San Diego – Sept. 21, 2015 – The Rady Pediatric Genomics and Systems Medicine Institute at Rady Children’s announced today it has named pediatric genomics researcher Stephen F. Kingsmore, MD, DSc, to lead the Institute as its President and CEO.
Among his pioneering achievements, Dr. Kingsmore developed the 50 hour genome, a process by which doctors are able to decode and interpret a newborn baby’s genome in just two days. The genetic test, named one of the top 10 medical breakthroughs of 2012 by Time Magazine, rapidly screens the DNA of babies for about 4,500 diseases known to be linked to single-gene mutations.
Dr. Kingsmore and his team also designed a software system for neonatologists to look for disease in specific regions of the genome based on the newborn’s symptoms and then guide doctors to where they should interpret results. These important advances toward rapid genetic sequencing for newborns promise to one day replace the traditional newborn screening blood test.
“Dr. Kingsmore’s impressive record of achievement and his stellar reputation as a world leader in pediatric genomics will serve him well as he endeavors to bring the Institute’s vision to life – to fundamentally change and improve healthcare for children in San Diego and around the world,” said David F. Hale, Board Chair of Rady Pediatric Genomics and Systems Medicine Institute.
Dr. Kingsmore comes to Rady Children’s from Children’s Mercy Kansas City, where he most recently served as Executive Director of Medical Panomics. He was the Founding Director of the Center for Pediatric Genomic Medicine at Children’s Mercy, during which time he and his team decoded the genome of more than 1,700 children and parents. To maintain the continuity of his important research, Dr. Kingsmore will continue to collaborate with Children’s Mercy during the transition.
“Recruiting this brilliant person is a home run for Rady Children’s and for San Diego,” said Donald Kearns, MD, President and CEO of Rady Children’s Hospital – San Diego. “We are building an outstanding team in pediatric genomics at the Institute. With Dr. Kingsmore joining the top experts we already have in place at the Rady Pediatric Genomics Institute, I have no doubt we are going to change the world for pediatric care.”
Dr. Kingsmore will begin his new position at the Rady Pediatric Genomics Institute on September 28, 2015.
About Rady Pediatric Genomics and Systems Medicine Institute at Rady Children’s
The Rady Pediatric Genomics and Systems Medicine Institute at Rady Children’s was launched in April 2014 with a $120 million gift from the Rady Family and a $40 million investment from Rady Children’s Hospital. The Institute brings together world-class scientists and clinicians into a shared research infrastructure, one that will enable them to accelerate the translation and implementation of research discoveries for prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and ultimately cures for childhood diseases. For more information visit www.rchsd.org/research/genomics-institute/.
About Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego:
Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego is a 520-bed pediatric care facility providing the largest source of comprehensive pediatric medical services in San Diego, Southern Riverside and Imperial counties. Rady Children’s is the only hospital in the San Diego area dedicated exclusively to pediatric healthcare and is the region’s only designated pediatric trauma center. In June 2015, U.S. News & World Report ranked Rady Children’s among the best children’s hospitals in the nation in all ten pediatric specialties the magazine surveyed. Rady Children’s is a nonprofit organization that relies on donations to support its mission. For more information, visit www.rchsd.org and find us on Facebook, Twitter and Vimeo.
Media Contact: Carlos Delgado
Office: 858-966-4901
cdelgado@rchsd.org