Susan Bartkowiak, Genetics Database Manager at the Masonic Medical Research Laboratory (MMRL), was recently selected 2009 Employee of the Year by her peers.

"Susan started working at the MMRL in April, 2004 and is an indispensable member of our staff. In addition to maintaining detailed records, she ensures that we are compliant with all government regulations for both clinical screening and our genetic research. Our research requires that we have a complete medical history for all patients and family members so that we can better understand the characteristics of the various inherited cardiac syndromes that we study," said Dr. Charles Antzelevitch, MMRL Executive Director. "She is most deserving of this honor."

"I think the most important and most difficult task that I do everyday is talking with people who have been affected by the syndromes that we study. I interact with clinicians, genetic counselors as well as patients and their immediate family members that have been affected. It is critical to our genetic research to learn as much as we can about the family's medical history as well as the event(s) that took place before, during and after an arrhythmic episode," said Bartowiak. "It is equally important that the information we receive complies with the HIPAA regulations to ensure the privacy of each patient. The data is then made available to the researchers to help determine what effects a gene variation may have on a patient and, perhaps, family members. It is also used to corroborate published data in research papers and articles."

The Masonic Medical Research Laboratory is one of the main clearing centers worldwide for the genetic screening of inherited lethal cardiac arrhythmias responsible for sudden cardiac death in young adults, children and infants. The MMRL has also made very significant strides in advancing the field and in designing gene-specific therapies. Since entering the field of molecular genetics, the MMRL has discovered 4 out the 7 genes associated with the Brugada syndrome and is recognized as the leading center for study of Brugada syndrome in the United States. The MMRL is also credited with discovered 3 out of 5 genes associated with short QT and providing the first direct evidence linking SIDS to cardiac arrhythmias.

The Masonic Medical Research Laboratory is a 501c3 not-for-profit corporation supported by public contributions as well as foundation, Federal and AHA grants. All gifts stay 100% local. Please visit www.mmrl.edu to learn more.