Brian Shirts, MD, PhD
Dr. Shirts's research has included on statistical and bioinformatic methods to improve genetics sequencing analysis. To an increasing degree my research focuses on translational work related to communication of genetic test results between laboratories, providers, patients and their families. One recent successful project on new strategies to help hereditary cancer patients communicate about their genetic risk with relatives led to the development of a non-profit organization, ConnectMyVariant. ConnectMyVariant helps patients across the world find and connect with others who have the same pathogenic variants so that they can share stories, find common ancestors, and encourage each other to reach out to relatives.
Dr. Shirts is Service Medical Director of the Molecular Genetics Laboratories, including Cytogenetics, Molecular Diagnostics and Clinical Genomics.