Providing diagnostic capabilities, access to the latest testing, counseling, education, and management
The team members of The Harvey Institute for Human Genetics provide expertise in reproductive, clinical, pediatric, adult, cancer and laboratory genetics. The staff includes four physicians, board-certified in their primary specialty and in three disciplines of genetics, as well as three board-certified/eligible genetic counselors. The registered diagnostic medical sonographers and laboratory technologists are uniformly certified in their field. Experienced office staff members are able to assist in scheduling appointments, answering insurance questions and collecting records prior to visits when needed. The staff also makes genetic education available, not only to patients, families and health-care professionals but also to the community.All doctoral-level staff members of the Institute are accredited in their respective specialties and sub-specialties by the American Boards of Medical Genetics, Obstetrics & Gynecology, and/or Pediatrics. Genetic counselors are accredited by the American Board of Genetic Counseling. The cytogenetics laboratory is accredited by College of American Pathologists, and its personnel are certified by Association of Genetic Technologists.
Our Team
Select a provider below to learn more
6701 N Charles St Rm 2310 , Towson, MD, 21204
(443) 849-2536$Dr. Blagowidow received her MD degree from Cornell University Medical College, NY. Her residency training was in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa. Dr. Blagowidow pursued specialty training as a Fellow in Reproductive Genetics and Human Genetics, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and in the Division of Human Genetics at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.
Dr. Blagowidow is board-certified in both clinical genetics and clinical cytogenetics. She is also a Founding Fellow of the American College of Medical Genetics.
Dr. Blagowidow's clinical specialties include assessment of pregnancy by ultrasound including Doppler flow and 3D imaging and by invasive testing including CVS and amniocentesis.
Natalie Blagowidow, MD
Natalie Blagowidow, MD
Natalie Blagowidow, MD
Medical Director, Genetics; Director, Prenatal Diagnostic Center; Medical Director, Clinical Cytogenetics
Clinical Cytogenetics
Natalie Blagowidow, MD
Medical Director, Genetics; Director, Prenatal Diagnostic Center; Medical Director, Clinical Cytogenetics
Clinical Cytogenetics
6701 N Charles St Ste 2326 , Towson, MD, 21204
(443) 849-3131$Dr. Francomano received her undergraduate degree at Yale University and her medical degree from The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. She trained in internal medicine and medical genetics at Johns Hopkins and joined the full-time Hopkins faculty in 1984. Dr. Francomano has held positions as chief of the Medical Genetics Branch at the National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health and chief of the Human Genetics and Integrative Medicine Section in the Laboratory of Genetics, National Institute on Aging.
She is board-certified in internal medicine, clinical genetics and clinical molecular genetics. She is a member of the American College of Physicians, the American Society of Human Genetics and the American College of Clinical Research. She is a founding fellow of the American College of Medical Genetics.
In 2008, Dr. Francomano was named "Baltimore's Best Medical Geneticist" by Baltimore Magazine. Her interests include hereditary disorders of connective tissue and skeletal dysplasias.
Clair A. Francomano, MD
Clair A. Francomano, MD
Clair A. Francomano, MD
Director, Adult Genetics
Clinical Molecular Genetics
Genetics
Clair A. Francomano, MD
Director, Adult Genetics
Clinical Molecular Genetics
Genetics
6701 N Charles St Ste 2326 , Towson, MD, 21204
(443) 849-3131$Dr. Kline received her medical degree from Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, PA, her postdoctoral training in medical genetics at Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, PA, and her clinical cytogenetics training at the Kennedy Krieger Institute of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD. She is board-certified in clinical genetics, clinical cytogenetics, and clinical molecular genetics. She is also a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and a Founding Fellow of the American College of Medical Genetics.
Dr. Kline is the medical director of the Cornelia de Lange Syndrome Foundation and a member of the professional advisory board of the 5p- Society. Her areas of expertise include evaluation of multiple birth defects and/or developmental issues, as well as correlation and interpretation of cytogenetic changes in a clinical setting.
Antonie D. Kline, MD
Antonie D. Kline, MD
Antonie D. Kline, MD
Director, Pediatric Genetics
Clinical Genetics
Antonie D. Kline, MD
Director, Pediatric Genetics
Clinical Genetics
6701 N Charles St St 2310 , Towson, MD, 21204
(443) 849-2536$Dr. Jari received her medical degree from The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Mich. She completed her residency training in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at The Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Md. Following her residency, Dr. Jari undertook specialty training as a Fellow in Medical Genetics in the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Magee Women's Hospital, University of Pittsburgh.
Dr. Jari is a diplomate of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the American Board of Medical Genetics and is board-certified in both Obstetrics and Gynecology and Clinical Genetics. She is also a member of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists as well as the American Society of Human Genetics and the American College of Medical Genetics.
Her clinical interests include prenatal genetic counseling and pregnancy screening. In addition, she specializes in assessment of pregnancy by ultrasound including Doppler flow and by invasive testing including CVS and amniocentesis.
Shama Jari, MD
Shama Jari, MD
Shama Jari, MD
Director of Genetics Education; Director of Prenatal Ultrasound
Genetics
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Shama Jari, MD
Director of Genetics Education; Director of Prenatal Ultrasound
Genetics
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Our Services
The Harvey Genetic institute offers a wide range of genetic services, including:
- Prenatal Diagnostic Center
The prenatal diagnostic center offers genetic counseling, amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling, first trimester screening, and complete ultrasound evaluation of at-risk pregnancies. - Pediatric Genetics
Our pediatric genetics team specializes in the diagnosis and management of children born with birth defects, developmental disabilities and/or genetic disorders from the newborn period through adulthood. Services are available on an in-patient or out-patient basis. - Adult Genetics
Our adult genetics team specializes in the diagnosis and management of adults with birth defects, developmental disabilities and/or genetic disorders including those present at birth and adult-onset. - Hereditary Cancer Genetics
Our hereditary cancer genetics program offers risk assessment, genetic testing, and genetic counseling to individuals at risk for hereditary cancer conditions and/or hereditary risk factors for cancer. - Laboratory Genetics
Our on-site cytogenetic laboratory provides cytogenetic diagnostic services for prenatal, hematologic, oncologic, urologic, and other specimens. Standard testing includes chromosomal analysis, FISH tests and other cytogenetic tools for clarifying abnormalities.
Taking on the Rarest Conditions
Suffering from constant pain and frequent bone breakages, Trevor had nowhere to turn. Then he found Dr. Clair Francomano, who now treats him for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.
Watch Trevor's StoryStories & Articles
In the News
GBMC forms center to hunt for treatments, cure for a rare genetic disease
GBMC has established the country’s first center for treatment of Alstrom Syndrome, an extremely rare genetic disease that does devastating harm to every system in the body, the Towson hospital announced Friday.
12/07/2018GBMC Opens New Center Focusing on Rare Disease - Alstrom Syndrome
WMAR story on the naming ceremony for the Jan D. Marshall Center of Excellence for the Treatment of Alstrom Syndrome at GBMC.
12/07/2018Doctor Radio discussing Ehlers Danlos Syndrome with Dr. Francomano
Doctor Radio on SiriusXM interviews Dr. Francomano about EDS
05/21/2018Battling Against Birth Defects
The centers for disease control and prevention found that one in every 33 infants is affected by a birth defect each year, but some can be avoided. Dr. Toni Kline explains the battle against birth defects.
01/12/2018Everyday bumps injured her joints, but finding the reason took half a century
Dr. Clair Francomano, a GBMC medical geneticist, and her patient are featured in a story that focuses on living with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS).
10/16/2017Miss Maryland contestant using pageants to spread awareness about Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
May is Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Awareness month and Victoria Graham is using pageants as a platform to spread awareness about this painful and incurable condition.
05/23/2017GBMC to host Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome research
GBMC will now be the site of the Ehlers-Danlos Society Center for Research and Clinical Care.
03/16/2017Genetics Counseling
What is a Genetic Counselor?
A genetic counselor is a health professional with specialized training in medical genetics and counseling, often in the form of a master's degree. Our counselors are certified through the American Board of Genetic Counseling.
Genetic counselors provide patients and their families with information about inherited conditions to aid in their understanding of a genetic condition. In addition, genetic counselors are often a resource for families as they cope with the diagnosis and with living with a genetic condition.
What Happens During a Genetic Counseling Visit?
The genetic counselor generally begins the session by obtaining relevant family, pregnancy and medical histories, concentrating on the patient's questions and concerns. The clinician may also:
A genetic counselor is a health professional with specialized training in medical genetics and counseling, often in the form of a master's degree. Our counselors are certified through the American Board of Genetic Counseling.
Genetic counselors provide patients and their families with information about inherited conditions to aid in their understanding of a genetic condition. In addition, genetic counselors are often a resource for families as they cope with the diagnosis and with living with a genetic condition.
What Happens During a Genetic Counseling Visit?
The genetic counselor generally begins the session by obtaining relevant family, pregnancy and medical histories, concentrating on the patient's questions and concerns. The clinician may also:
- Provide medical information about the condition(s) in question
- Describe patterns of inheritance and assess risks to other family members
- Discuss appropriate genetic testing
- Identify options for prenatal diagnosis, preconceptual or presymptomatic testing
- Provide the family with information about educational and supportive resources
- Talk with the family about the emotional, psychological and social consequences of a genetic condition
Health Insurance
As a medical practice of the Greater Baltimore Medical Center, the Harvey Institute accepts all health insurances with which GBMC maintains contracts and complies with all GBMC financial policies.
Most health insurances cover outpatient genetics consultations as well as many forms of genetic testing. Co-payments are at the specialist rate. Inpatient genetics consults are covered under the terms of the patient's hospitalization insurance.
We encourage our patients to confirm their health insurance company's requirements before seeking outpatient genetic services. In addition to the large number of insurance products and the different varieties of coverage they offer, health insurance companies frequently review and update their policies. Our administrative staff will be happy to assist you by providing information (such as procedure codes), which your insurance company may need to determine your coverage for the services you are seeking.
View a list of accepted insurance plans
Most health insurances cover outpatient genetics consultations as well as many forms of genetic testing. Co-payments are at the specialist rate. Inpatient genetics consults are covered under the terms of the patient's hospitalization insurance.
We encourage our patients to confirm their health insurance company's requirements before seeking outpatient genetic services. In addition to the large number of insurance products and the different varieties of coverage they offer, health insurance companies frequently review and update their policies. Our administrative staff will be happy to assist you by providing information (such as procedure codes), which your insurance company may need to determine your coverage for the services you are seeking.
View a list of accepted insurance plans
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Around GBMC
Twins' Tickets Out of the NICU
Patient Stories
Hypothermia Saved Our Son’s Life
Patient Stories
Grilled Rockfish with Asparagus
Recipes
Avoid Medication Mishaps
Healthy Tips
GBMC Lean Daily Management featured on Midday Maryland
Around GBMC
Dr. Oluwatosin Thompson
Healthy Tips
GBMC Experts Discuss Osteoporosis
Healthy Tips
Alarming Findings About Teenager Suicidal Behavior
Podcasts
GBMC Voices - Ep. 11 - Mary Ford
GBMC Voices
GBMC Receives High Rating from The Leapfrog Group
Around GBMC
Diet Sabotaging Foods
Healthy Tips
The Longest 53 Days of Our Lives
Patient Stories
In the Place We Needed to Be
Patient Stories
GBMC Sleeved Chef Mother's Day Brunch
Recipes
Are you at risk of having a stroke? Stroke 101: Know the risks
Healthy Tips
Discussing the Importance of Diabetic Foot Care
Healthy Tips
