The Excellence Center for Genomics and Precision Medicine has evolved from the Excellence Center of Medical Genetics following extremely rapid and continuing development in human genetics and genomics over the past decades. The Center has developed and expanded the scope of patient services through the use of the Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) or DNA transcription technologies such as the Whole Exome Sequencing and the Whole Genome Sequencing tests, which have become influential in various fields of medicine in terms of medical diagnosis and treatment, preventive medicine and health promotion. When using in conjunction with advanced computerized processing, NGS technology can give more accurate and more precise disease diagnosis. King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital is among the first hospitals in Thailand to employ this technique. Our medical teams have developed and applied the body of knowledge in the fast-moving field of molecular therapy which led to the clinical application of targeted therapies such as enzyme replacement therapy, gene therapy, and stem cell therapy.

Genomics and Precision Medicine has been extended to cover pharmacogenomics which is the study of how genome or genetic variation affects the likely responses to therapeutic drugs with regards to the severity level of adverse drug reactions and the proper dose of medication that can be administered to individual patients in comparison to the doses administered to the general population. Development of guidelines for suitable doses of medication for the population of a particular country will result in safe, optimal and effective use of medicine.

The Excellence Center for Genomics and Precision Medicine was officially established on September 2, 2019 and has expanded its operations to include comprehensive and systematic clinical genomic services for patients with genetic diseases, new knowledge and innovations in genomics and precision medicine. The Center also promotes and trains Genomic Medicine personnel. These operations allow equitable access to high quality medical diagnosis and effective therapy with fewer side effects. It supports the promotion of disease prevention for wellness of the general population.

Achievement

Prof. Dr. Vorasuk Chotilersak

1. The Outstanding National Researcher of Medical Science in 2012.
2. The Senior Research Savant from the Research Fund (TRF), 2 times (2010 and 2013)
3. The Outstanding Research Award in 2010 from the National Research Council.
4. The Outstanding Research Award in 2012 from the National Research Council.
5. The Researcher Award for the most cited research results (2006) from Chulalongkorn University.
6. The Supra Cluster Health Award for outstanding research from the Office of the Higher Education Commission in collaboration with 9 National Research Universities in 2003.

Prof. Dr. Kanya Supapeetiporn

1. TRF-CHE-Scopus Young Researcher Award for distinguished research, TRF-CHE-Scopus, 2009
2. Award for Distinguished Research Article from National Research Council of Thailand, 2010
3. Award for Distinguished Research Article from National Research Council of Thailand, 2012

Vision

The leader in the field of genomics and precision medicine in the Southeast Asian region. We create innovations and strive for excellence and we are the prototype of precision medicine being applied for people’s well-being.

Operations

1. Promote development of standard and modern medical services in genetic testing to ensure precise diagnosis.
2. Provide personalized and targeted therapy to patients through genetic counselling, health promotion, and comprehensive prevention of genetic disorders through the use of advanced medical technologies.
3. Establish genomics core facilities to support research and development (R&D) activities for application to the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of genetic diseases or conditions.
4. Provide training programs, undergraduate and graduate programs as well as specialist programs in genomics and precision medicine. To be a national and international training center in this medical specialty.  
5. Promote development of research in medical genetics and produce internationally recognized research works with certain medical application. Provide academic services to the community and society.   
6. Establish national and international networks for innovations and technologies in medical diagnosis, disease prevention and health promotion. To become a prototype for patient care.

Patients with a genetic disorder or who are suspected to have one of the following genetic syndromes or genetic disorders:

• Down syndrome and chromosomal abnormalities or other genetic disorders.
• Inherited metabolic diseases, newborn screening for inherited metabolic disorders.
• Muscular diseases and neurological disorders that may be caused by genetic abnormalities.
• Different types of congenital anomalies.
• Various forms of developmental delays in children.
• Suspected inherited heart conditions (such as cardiac arrhythmia, cardiomyopathy, etc.)
• Inherited disorders affecting connective tissues such as Marfan syndrome.
• Cancer patients with a family history or other medical history of suspected hereditary cancer syndromes.
• Patients with a disease of unknown etiology may benefit from genetic testing.

The Excellence Center for Genomics and Precision Medicine consists of 4 subunits as follow:

1. Management Unit
2. Clinical service Unit
3. Research and Development Unit
4. Academic Unit

Services

The Excellence Center for Genomics and Precision Medicine’s strategy and objectives are to achieve excellence in providing medical care using genomics innovations and technologies as well as to be a leading training center according to King Chulalongkorn’s visions and missions. To manage an effective operation, the Excellence Center has expanded the multidisciplinary out – patient clinic to support patients in need of medical diagnosis and treatment. It also provides the coding service of next – generation sequencing for genetic diagnosis, in total, 30 codes in the first year of service.