, National University of Singapore
Chairman, Human Genetics Subcommittee, BAC

This talk explores some common ethical issues faced by physicians and clinicians seeking to carry out research involving human tissue or medical information collected from patients under their care, or involving the participation of their patients as research subjects. What are the fundamental bases of such a relationship between the physician / researcher, and the patient / subject? What considerations should be taken into account in seeking the consent of the patient to such research, or to the use of tissue or medical information obtained from the patient?

Dr Denise Goh Li Meng
Assistant Professor, National University of Singapore
Consultant, National University Hospital Clinical Investigator, Centre for Molecular Medicine, A*STAR Member, Human Genetics Subcommittee, BAC

This talk will highlight the issues pertaining to confidentiality of clinical genetic testing results and the direct supply of clinical genetic tests.

Dr Lee Soo Chin
Department of Haematology-Oncology,
National University Hospital Member,
Human Genetics Subcommittee, BAC

Genetic counselling is a process whereby patients and their families are evaluated on the possibility of having a hereditary condition. During this process, patients are educated on the medical and familial implications of having the condition. Well-established hereditary conditions for which genetic counseling may be relevant include thalassaemia, haemophilia, Huntington’s disease, and a number of hereditary cancer syndromes. Using hereditary breast cancer as a model, the indications for and the process of genetic counselling will be described. Genetic testing as a tool to confirm the diagnosis of a hereditary condition will be discussed, focusing on its limitations, benefits and disadvantages, and potential social and ethical implications.

Chairperson:
A/Prof Nuyen Anh Tuan
Department of Philosophy, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, National University of Singapore
Member, BAC