Rare Disorders: Why Should You Care? - Exploring Ethics

Collectively rare disorders are more prevalent than cancer and many other commonly known diseases. It might seem obvious that something that is rare should warrant little of our attention. But science does not move in a straight line. A case could be made that exploratory, basic research might result in as much or more progress than research targeted only to the most common diseases. These choices must be made in the context of multiple stakeholders including healthcare professionals, scientists, funders of research, regulators, and patients. Hudson Freeze, Professor of Glycobiology & Director of the Human Genetics Program at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute explains the pervasiveness of rare disorders and the kinds of research being done. Series: "Exploring Ethics" [Health and Medicine] [Humanities] [Science] [Education] [Professional Medical Education] [Show ID: 31826]