Dr. Rubinstein is a nationally recognized specialist in cancer genetics who brings genetics into the practice of medicine. She leads a clinical and research program which spans genomic medicine, clinical research, and public health. The Center for Medical Genetics has funding from the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control, the Department of Defense, and from philanthropic donors.
What is your main area of expertise?
My main expertise is in investigating a family history of cancer, providing genetic counseling and testing for families, and developing a strategy for cancer prevention and early detection.
What are your other areas of focus?
Genomic medicine is of special interest to me. I am especially intrigued by the discovery of new genetic variants that impact on common illnesses and the path from the laboratory bench to the bedside. Currently, I am pursuing the use of gene expression profiling to study the genetic fingerprints of hereditary and familial breast cancer.
What is something you are doing today that five years ago seemed unlikely?
With a generous grant from the Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Foundation, we were able to establish the Center for Functional Genomics and to recruit San Ming Wang, MD. This will help us to accomplish genomic research at NorthShore University HealthSystem. In addition, with a generous grant from the Susan Heiberger Memorial Fund, Suzanne O’Neill, PhD created the MyGenerations touch-screen cancer risk assessment program, which patients can use at three sites in the NorthShore University HealthSystem system.
Name your most recent accomplishment.
As a clinician, I feel I’ve played an important role in helping to prevent some of my patients from developing and dying of cancer. This is the most gratifying aspect of my work. As a medical scientist, I received a Career Development Award from the National Cancer Institute through Northwestern’s Breast Cancer SPORE grant. I also received the NorthShore University HealthSystem Research Career Development Award which will help me to study the genetic underpinnings of familial breast cancer. My most recent publication was on the use of a CD-Rom on breast cancer genetics to enhance the overall genetic counseling experience (Genetics in Medicine).
What is one thing that you frequently tell your patients?
Methods for early detection of cancer and non-surgical cancer prevention are improving rapidly. It's going to be a lot better for our children.
What do you predict will be the next important advance in your specialty?
I predict that the next important advance in my specialty will involve more accurate testing of tumors for their genetic profiles, resulting in more targeted cancer therapies.
What are some of your interests outside of genetics?
Some of my non-medical interests are biking, origami, and going to arts and crafts fairs—especially the American Craft Exposition run by The Auxiliary of NorthShore University HealthSystem.