IRVING, Texas, May 29, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Caris Diagnostics (Caris Dx) - a leading provider of integrated anatomic pathology and oncology testing services, including molecular profiling and hematopathology, announced that it has strengthened its hematopathology and oncology franchise with the addition of four experts. Led by Raul C. Braylan, M.D., one of the country's most respected and prominent hematopathologists as Medical Director of Hematopathology Services, the expanded team provides expert knowledge of molecular technology, diagnostics and flow cytometry for blood and bone marrow cancers.
"We are thrilled with the addition of Dr. Braylan and the other distinguished professionals to our staff at Caris Dx," said David D. Halbert, Chairman and CEO of Caris Dx. "Our team of leading physicians and scientists are united in our goal to deliver state-of-the-art diagnostics to assist in determining the most effective treatment and to enable the best possible outcomes for patients."
Before joining Caris Dx, Dr. Braylan was Chief of the Hematopathology Section of the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the University of Florida, College of Medicine. Recognized as one of the world's foremost authorities on flow cytometry in hematolymphoid neoplasia, he is credited with establishing standardization in flow cytometry clinical utility, data analysis and reporting through his work on both the U.S.-Canadian Consensus and 2006 Bethesda International Conference Recommendations for flow cytometric immunophenotyping. Dr. Braylan has published more than 150 peer reviewed papers, books and chapters. In his prior role as the Director of the Hematopathology Training Fellowship Program at the University of Florida, he was responsible for the training of pathologists both nationally and internationally.
"It is with great honor that I take this role at Caris Dx," remarked Dr. Braylan. "We are creating one of the most innovative hematopathology programs in the country from the ground up, with the benefit of the decades of experience from a number of leaders in this field. The newest technologies, the leading minds, and the infrastructure and support from Caris Dx make this an ideal opportunity to create an unmatched service in the business."
The following experts have joined Dr. Braylan as part of the Caris Dx hematopathology team:
* Mark L. Shenkin, Ph.D., Vice President of Hematopathology. Dr.
Shenkin was previously the Director of Flow Cytometry for
AmeriPath, Inc. where he was responsible for the development and
performance of six cytometry labs across the country. Dr. Shenkin
is a contributing author to the 2006 Bethesda International
Consensus Recommendations on flow cytometry reagents and
reporting. Dr. Shenkin is American Society of Clinical Pathology
(ASCP) board qualified in cytometry.
* Wendy Flejter, Ph.D., Director of Genetics. Dr. Flejter has over
25 years of clinical experience in genetics and molecular
diagnostics and is board certified in Clinical Cytogenetics and
is a diplomate of the American Board of Medical Genetics (ABMG.)
Most recently she was the Vice President of Laboratory Operations
for Artemis Health, Inc. and she served as the Executive Director
of Cytogenetics for Esoterix Inc. and LabCorp, and Director of
Cytogenetics for Dianon Systems, Inc.
* Matthew J. McGinniss, Ph.D., FACMG, Director of Molecular
Diagnostics. Dr. McGinniss joined Caris Dx with experience in
laboratory operations, assay development and validation, quality
improvement and assurance, and resource management. Before
joining Caris Dx, he was the Executive Director for Prometheus
Laboratories, Inc. in San Diego, CA. Dr. McGinniss is a diplomat
of the American Board of Clinical Chemistry (ABCC) in Molecular
Diagnostics as well as ABMG in Clinical Molecular Genetics.
"The development and recent expansion of our hematopathology team is a natural and critical evolution of our service offerings to physicians and patients," added George Poste, D.V.M., Ph.D., F.R.C. Path, F.R.S., Vice Chairman of Caris Dx. "We are positioning Caris to become the trusted provider of integrated personalized healthcare."
About Caris Diagnostics
Caris Dx is a U.S.-based biosciences company specializing in the development and commercialization of clinically-validated molecular diagnostics and anatomic pathology services primarily in the fields of oncology, dermatopathology, hematopathology and gastrointestinal pathology. The company provides academic-caliber medical consults through its industry-leading team of subspecialty fellowships and expert-trained pathologists in gastrointestinal and liver pathology, dermatopathology and hematopathology. Caris Dx also offers advanced molecular analyses of patient samples through prognostic testing services and genomic and proteomic profiling to assist physicians in their treatment of cancer and other complex diseases. Currently, Caris Dx receives and analyzes biopsies for more than 2,700 patients per day, referred by more than 2,500 physicians nationally. Formed in 1996, the company is headquartered in Irving, Texas and operates four laboratories: Irving, Texas, Phoenix, Arizona (2 sites) and Newton, Massachusetts. Additional information is available at www.carisdx.com.