Rewriting the genetic narrative: Dr. Pato's inclusive approach to mental health
Rutgers professor shares insights on minority representation in genomic studies in Genomic Press interview
image: Michele Pato, MD, Rutgers University, USA
Credit: Michele Pato, MD
In a compelling Genomic Press Interview published in Brain Medicine on March 14, 2024, Dr. Michele Pato, Professor of Psychiatry and Inaugural Director of the Rutgers Center for Psychiatric Health and Genomics, sheds light on her pioneering work in psychiatric genomics and her commitment to inclusive research practices.
Dr. Pato's career has been dedicated to increasing the representation of minority populations in large-scale genomic studies, particularly focusing on Latino and African-American communities in the United States. This focus is crucial, as these populations have traditionally been underrepresented in genomic research despite facing significant disparities in health care and outcomes.
"Nature and nurture are both important to living the fullest, most enjoyable life. It is never just about our genes but what you do with them and what you bring to the table," Dr. Pato explains in the interview. This perspective raises intriguing questions about the interplay between genetic predisposition and environmental factors in psychiatric disorders. How might this holistic approach reshape our understanding of schizophrenia and bipolar disorders?
Dr. Pato's research not only contributes to the elucidation of the genomics of common and complex psychiatric disorders but also has the potential to significantly broaden our knowledge of human genetics. As genomic studies expand to include more diverse populations, researchers may uncover new genetic variants and pathways associated with psychiatric disorders. This begs the question: What novel insights into mental health might emerge from studying these underrepresented populations?
The interview also highlights Dr. Pato's personal journey and the challenges she faced as a woman in science. "It was hard being a girl and wanting to be a scientist," she recalls, reflecting on her early academic achievements. Dr. Pato's experiences underscore the ongoing need for diversity and inclusion in scientific research. How can the scientific community better support and encourage women and underrepresented minorities in pursuing careers in genomics and psychiatry?
Dr. Pato's commitment to mentorship and education is evident throughout the interview. "Encouraging every physician to be a scientist," she states, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking in medical practice. This approach raises an important question: How can we better integrate scientific inquiry into medical education and practice, particularly in the field of psychiatry?
A unique aspect of Dr. Pato's story is her personal experience as a traumatic brain injury survivor, which she detailed in her recent book "NERVE." This experience has undoubtedly influenced her perspective on neurological and psychiatric research. How might personal experiences with neurological conditions inform and enhance scientific research in these fields?
The Genomic Press Interview with Dr. Michele Pato offers a rare glimpse into the mind of a researcher who is not only advancing our understanding of psychiatric genomics but also actively working to make the field more inclusive and representative. As the scientific community continues to grapple with issues of diversity and representation, Dr. Pato's work stands as a beacon of progress and a call to action.
The full Genomic Press Interview with Dr. Michele Pato, titled "Michele T. Pato: Nature and nurture are essential to living the fullest and most enjoyable life; it is never just about our genes but what you do with them and what you bring to the table," is freely available online at https://bm.genomicpress.com/aop/.
About Brain Medicine: Brain Medicine (ISSN: 2997-2639) is a cutting-edge research journal published by Genomic Press. The journal's Innovators and Ideas section, featuring the Genomic Press Interview series, provides unique insights into the lives and work of leading scientists, bridging the gap between scientific achievement and human interest in the rapidly evolving field of neuroscience and mental health research.