Humans of VarSome - Anna Dobretsova PhD

In this edition of Humans of VarSome, we chat with Anna Dobretsova. She has a PhD from the University of Arkansas and is the manager of the Department of Molecular Diagnostics at Northside Hospital, Atlanta. We'd like to thank Anna for taking the time to answer our questions. If you'd like to take part in Humans of VarSome, reach out to us here.

How would you like to introduce yourself and your current role in genomics?

Anna Dobretsova, Manager, Dept. of Molecular Diagnostics, Laboratory Services of Northside Hospital.

What inspired you to pursue a career in genomics? 

There is a gap between the current level of molecular technology and the Molecular Biology curriculum in most Medical Schools. I felt that my expertise in Molecular Sciences could be a good fit here. It is a “win-win”: my job satisfaction level grew several logs up, and my hospital got a Molecular Lab for servicing patients in the State of Georgia.

What's one major challenge you face in your field today?

I generally do not like “single best answer” type of questions LOL. Challenges come and go. They are part of our job and part of professional growth. What would be super helpful at the moment is more people who have a solid Molecular background and would like to work in a Clinical Diagnostics environment.

What features or tools on VarSome do you find most helpful in your work?

VarSome has the best in silico “one stop covers it all” compilation of algorithms. We use it routinely for the quick assessment of the pathogenicity of new variants. The latest feature, “Lyft over to hg38,” is immensely relevant to our workflow, since gnomAD stopped updating hg37 variant frequencies. We used to do manual transposition. It was time-consuming, but Varsome put an end to our struggles. I also like splicing vault, these variants are often “grey zone”, and we use both BaseSpace and Varsome to call variants that can potentially cause splicing aberration.

Why do you believe collaboration and community are so vital in the fast-moving world of genomics?

The field is so new and multifaceted. It truly takes a village to raise this child.

If you weren't working in genomics, what do you think you'd be doing instead?

I think I might be breeding English bulldogs, they became dangerously inbred. I would love to contribute to the rescue of these gorgeous, humble beasts.

If you could have dinner with any scientist or historical figure, who would it be and why?

It would be an honor for me to dine with Cleopatra and hear her side of the story, plus learn how ancient Egyptians really lived. We only see their burials nowadays.

If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things would you want with you?

Box of matches, a machete, and a metal bucket.

If your life were a movie, what would the title be? 

The Path to Surrender.