Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Testing (DTC GT) for Health Purposes Policy Statement

September 2015
Health Promotion & Public Health | Policy Statement
PDF icon Link (187.85 KB)

Doctors of BC Position: DTC GT refers to testing sold directly to consumers via the Internet, television, or other marketing avenues without the involvement of health professionals. Doctors of BC believes that direct-to-consumer genetic testing needs be guided by patient safety and quality of care, and this can be supported by appropriate regulation, quality standards, and education for both healthcare providers and patients.

Precision Medicine: Understanding Our Genes for Better Health Policy Statement

September 2015
Health Promotion & Public Health | Policy Statement
PDF icon Link (728.52 KB)

Doctors of BC Position: Precision medicine refers to the use of an individual’s genomic and epigenetic information, including individual patterns of disease, in order to provide targeted treatment that is tailored to an individual’s genetic profile. To maximize the benefits of precision medicine and incorporate it into clinical care, Doctors of BC supports developing patient-focused policy and legislation, creating patient and provider education, and evaluation of precision medicine interventions. Expanded use of precision medicine needs to be guided by appropriate informed consent and privacy legislation.