MUSC Children's Health Genetics at Summey Medical Pavilion

Dr. Milap Patel is a clinical geneticist who sees both pediatric and adult patients with known or suspected genetic disorders. He sees patients with developmental delay, intellectual disability, chromosomal disorders, congenital defects, short stature, failure to thrive, and adult genetic disorders. Dr. Patel understands that genetics can feel confusing and overwhelming for patients and families. He listens carefully to meet patients where they are at, physically and emotionally. He tailors his recommendations with thoughtful consideration of the patient's expressed personal, social, financial, or cultural needs. He has a passion for teaching and enjoys helping patients and families understand the role of clinical genetics in their medical care, what genetic testing can and cannot do, and discussing updated guidelines for managing known genetic conditions. He works with patients and families through times of uncertainty and helps them make informed decisions about their care. He believes that high quality patient care is centered around trust, empathy, open-communication, and shared decision making that prioritizes the patient's unique needs and personal values. Dr. Patel is a Clinical Assistant Professor for Medical Genetics and Genomics in the Department of Pediatrics at the Medical University of South Carolina. Dr. Patel earned his medical degree from the University of South Carolina School of Medicine in Columbia, South Carolina. He completed his Pediatric residency at Prisma Health Midlands in Columbia, SC and is board certified by the American Board of Pediatrics in General Pediatrics. He recently completed residency training in Medical Genetics and Genomics at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, NC and is board eligible for Clinical Genetics. Dr. Patel has a clinical interest in safe and responsible usage of artificial intelligence in rare disease diagnosis.

Dr. Kristen Lancaster is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatric Genetics and Director of Medical Genetics Education. She is double board-certified in Clinical Genetics and General Pediatrics. Dr. Lancaster attended the University of Maryland School of Medicine, followed by a Pediatric residency and Chief residency at the University of Texas Southwestern. She completed a fellowship in Medical Genetics and Genomics at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She has received additional training in advocacy and policy through the American Society of Human Genetics and in medical education through the UNC Academy of Educators. Dr. Lancaster has a passion for the care of patients and families with rare diseases. Her clinical interests include craniofacial differences, congenital anomalies (birth defects), chromosomal disorders, skeletal dysplasias, and vascular anomalies.