Dr. Van Den Veyver begins her terms as president of International Society for Prenatal Diagnosis

Dr. Van Den Veyver begins her terms as president of International Society for Prenatal Diagnosis

Houston – Sept. 5, 2016 – Dr. Ignatia Barbara Van den Veyver, director of Prenatal and Reproductive Genetics clinics at Texas Children’s Hospital, professor at Baylor College of Medicine and researcher at the Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute is starting her term as president of the International Society for Prenatal Diagnosis (ISPD) on Sept. 1, 2016. Van den Veyver has served on the board of the ISPD for the past six years, the first four as treasurer and the most recent two years as president-elect. 


Van den Veyver is a physician scientist and an internationally renowned expert in prenatal genetics. Her research program is broadly focused on genetics and epigenetics of reproductive disorders. She focuses on X-linked childhood neurodevelopmental disorders such as the Aicardi syndrome. She is also interested in studying the link between prenatal exposures and autism in infants. She also collaborates with other investigators to develop and apply novel diagnostic methods for genetic disorders.


Established in 1996, the mission of the ISPD is to offer the best prenatal diagnosis and fetal care, with a large focus on prenatal genetics. More than 400 professionals from various disciplines, such as prenatal and perinatal care providers, medical geneticists, basic and translational scientists, genetic counselors, laboratory directors, ultrasonographers and ethics professionals belong to this organization.


As president, Van den Veyver aims to grow the membership and international status and visibility of the ISPD through educational programs, to increase outreach to countries that are currently underrepresented in the field of prenatal diagnosis, and to develop new strategies for communicating with the public and stakeholders about prenatal diagnosis and screening related issues.

About Texas Children’s Hospital

Texas Children’s Hospital, a not-for-profit health care organization, is committed to creating a healthier future for children and women throughout the global community by leading in patient care, education and research. Consistently ranked as the best children’s hospital in Texas, and among the top in the nation, Texas Children’s has garnered widespread recognition for its expertise and breakthroughs in pediatric and women’s health. The hospital includes the Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute; the Feigin Center for pediatric research; Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women, a comprehensive obstetrics/gynecology facility focusing on high-risk births; Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus, a community hospital in suburban West Houston; and Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands, a second community hospital planned to open in 2017. The organization also created the nation’s first HMO for children, has the largest pediatric primary care network in the country and a global health program that’s channeling care to children and women all over the world. Texas Children’s Hospital is affiliated with Baylor College of Medicine. For more information, go to www.texaschildrens.org. Get the latest news by visiting the online newsroom and Twitter at twitter.com/texaschildrens.