Lisa Bates, ScD, Assistant Professor of Epidemiology

Sharon Schwartz, PhD., Professor of Epidemiology

Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University Medical Center

Sociologists understand race as a social construct, and assumed that this was the accepted position in genetics as well after the Human Genome Project was completed in 2000.  But to their surprise, the notion of race as a genetic construct has witnessed a strong resurgence. Indeed, it is considered an ethical issue to include members of underrepresented minority groups in medical studies to ensure that we don’t overlook “their genes.” In response, Profs. Bates and Schwartz examined the methods and the state of the evidence about these conclusions to come to some informed judgments. This presentation reports their journey to date and provides an opportunity for input from attendees about any wrong turns or unseen vistas.

Seminar on Ethical, Legal and Social Implications of Genetics 

Monday, October 22, 2018 12:00-1:00pm

Rm. 10-405A&B, Irving Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, 10th Floor, Presbyterian Hospital (PH) Building, 622 W. 168th Street