Intermountain Healthcare’s Precision Genomics Executive Director Named One of Nation’s Top 25 Health Innovators

Modern Healthcare Magazine has named Lincoln Nadauld, MD, PhD, executive director of Intermountain Healthcare’s Precision Genomics Program, to its inaugural class of the nation’s top 25 health innovators who are working to transform healthcare. 

The magazine recognized Dr. Nadauld in the category of quality and safety. Under Dr. Nadauld’s direction, Intermountain’s Precision Genomics Program is making discoveries and breakthroughs in disease treatment and medicine by studying patient DNA. 

Earlier this year Precision Genomics announced a partnership with deCODE genetics of Iceland to launch the groundbreaking HerediGene Population Study, which is being led by Dr. Nadauld.

The study is the largest and most comprehensive DNA mapping efforts ever undertaken in the United States. The objective of the study is to voluntarily collect 500,000 patient DNA samples to develop better medicines and helps those predisposed to genetic diseases. So far, more than 20,000 samples have been collected.

“For the industry to truly transform how it operates, innovation must take hold at all levels of an organization,” Modern Healthcare noted in announcing the 2019 list of innovators. “Often, a seemingly simple idea can lead to huge change. The inaugural class of Top 25 Innovators found new way to engage consumers, improve quality of care and lower costs.”

“This is a huge and unexpected honor,” said Dr. Nadauld. “It’s great to have the hard work of our team recognized on a national level.”

Intermountain started its Precision Genomics Program in 2013 – one of the first programs geared towards analyzing the DNA of patients with advanced cancers. Using the data, clinicians can better match drug treatments to the patients to provide a truly individualized treatment program. 

“With our efforts we’ve seen an increase in overall survival of patients with advanced cancer, while seeing a decrease in costs,” said Dr. Nadauld. “Recognitions like this really validate the work we’re doing,” said Dr. Nadauld. “Advances in healthcare technologies and practices can move slowly.” 

Click here for a link to Modern Healthcare’s full list of honorees.