Shruti Mitkus is the Director of Genetic Education and Navigation at Global Genes, a leading rare disease patient advocacy organization. Shruti is a human molecular genetics scientist and genetics educator. She earned her doctorate in Human Genetics from University of Maryland Baltimore and completed her post-doctoral training at the National Institute of Mental Health, researching the genetic mechanisms of neuropsychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

After working in many different areas related to genetics, such as basic research, pharmacogenomics, genetic diagnostics, and variant interpretation, Shruti felt driven to engage more closely with patients and communities. She transitioned to patient advocacy and now directs programs that inform families about the molecular genetic causes of their illness, guide them through the diagnostic process and educate them about gene-based treatments, work that she describes as “genetic advocacy”.

While Shruti loves the science of genetics, she is most passionate about translating her knowledge of genetics in an approachable manner and addressing barriers to access genetic testing and cutting-edge treatments. She is an ardent believer in the power of education to empower and ultimately improve the lives of patients and families.

Shruti can be reached at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shruti-mitkus-rarediseasegenetics/

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Moyez Jiwa Professor

Moyez Jiwa is a general practitioner, journal editor and podcast host. Professor Jiwa leads a medical school based in Melbourne, Australia. He authored the book The Art of Doctoring. He believes that healthcare can improve by focusing on the quality of the meeting between health care professional and patient. This would forge a truly meaningful partnership between doctor and patient as co-pilot in care. It would also reduce rates of burnout among doctors and future proof healthcare in a world where the population is ageing and more likely to be living with more complex health care conditions.