Hasbro Children’s Phornphutkul named genetics director

PROVIDENCE – Dr. Chanika Phornphutkul has been named director of the Division of Human Genetics at Hasbro Children’s Hospital. In that position, she will serve as the leader of the hospital’s Genetic Counseling Center.
Phornphutkul will oversee genetic treatment for patients of all ages, including newborns and teenagers. Newborn children are referred because of suspected birth defects, abnormal newborn screening, genetic disorders, congenital malformations and/or dysmorphic features. Older children are treated for the same issues, as well as for developmental delay or learning disability.
In addition, through the Genetic Counseling Center, Phornphutkul will direct genetic counseling and carrier testing for people with family histories of genetic conditions, such as cystic fibrosis and Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and hereditary cancer syndromes, such as breast and ovarian cancers.
Phornphutkul first joined Hasbro Children’s Hospital in 1999 as a pediatric endocrinologist. In 2002, she took on a role as a biochemical geneticist and director of the hospital’s metabolic clinic since 2002.
“Many childhood disorders have an inherited or genetic cause,” said Phornphutkul. “With the growing knowledge in genetics, we can provide families with the best knowledge and treatment.” &#8226

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