The University Hospital of Jaén, affiliated with the Andalusian Health Service, is at the forefront of clinical and laboratory genetics in Andalusia by leading the Andalusian Genetics Working Group (GTGA). This group, integrated into the Andalusian Society of Clinical Analysis and Laboratory Medicine (SANAC), held its first in-person meeting in Málaga.
Comprising over twenty specialists from various Andalusian hospitals, the GTGA aims to foster coordination among centers, ensure equitable access to genetic diagnosis, and develop consensus documents to harmonize clinical practice across the region.
Ana Belén García Ruano, a professional from the Jaén hospital, serves as the general coordinator of the group. Concurrently, María Amparo Martín Alcolea, also from the center, leads a key workstream focused on the genetic approach to harmonic short stature, solidifying the prominence of the University Hospital of Jaén in this field.
“"The creation of this group represents an opportunity to share knowledge, unify criteria, and move towards more homogeneous genetic care throughout Andalusia. Our objective is for any patient, regardless of their place of residence, to have access to quality genetic care based on scientific evidence and the coordinated work of professionals."
The representation from Jaén was completed by Teresa de Haro and Almudena Sánchez Gilabert, an Area Specialist Physician and a resident from the Laboratory UGC, respectively. Their participation underscores the hospital's active involvement in collaborative projects.
The event was attended by institutional representatives including Marisa Hortas (President of SANAC), Antonio Poyatos Andújar (Director of the Andalusian Genetics Plan), Félix Gascón Luna (Director of the Andalusian Clinical Laboratories Plan), and Javier Blasco Alonso (Director of the Andalusian Plan for Attention to People Affected by Rare Diseases), who expressed their support for the development of genetics in Andalusia.
Key projects presented include prenatal genetic diagnosis, informed consent models, the genetic approach to harmonic short stature, and the establishment of a collaborative repository for genetic variants. These initiatives aim to strengthen networked work and the generation of common recommendations for clinical practice.
“"This first in-person meeting has allowed us to reinforce collaboration among the different centers and define common work lines that will have a direct impact on clinical practice. The involvement of Andalusian professionals demonstrates the existing commitment to developing clinical and laboratory genetics as a fundamental tool for improving patient diagnosis and care."
The GTGA is consolidating itself as a hub for coordination and scientific production, aligned with Andalusia's plans for Genetics, Clinical Laboratories, and Rare Diseases Care, reinforcing a commitment to more coordinated, rigorous, and equitable health genetics.
