Genetics is a complex and fast-changing field. Each day brings us more research and information on what genes can — and cannot — tell us about ourselves. Staying abreast of this powerful science is a full-time job. That's why genetics is all we do.

To provide you with up-to-date information, the latest tests, and quality support services, we have a dedicated team of genetic experts. As new developments are uncovered, we are ready at the forefront, incorporating them into our information and services.

We are committed to being the best at what we do, so you can benefit from the power of your genes — and make smart, better-informed personal and family health choices.

Learn More About Our Medical Advisors

Allan T. Bombard, M.D., FACOG, FACS, FACMG
Medical Director

Dr. Allan Bombard is Chief Medical Officer, Sharp Mary Birch Hospital in San Diego, California, the largest women's hospital in the western United States. Previously, Dr. Bombard was the chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Lutheran Medical Center and has served as Western US Medical Director for Women's Health at Aetna US Healthcare. He holds the rank of Professor at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and the State University of New York at Downstate Medical Center. Dr. Bombard is an established leader who has worked to bridge the fields of Ob/Gyn and genetics, improving and increasing access to healthcare services.

Dr. Bombard is board-certified in both clinical genetics and obstetrics/gynecology. He received his Bachelor of Arts from Colgate University and his Doctor of Medicine from the George Washington University. He completed a residency in Ob/Gyn at the Wilford Hall USAF Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas, and his fellowship in Human Genetics at Northwestern University.

Dr. Bombard retired from the USAF Reserves in 2002 with the rank of Colonel, and served in Operation Desert Storm. He is a Founding Fellow of the American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG), a Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists (ACOG), and a life member of the American College of Physician Executives (ACPE). He has lectured extensively on a variety of women’s health issues including genetic counseling, prenatal screening and diagnosis, the business of medicine, and BRCA screening. His articles have appeared in peer-reviewed medical journals such as the Lancet and the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology.

Trish Brown, M.S., CGC
Vice President of Clinical Affairs

Trish Brown is an executive with over 15 years of experience in the business of medical genetics. She is a board certified genetic counselor with a passion for personalized medicine and consumer advocacy. Prior to joining DNA Direct, Trish was an Associate Vice President at LabCorp and Director of Strategic Technology Management and Implementation. In this role she oversaw the commercialization of new technologies and developed expertise in operations, project management, strategic planning, and product development. She was also responsible for LabCorp’s genetic information services which included a specialized genetics call center and clinical genetic counseling services.

Trish received her undergraduate degree in Genetics at the University of California, Davis. She obtained her genetic counseling degree at Sarah Lawrence College, and then practiced prenatal and craniofacial genetic counseling at St. Peter’s Medical Center in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Her next career step was at Duke University Medical Center in the Maternal Fetal Medicine department where she provided prenatal counseling and was on the Faculty for the Department of Pediatrics and Genetics for the Medical Genetics Fellowship Program. Trish has authored over forty five peer reviewed posters, publications, and presentations. She is a member of the National Society of Genetic Counselors, Women Business Leaders of the U.S. Health Care Industry Foundation, and the Healthcare Business Women’s Association. 

Anne-Renee Hartman, MD
Oncology Advisor

Anne-Renee Hartman, MD, is board certified in Internal Medicine and Medical Oncology, and specializes in both clinical breast cancer and breast cancer genetics. She is a medical consultant for DNA Direct. Previously, Dr. Hartman held a faculty position as Assistant Professor of Medicine at Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, where she focused on the clinical treatment and management of breast cancer patients and women at high risk for developing breast cancer. During her fellowship at Stanford, she developed The Breast Cancer Genetics Clinic, developing and implementing novel clinical protocols to detect breast cancer and precancerous breast lesions at their earliest stages.

Dr. Hartman trained at the University of Chicago in Internal Medicine and completed a five-year fellowship at Stanford University in clinical oncology with a research focus on understanding the role of hereditary breast cancer genes in DNA repair and developing novel screening strategies for high-risk women. She is a member of The Amercian Society of Clinical Oncology where she previously held the position of Track Leader for the Fellows and Junior Faculty Program of the Cancer Education Committee.

Lisa Kessler, M.S., CGC
Senior Genetic Counselor

Lisa R. Kessler is a board-certified genetic counselor with a background in medical genetics and research. Kessler worked in adult genetics at the University of Pennsylvania, Division of Medical Genetics, where she had the opportunity to meet with patients and families with a variety of different medical concerns including hemochromatosis, hereditary cancer syndromes, Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia, and Marfan syndrome.

Kessler helped design and manage research for individuals who have had Aortic Dissections and she presented the findings at several national conferences. Kessler also has experience providing genetic counseling to women with hereditary breast cancer as part of a research study that focused on African American women. One of the goals of this project was to create a successful referral network including local hospitals, physician offices, and support groups. Kessler has had several publications resulting from this research and enjoyed the opportunity to reach out to women who may not otherwise benefit from access to genetic counseling.

Kessler is often inspired by her patients, learning from their determination, strength, and commitment to helping others. She has observed the development and utilization of support groups, and the significant impact these groups have made. Kessler is enthusiastic about helping DNA Direct create lasting relationships with advocacy organizations to promote increased access to genetic services.

Hsien-Hsien Lei, Ph.D.
Genetic Information Specialist

Dr. Hsien-Hsien Lei is a genetic epidemiologist and science writer. She received her Ph.D. in epidemiology from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health where she was the recipient of a National Institutes of Health Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology Training Grant. Dr. Lei completed her postdoctoral training at National Taiwan University Hospital. She received her BA with honors from Stanford University in human biology, specializing in methods of disease prevention.

Previously, Dr. Lei conducted research on the genetic epidemiology of kidney disease and type 2 diabetes. She has published in leading peer reviewed journals, presented at international conferences, and helped lead multi-center population-based studies. Her writing has been recognized by the American Society of Nephrology, Forbes.com, Duke GenomeLIFE Magazine, and the Los Angeles Times, among others.

Dr. Lei publishes EyeOnDNA.com, a leading genetics weblog tracking the genome revolution and the role of DNA in society. She is particularly interested in making genetics comprehensible to scientists and non-scientists alike. Dr. Lei is also co-founder of The DNA Network, a collection of weblogs about genetics, genomics, and DNA. At DNA Direct, Dr. Lei helps bring genetic technology out of the lab and into our everyday lives.

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