July 25, 2023
Uses real data
20 hours (12h online; 8h live)
CE, certificate
$400
Our 20-hour certificate program enables learner to apply implement pharmacogenomics in practice by using real genetic data in highly-interactive exercises with an optional activity for learners to undergo personal genomic testing.
The competency-based education is comprised of 12 hours of self-paced (home) study modules that unlock automatically with course progression and 8 hours of Zoom live training led by faculty experts from the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC. Upon completion, a certificate, micro-credential. (digital badge), and continuing education can be awarded.
REGISTRATION AND ACTIVITY FEES
$400 – Test2Learn Pharmacogenomics Certificate program
Optional personal genomic testing is available for $99+shipping (available within the course following registration)
To register, log in (top right of this page) and then enroll below.

Test2Learn
TM is an award-winning training approach where you can work with real genetic data to learn pharmacogenomics. You can experience personal genomics testing just like your patients or work with anonymous data. Interactive exercises and real world cases increase the fidelity of education and make training fun. Learn all about our learning outcomes by clicking on the logo to the left.
TARGET AUDIENCE
All healthcare professionals
SPECIFIC LEARNING MODULES
Home study
- Advances in Precision Medicine and Pharmacogenomics
- The Pharmacist in Pharmacogenomics
- A Review of Genetics and Nomenclature
- Introduction to Medical Genetics
- Principles of Genetic and Genomic Testing
- Regulation and Reimbursement of Genetic and Genomic Testing
- Ethical Issues Associated with Genomic & PGx Testing
- Social Justice Issues Associated with Genomic & PGx Testing
- Consent and Communication of Genetic Test Results
- Pharmacogenetics Scientific Evidence to Clinical Guidelines
- Cardiovascular Pharmacogenomics
- Psychiatric and Neurologic Pharmacogenomics
- Pharmacogenomics in Internal Medicine
- Pain Pharmacogenomics
- Hypersensitivity and Skin Reactions
- Oncology Pharmacogenomics
- Leading innovators – success stories: Identifying Opportunities and Implementing Pharmacogenomics (PGx) into Community Pharmacy Practice
- Leading innovators – success stories: A Pharmacogenomics-MTM model in Community pharmacy
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Live program
- Population variability and PGx clinical decision making
- Leveraging PGx information resources
- Predicting PGx phenotypes using real genetic data
- Application to patient cases
- Communicating with patients and providers
- PGx implementation barriers
- Implementation models and transitions of care
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LEARNING OBJECTIVES
The pharmacist who completes the home-study and live components of this Pharmacogenomics Certificate Program should be able to:
- Demonstrate understanding of basic genetic/genomic concepts and nomenclature
- Describe advances in scientific knowledge and technology, which have led to innovations in personalized medicine
- Identify the role of behavioral, social and environmental factors (lifestyle, socioeconomic factors, pollutants, among others) to modify or influence genetics in the manifestation of disease.
- Compare and contrast different PGx study designs.
- Identify drug- and disease-associated genetic variations that facilitate development of prevention and treatment strategies and appreciate there are differences in testing methodologies and are aware of the need to explore these differences in drug literature evaluation
- Assess predisposition to disease and selection of drug treatment by using family history
- Describe the role of genetic factors in maintaining health and preventing disease
- Assess the difference between clinical diagnosis of disease and identification of genetic predisposition to disease (genetic variation is not strictly correlated with disease manifestation)
- Recognize that pharmacogenomic testing may also reveal certain genetic disease predispositions (e.g., the Apo E4 polymorphism)
- Demonstrate an understanding of how genetic variation in a large number of proteins influences pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics related to pharmacologic effect and drug response
- Use online resources to assign haplotypes and predicted drug response phenotypes from genetic data.
- Describe the influence (or lack thereof) of ethnicity in genetic polymorphisms and associations of polymorphisms with drug response
- Recognize the availability of evidence-based guidelines that synthesize information relevant to genomic/pharmacogenomic tests and selection of drug therapy (e.g. Clinical pharmacogenomics implementation consortium)
- Evaluate the availability of genetic testing under FDA, CLIA, and DTC regulations.
- Evaluate PGx test reports through group-based activities and role-playing to demonstrate the PGx knowledge/skill-based competencies
- Create a step-wise decision-making process for the integration of PGx with clinical variables known to impact PK/PD to make appropriate PGx-based recommendations for patients and populations.
- List drugs/clinical situations where PGx testing is likely to be most useful clinically
- Identify the potential physical and/or psychosocial benefits, limitations and risk of genomic/pharmacogenomic information for individuals, family members and communities, especially with genomic/pharmacogenomic tests that may relate to predisposition to disease
- Describe the increased liability that accompanies access to detailed genomic patient information and maintain confidentiality and security
- Define the cost, cost–effectiveness and reimbursement by insurers relevant to genomic or pharmacogenomic tests and test interpretation for patients and populations
- Identify the need to refer a patient to a genetic specialist or genetic counselor
- Describe proper documentation of test results in electronic patient record
- Adopt a culturally sensitive and ethical approach to patient counseling regarding PGx test results
- Demonstrate patient and provider communication about PGx testing and test results and counseling through group-based activities and role-playing
- Evaluate about different business models to integrate PGx in various practice sites
- Discuss different strategies to engage with local practitioners to optimize the delivery of PGx services prior to implementation
- Demonstrate proficiency in different types of sample collection practices for PGx testing, review of safety procedures for handling biospecimens and proper mailing
DISCLAIMER STATEMENT
The information presented at this activity represents the views and opinions of the individual presenters, and does not constitute the opinion or endorsement of, or promotion by, the UPMC Center for Continuing Education in the Health Sciences, UPMC / University of Pittsburgh Medical Center or Affiliates and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Reasonable efforts have been taken intending for educational subject matter to be presented in a balanced, unbiased fashion and in compliance with regulatory requirements. However, each program attendee must always use his/her own personal and professional judgment when considering further application of this information, particularly as it may relate to patient diagnostic or treatment decisions including, without limitation, FDA-approved uses and any off-label uses.

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Philip Empey, PharmD, PhD, FCCP Associate Director, Institute of Precision Medicine; Associate Professor, Pharmacy and Therapeutics, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy Faculty profile
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James Coons, PharmD, FCCP, FACC, BCCP PGY2 Cardiology Residency Program Director; Professor, Pharmacy and Therapeutics, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh Faculty profile |

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Lucas Berenbrok, PharmD, MS, BCACP, TTS Associate Professor, Pharmacy and Therapeutics, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh Faculty profile |
Conflict of Interest Disclosure
No planners, members of the planning committee, speakers, presenters, authors, content reviewers and/or anyone else in a position to control the content of this education activity have relevant financial relationships to disclose.
HOME STUDY
- Self-paced, online (to be completed in advance of the live program date)
FACULTY-LED, LIVE PROGRAM: Tuesday, July 25, 2023
(All times eastern and conducted over Zoom)
7:45 am |
Program registration |
8:00 am - 12:00 pm |
Certificate training program morning session |
12:00 pm |
Break for lunch |
1:00 pm - 4:30 pm |
Certificate training program afternoon session |
ACCREDITATION
In support of improving patient care, the University of Pittsburgh is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) and the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
Physician (CME)
The University of Pittsburgh designates this enduring material activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit[s]™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Pharmacy (CPE)
This knowledge-based activity provides 1.0 contact hours of continuing pharmacy education credit.
Other health care professionals will receive a certificate of attendance confirming the number of contact hours commensurate with the extent of participation in this activity.
HOW TO OBTAIN CONTINUING EDUCATION
Continuing education is available for the above learner groups. Learners must complete the full program (all modules, attain grades of 80% or higher on assessments, and participate in the live session) as well as submit necessary information to for submission of credit (e.g. profile information and evaluations) to receive continuing education credit. Partial credit will not be awarded.