Bringing Precision Medicine to Life in Latin America | Hans Story
2024-09-26
Meet Hans Garcia, a Cuban-born fellow passionate about making genomics testing widely available in Latin America. Now based in vibrant city of São Paulo, Hans works as a local Field Application Scientist (FAS) for BGI Genomics, dedicating his efforts to improving healthcare and enhancing health outcomes throughout the continent.
While Hans didn’t start his career in genetics, he has always been curious about science. Hans began his academic journey in Cuba, earning an undergraduate degree in microbiology at Cuba’s Havana University and a Master degree in biochemistry. His journey then led him to Brazil, where he pursued a PhD at São Paulo State University. During this time, he was selected for a research where the microbiome in Brazilian soil was studied.
That’s when he first got his hands on Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology. Realizing its vast potential, he decided to delve deeper into the field.
Reflecting on his time, Hans shares: “I found Brazil a beautiful country and stayed for a post-doctoral position. After being hired by BGI Genomics, I decided to live here and make this place my second mother land.”
Now, this sturdy Havana-native helps roll out life-changing genetic tests across Latin America.
One of the ways BGI Genomics is improving healthcare in the region is through NGS-based non-invasive prenatal screening NIFTY® test. This test analyzes cell-free fetal DNA to identify chromosome abnormalities, allows to detect conditions in soon-to-be newborns. Hans and his team collaborate with local labs in Mexico, Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay to ensure mothers get crucial information about their babies’ health.
Hans working in lab on NGS testing
Hans is also excited about the impact of COLOTECT™, a non-invasive, high-sensitivity and affordable test for early colorectal cancer screening, which is becoming an increasingly relevant in Latin America. Hans believes that “this test can be taken at home is a huge help in countries where healthcare access can be limited, and scheduling or affording a colonoscopy isn’t always easy.”
Working in the Latin American healthcare field has its challenges, as Hans experienced firsthand. He admits that sometimes, it can be difficult to get local doctors and healthcare providers to trust new high-quality and affordable technologies, such as those offered by BGI Genomics. “Keep communication flowing and always be there for clients, so they feel supported and part of the BGI Genomics family, that’s my motto,” he says.
Hans with partner company Biocells Genomics Team at the recently held XXV Peruvian Congress on Obstetrics and Gynecology
Outside of work, Hans enjoys staying active and connected with nature. He unfolds strength at the gym, explores the streets of São Paulo, takes in the city’s sights and loves cooking Cuban meals for his friends. On weekends, you’ll often find him hiking trails and soaking in the waterfalls at Cantareira State Park, reconnecting with the natural world.
He’s a believer in staying in tune with the world around him, which mirrors his life philosophy— of engaging with others and making a positive impact in people’s lives. Hans is helping to transform healthcare in Latin America, one test at a time. His efforts are a solid step toward making BGI Genomics’ vision of “OMICs for all” a reality, ensuring more people have access to better health outcomes across the region.
About BGI Genomics
BGI Genomics, headquartered in Shenzhen, China, is the world's leading integrated solutions provider of precision medicine. Its services cover more than 100 countries and regions, involving more than 2,300 medical institutions and 10,000 employees worldwide. In July 2017, as a subsidiary of BGI Group, BGI Genomics (300676.SZ) officially began trading on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange.