Jerome Atutornu
I am encouraged by the promise and potential of genomic technologies in revolutionising healthcare. However, I am also aware of the disparities that exist in access and engagement of BAME [black, Asian and minority ethnic] communities with these technologies. I am interested in highlighting the need for ensuring that genomics does not exacerbate existing health disparities by facilitating discoveries that will disproportionately benefit only the well-represented communities.
Jerome is the inaugural PhD student for this collaboration between the Faculty of Education (University of Cambridge) and Wellcome Genome Campus Research & Dialogue group. His hope is that this study will unearth barriers to engagement so that culturally competent educational strategies can be employed to ameliorate these.
Jerome is a lecturer in diagnostic radiography at the University of Suffolk in Ipswich and still practices radiography at East of England. Jerome has also worked in the private sector providing Lithotripsy services to most of the NHS Trust in the East of England after a period of service in the military.
Jerome became interested in genomics and personalised healthcare during his MSc and has been hooked since. He has subsequently undertaken master’s modules in genomic medicine at the University of Cambridge.