The Patient & Family Ascertainment CoreThe Patient and Family Ascertainment Section (PFAS) serves as the clinical core and provides operational guidance for all clinical personnel. Specifically, the core trains all newly hired personnel in basic ascertainment practices and use of ascertainment tools including Progeny and Pedigene as well as policies and procedures. In addition, all clinical personnel can utilize the core and its personnel to assist in activities related to ascertainment including IRB preparation, obtaining sampling materials, and continuing education. The ascertainment core also coordinates recruitment and enrollment of adult and pediatric study controls. Finally, the PFAS enhances recruitment of patient and families into the various studies through community outreach which include focus groups, community advisory boards, and creation of culturally sensitive strategies for different racial and ethnic populations. Core Leader: Ricardo Martinez (rmartinez1@med.miami.edu) |