Charis Eng

American geneticist and physician

Charis Eng in 2011

Charis Eng is an American geneticist and physician known for her pioneering work in the field of cancer genetics. She is the founding Chair of the Genomic Medicine Institute at the Cleveland Clinic and a leader in the study of hereditary cancer syndromes.

Early Life and Education

Charis Eng was born in California, United States. She developed an early interest in biology and medicine, which led her to pursue a career in genetics. Eng completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Chicago, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biology. She then attended the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, where she obtained her MD.

Following medical school, Eng pursued a PhD in genetics at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom. Her doctoral research focused on the genetic basis of cancer, laying the groundwork for her future contributions to the field.

Career

After completing her education, Charis Eng joined the faculty at the University of Cincinnati, where she began her research on the genetic underpinnings of cancer. Her work quickly gained recognition, and she was recruited to the Cleveland Clinic to establish the Genomic Medicine Institute.

At the Cleveland Clinic, Eng has focused on translating genetic discoveries into clinical practice. Her research has led to the identification of several genes associated with increased cancer risk, including those involved in Cowden syndrome and PTEN hamartoma tumor syndrome.

Research Contributions

Charis Eng's research has significantly advanced the understanding of hereditary cancer syndromes. She has published extensively on the role of the PTEN gene in cancer development and has contributed to the development of genetic testing protocols for individuals at risk of hereditary cancers.

Eng's work has also emphasized the importance of integrating genetic counseling into clinical practice, ensuring that patients and their families receive comprehensive care and support.

Awards and Honors

Throughout her career, Charis Eng has received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to medical genetics. She is a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and has been recognized by the American Society of Human Genetics for her outstanding research.

Related Pages

• Genomic Medicine Institute
• Cleveland Clinic
• Cancer genetics
• PTEN
• Cowden syndrome