From Bench to Bedside: Collaborations Drive Meaningful Change
From Bench to Bedside: Collaborations Drive Meaningful Change https://pediatricsnationwide.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Clinical-Genomics-Header-for-web-1024x360.jpg 1024 360 Abbie Miller https://pediatricsnationwide.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/051023BT016-Abbie-Crop.jpg
The move from a research-first approach to genomic testing to offer more clinically available assays was driven in part by limitations in current clinical testing offerings, as well as by the decreasing cost and turn-around time of genomic sequencing. This environment drove the development of translational protocols.
“Our team works with researchers, clinicians and others outside of our organization to identify testing needs and perform the necessary validations to expand the number of clinical tests available,” says Catherine Cottrell, PhD, FACMG, section chief of the Steve and Cindy Rasmussen Institute for Genomic Medicine (IGM) Clinical Laboratory at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
This ability to work directly with clinical providers enhances the efficacy and impact of translational protocols, says Elaine Mardis, PhD, co-executive director of the Institute for Genomic Medicine and Rasmussen Endowed Chair in Genomic Medicine at Nationwide Children’s.
“Working with the clinicians who have been with us every step of the way enables us to bring the most impactful genomic tests to the clinic,” Dr. Mardis adds. “This is possible because of the organization’s One Team vision and culture. We’re less siloed and more collaborative, which makes us innovative and nimble. We don’t have to convince the clinical lab that a test is worth offering, and this is vital because clinically validating a new test is expensive and time consuming, but if impactful to the practice of medicine, it’s very worthwhile.”
Few centers across the United States are equipped to drive this level of change and access.
The Institute for Genomic Medicine at Nationwide Children’s is a one-of-a-kind enterprise that seamlessly integrates clinical testing and research, with strong ties to pathology and other service lines across the organization.
“Our intentional structure is supported by an ethos of shared purpose,” says Dr. Mardis. “We’re all working to advance the science and application of genomic studies, but more importantly, we’re all here to improve the lives of kids and families.”
This article appeared in the Spring/Summer 2025 issue. Download the full issue.
The 2025 Spring/Summer cover story delves into how genomic testing has evolved and how it is poised to become an important component of clinical diagnostics — not just for children with rare diseases, but for everyone. Read on to learn how.
Translational protocols are an important process of developing clinical tests in genomic medicine. These protocols help to identify the genomic approaches that are best suited to understand the pathogenesis of individual disease, predict the best course of treatment, and eventually validate the highest yield assays for clinical use.
About the author
Abbie (Roth) Miller, MWC, is a passionate communicator of science. As the manager, medical and science content, at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, she shares stories about innovative research and discovery with audiences ranging from parents to preeminent researchers and leaders. Before coming to Nationwide Children’s, Abbie used her communication skills to engage audiences with a wide variety of science topics. She is a Medical Writer Certified®, credentialed by the American Medical Writers Association.
- Abbie Millerhttps://pediatricsnationwide.org/author/abbie-miller/
- Abbie Millerhttps://pediatricsnationwide.org/author/abbie-miller/
- Abbie Millerhttps://pediatricsnationwide.org/author/abbie-miller/
- Abbie Millerhttps://pediatricsnationwide.org/author/abbie-miller/
