The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) has recognized UC Davis Health as a Rare Disease Center of Excellence. This title highlights their commitment to offering top-notch care and research for over 30 million Americans living with rare diseases.
Bruce Hall, UC Davis Health’s interim vice chancellor, expressed pride in joining a network of leading medical organizations focused on improving knowledge and care for rare diseases.
One of the standout features of UC Davis Health is its comprehensive care model. They cover everything from accurate diagnosis to innovative treatments. For instance, their Precision Genomic Program utilizes whole genome sequencing to create tailored treatment options for specific genetic disorders.
Dr. Suma Shankar, head of the Genomic Medicine Division, emphasizes their commitment to patients: “Our goal is to leave no patient behind.” The center forms lasting relationships with families, guiding them through the complexities of rare genetic conditions. They treat patients of all ages with conditions ranging from fragile X syndrome to Huntington’s disease.
UC Davis Health also excels in gene therapy and clinical trials. Their scientists are at the forefront, developing treatments for various rare disorders. For example, they are leading trials for stem cell therapy aimed at serious conditions like Angelman syndrome and Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Recently, a child named Andrew received the first-ever gene therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, showcasing the impact of these innovative treatments.
The NORD Rare Disease Centers of Excellence Network, now including 46 institutions, aims to streamline the diagnostic process and enhance patient care. This network allows UC Davis Health to work collaboratively with other top facilities, ensuring that every individual with a rare disease has access to expert diagnosis and ground-breaking research opportunities.
As UC Davis Health continues to lead in this vital area, their efforts to advance rare disease understanding and treatment hold great promise for patients and families across the country.
For more details on ongoing research and treatment options, visit NORD’s official site [here](https://rarediseases.org) or check out UC Davis Health’s initiatives [here](https://health.ucdavis.edu).
