Seema R. Lalani, MD
- Genetics
Professor, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine
Phone:
832-822-4280
Languages: English, Urdu
Office location:
6621 Fannin Street
MC CC 1560.00
Houston, TX 77030
Get to know Seema R. Lalani, MD
Throughout my career, I have been interested in identifying the molecular basis of birth defects in children. Over the years, I have acquired significant expertise in comprehensive phenotyping of human diseases resulting from genetic causation. We have made several novel gene discoveries related to pediatric disorders in the past decade, which have impacted families worldwide and led to rewarding association with family support organizations, such as the TANGO2 Research Foundation.
Clinical Interests
Evaluating critically-ill newborns with genetic disorders and children with neurodevelopmental and cardiovascular disorders
Education
| School | Education | Degree | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baylor College of Medicine | Fellowship | Genetics | 2002 |
| Baylor College of Medicine | Fellowship | Genetics | 2001 |
| Pennsylvania State University | Residency | Pediatrics | 1999 |
| Pennsylvania State University | Internship | Pediatrics | 1997 |
| Aga Kahn University | Medical School | Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery | 1994 |
Organizations
| Organization Name | Role |
|---|---|
| American Society of Human Genetics | Member (2002-Present) |
| TANGO2 Research Foundation | Board of Directors (2018-Present) |
Honors and awards
- 2014
-
Norton Rose Fulbright and Jaworski, L.L.P. Faculty Excellence Award-Teaching and Evaluation
- 2017
-
STAR Clinician Award-BCM
- 2019
-
Norton Rose Fulbright and Jaworski, L.L.P. Faculty Excellence Award-Development of Enduring Educational Materials
- 2023
-
Women of Excellence Award-BCM
- 2023
-
Rolanette and Berdon Lawrence Family Achievement Award in Genetics
* Texas Children’s Hospital physicians’ licenses and credentials are reviewed prior to practicing at any of our facilities. Sections titled From the Doctor, Professional Organizations and Publications were provided by the physician’s office and were not verified by Texas Children’s Hospital.
Research interests
My research has focused on understanding the molecular basis of neurodevelopmental and cardiovascular disorders in the pediatric population. We have used molecular cytogenetic diagnostic tools such as chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) and exome sequencing (ES) in understanding the genetic basis of birth defects. We have also studied the clinical utility of rapid ES in neonatal intensive care units. I have been involved with the Undiagnosed Diseases Network (UDN) study at Baylor College of Medicine for several years and helped characterize diagnoses in multiple undiagnosed children with rare diseases. In 2016, we first described a cohort of patients with TANGO2 deficiency disorder and are currently leading the international natural history study. Prioritizing equity and inclusion in health care, we have recently partnered with the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) to provide genetic evaluation and genomic sequencing for underserved children with suspected genetic disorders living along the Texas-Mexico border.