Along with collaborators, Dr. Ashley, has just helped to launch a new genetic testing program.
It gives doctors at Stanford the power to sequence and search a patient's entire genome, for clues to the cause of their disease. The difference between looking at a handful of genes, versus some 20,000. He says in many cases, the answers can lead to life changing treatment.
"And with the genetic basis for the disease, we can use that to have more precise therapies," says Dr. Ashley.
In Amy Hower's case, it was also the ability to conquer her fear of the unknown. The team was able to pinpoint the genetic cause of her heart condition, and eliminate a more dangerous candidate.