Abstract
BackgroundGenomic sequencing has become a widely used tool in clinical and research settings in both civilian and military healthcare systems.MethodsIn this paper, we consider potential military‐specific implications of returning genomic sequencing secondary findings to ensure the proper protections, policies, and processes are in place for the use of this information.ResultsWe specifically use two examples to highlight potential military implications of the return of secondary findings.ConclusionClinicians and researchers are strongly encouraged to consider the military implications of the return of results for informed consent of service members or their families undergoing clinical or research genomic sequencing.
Highlights
Genomic sequencing initiatives are essential to advancing genomic medicine
We discuss Malignant Hyperthermia (MH) and Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy/Dysplasia (ARVC/D) to illustrate cases in which management recommendations may impact the ability to continue to serve in the military for those found to have a pathogenic variant, with the acknowledgment that career impact decisions should be made by the clinical care team with respect to each individual
Benefits to disclosing genomic sequencing results, including secondary findings, can include changes in healthcare management and lifestyle that could potentially be life‐saving for an individual
Summary
Genomic sequencing initiatives are essential to advancing genomic medicine. There is a limited body of evidence on the military‐specific implications of results returned from these studies, in particular as it pertains to secondary findings A SM's health status directly impacts their ability to successfully carry out their mission, with potential national security and defense ramifications. It follows that certain health conditions, both genetic and non‐genetic, disqualify an individual from serving in the military, and these conditions may vary by branch of service or specific duty. These conditions may disqualify an individual from enlisting, render a SM unfit to continue to serve on active duty, and impact eligibility for disability compensation. Genetic variants identified through genomic sequencing should not result in any action unless that individual suffers symptoms during their time of service and those symptoms limit the individual's ability to perform their duties
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