Bhuma Krishnamachari Named Director of Clinical Genetics at C.W. Post

Brookville, NY - Bhuma Krishnamachari, the former director of genetic services at Edward Hospital in Naperville, Illinois, has been named director of clinical genetics in the Biology Department at the C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University.

Certified as a genetic counselor by the American Board of Genetic Counseling, Krishnamachari will head Long Island’s first graduate-level program in clinical genetics. A genetic counselor is a vital member of a health care team who is trained to evaluate a patient’s personal and family history for inherited medical conditions, including certain birth defects or inherited cancer syndromes. Serving as a resource to patients, physicians and other health care professionals, genetic counselors provide risk assessment for hereditary diseases, implement appropriate genetic testing, and help formulate follow up plans for individuals found to have a genetic problem.

"It is truly a privilege to work in the field of clinical genetics, as I can help patients be proactive about their health by knowing their hereditary background," Krishnamachari said. "This means that people who would almost certainly have developed a disease may have a chance to prevent or lower the chances of that disease. For example, a person who would have had developed breast cancer may now be able to avoid the disease. There is no field in medicine that offers as much hope as clinical genetics does."

Krishnamachari, who also served as an instructor at Loyola University in Chicago, where she lectured and conducted medical grand rounds for medical students and faculty, earned two master’s degrees while attending the University of Minnesota: ¬one in genetic counseling, the other in human genetics and immunology. She is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in epidemiology at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Widely published in clinical journals and a sought-after speaker at medical conferences, Krishnamachari's current research involves studying the effect of medication use on the risk of Glioma.

"Krishnamachari has made outstanding contributions to the field of clinical genetics," said Katherine Hill-Miller, Ph.D., dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at C.W. Post. “As widespread interest continues to increase in this high-demand discipline, it's important to have someone who is aware of the swift advances and changing technology. Krishnamachari's extensive background and experience makes her uniquely qualified for this position.”

Krishnamachari is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa honorary society and a member of the National Society of Genetic Counselors, as well as a member of the volunteer council and genetics volunteer for Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. A volunteer speaker for Y-Me Breast cancer organization and the American Cancer Society, Krishnamachari also volunteers for the Children’s Place Association, a residential home for pediatric HIV patients and is a member of the Professional Partners for Children’s Place Association fundraising committee.

Posted: October 19, 2009