The Precision Health Research Program, led by Drs. Caitlin G. Allen and Lori Orlando, applies implementation science methods to develop, deliver, and evaluate precision health and genomic interventions alongside our community partners in the following areas:

 

  1. Implementation of genomic medicine
  2. Population-based genomic screening
  3. Communication of genomic information
  4. Workforce development

Projects

  • Genomic medicine Risk Assessment Care for Everyone (GRACE): Family health history (FHH), a critical component of genomic medicine that is essential for both identifying individuals at risk for hereditary conditions and for contextualizing results of genetic testing, continues to be broadly underutilized and underappreciated in clinical care. GRACE is designed to: 1) develop and deploy a FHH collection model using pre-implementation assessments at clinical sites with highly diverse patient populations to select the most appropriate integration options and pathways for both patients and providers; and 2) perform a randomized implementation-effectiveness pragmatic hybrid trial to assess implementation and effectiveness outcomes relevant to these diverse populations. Outcomes will include reach, uptake, clinical utility, accessibility, genetic testing frequency, genetic testing results, and cost-effectiveness.
  • The VA Genomics Learning Health System: Implementing genomic medicine across diverse veteran communities: In this project, the VA will bring its national learning health system (LHS) infrastructure and genomic medicine implementation strategies to a network of other genomics-enabled LHS. The network will conduct implementation projects centered on a mainstream model for delivery of genomic medicine that promotes the use of evidence-based, guideline-concordant genetic testing by frontline clinicians (U01HG013781).
  • Advancing Translational Science Through the Implementation of Population Based Genomic Screening (ASPIRE): We are building and testing innovative, technology-enhanced approaches to make population-based genomic screening (PGS) more efficient at Atrium Health. By co-designing recruitment and results-return strategies with patients and community partners, and piloting tools such as automated e-consent, portal outreach, educational videos, and a chatbot, this project aims to reduce barriers, streamline participation, and generate real-world evidence to scale genomic medicine programs for public health impact.
  • Facilitating the Implementation of Population-based Genomic Screening Across Diverse Populations and Settings (FOCUS): We apply implementation mapping to conduct a needs assessment of population-based genomic screening programs, create an implementation guide (FOCUS toolkit), and evaluate the utility of the implementation guide using a stepped wedge cluster randomized trial design (R01HG013851).
  • Scalable Clinical Decision Support for Individualized Cancer Risk Management (GARDE): Evidence supports individualizing cancer screening based on each person’s risk. We propose to enhance and disseminate software that scans electronic health records of target patient populations to: 1) automatically identify those at high risk to develop hereditary cancers according to national cancer guidelines, and 2) reach out to patients via automated “chatbots” offering patient education and the opportunity to receive at home genetic testing for hereditary cancers. Through wide dissemination, the GARDE platform has the potential to enable evidence-based, individualized cancer screening to reduce cancer burden (5U24CA274582-02).
  • PaRtnEring to build understanding oF gEnomics Responsibly (PREFER) CHW Genomics Research Education Program (PREFER CHW): The PREFER CHW program is designed to fill the gap in available resources to train CHWs in basic competencies related to genomics. We are working with CHW training programs in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Mississippi to develop and implement the program (1R25HG013479-01).
  • Precision Public Health Network: Established in 2019, the Precision Public Health Network is made of hundreds of early-stage investigators focused on precision health research. We provide training from leaders in the field and develop collaborations to advance precision health research. We host conferences as part of this network (R13CA261073).

Our Team

Caitlin Allen

Caitlin Allen, Ph.D - Primary Investigator

Caitlin G. Allen, PhD, MPH is a social and behavioral scientist with expertise in the implementation of evidence-based research to advance precision public health initiatives. She is a thought leader in the field of precision public health, with her work highlighted in Nature and Harvard Public Health Magazine. Her overarching research goal is to support the translation of genomics applications to maximize population health impact and address health disparities. To achieve this goal, Dr. Allen focuses on contributing to the field in three key areas: 1) participatory implementation science to support community engagement in genomics and precision public health research, 2) the training of community health workers in genomics research competencies, and 3) novel approaches to communicating genomic information to people representing a broad range of backgrounds (e.g., risk communication, results disclosure, family health history). Dr. Allen is also a dedicated mentor who is passionate about training the next generation of scientists in the field of precision public health.

Lori A. Orlando, MD MHS MMCI.

Lori A. Orlando, MD MHS MMCI

Dr. Lori A. Orlando, MD MHS MMCI is a Professor of Medicine and health services researcher. She is the president of MeTree&You and an expert in applying informatics and implementation science to genomic medicine – particularly around identifying and managing individuals at increased risk for medical conditions. In her 20-year career she has published over 90 manuscripts, secured extensive grant funding, and speaks internationally about optimizing disease risk assessment. Her research programs focus on using technology to overcome barriers to family health history-based risk assessment and developing care pathways that address the entire genomic medicine pipeline – from identification to cascade screening of family members. 

Jarrod Marable

Jarrod Marable, BS - Program Manager I

I am a project manager who joined Dr. Allen's team in 2024. I received my Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from Sewanee: The University of The South. I work across many projects including FOCUS where we are finding both barriers and facilitators to implementing successful Population-wide Genomic Screening programs in clinical institutions.

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Jaslyn A. Grullon, MPH - Program Manager II

I recently joined Dr. Allen’s team as Project Manager II. I received my Bachelor of Science in Health Education and Promotion and Master of Public Health from UNC Greensboro. I specialize in project management, research administration, study startup, implementation and maintenance, and evidence-based interventions. I am committed to developing and supporting evidence-based interventions that address and bridge critical gaps in public health research. My belief is that data should not only inform knowledge but also translate into actionable strategies that improve population outcomes and reduce health disparities.

Marie Smith

Marie Smith, MS

I am a current PhD student in Applied Health Research and Evaluation at Clemson University and a graduate student researcher in implementation science. I received my Bachelor of Science in Biology from Furman University and my Master’s in Science in Applied Health Research and Evaluation from Clemson University. My previous work in both genetics education and in the clinical oncology setting have influenced my unique research areas of interest including genetic literacy, population genetics, genetic risk stratification, cancer prevention and control, and personalized risk modeling for high-risk and/or underserved populations.

Emma Coen

Emma Coen, MS

I am a PhD candidate in Biomedical Data Science and Informatics at Clemson University with a research focus on health equity, digital health, and implementation science in oncology. My work examines how artificial intelligence can be responsibly integrated into clinical workflows to expand access to genetic services and reduce disparities in cancer care. I have contributed to NIH-funded research, including the GARDE trial, which leverages automated chatbots to facilitate genetic education and testing. Drawing on my interdisciplinary background in law, public health, and biomedical science, I use both quantitative and qualitative methods to investigate how social and structural determinants impact patient outcomes. I am particularly interested in understanding why patients drop off at various points in the care continuum and in designing scalable, equitable interventions to address these barriers.

Ingrid Wagner

Ingrid Wagner, MPH, BS

I am a research assistant on the Precision Health Research team. I received my Bachelor of Science in Epidemiology from Indiana University and my Master of Public Health from Boston University. My previous work, published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, examined racial disparities across the genetic services continuum of care. I am passionate about identifying strategies to reduce barriers and enhance access to genetic services.