Ms. Meredith Schwartz focuses on the ethics of genetic testing, in particular the question of responsibility among those identified as being genetically "at risk" of a disease or disorder - specifically whether they have a responsibility to avoid the environmental components that could contribute to the development of the condition for which they are at risk. By providing genetic counselors and "at-risk" patients with an ethical framework that defines the responsibilities of patients with genetic susceptibilities, Ms. Schwartz will improve the delivery of health care services for these individuals. The framework will also provide a tool for dealing with some of the anxieties associated with being labeled "at risk" for a genetic condition.

Ms. Schwartz is currently a PhD student in Philosophy at Dalhousie University, where she completed her M.A. in the same subject in 2004. She received her B.A. with honours in philosophy specializing in bioethics from the University of Toronto in 2002.