Pharmacogenomics Program Scales to 35,000 Veterans
The regional initiative guides prescribing for over 100 medications based on patient genetic markers.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Biotech
Pittsburgh Magazine has named Amanda McQuillan, Executive Director of Business Transformation at CVP, as a 2026 40 Under 40 honoree. Her recognition follows a decade-plus tenure at VA Pittsburgh, where she helped scale a pharmacogenomics program that analyzes DNA to guide medication choices for veterans.
Why it matters
The program reflects a move toward precision medicine within the Veterans Affairs system, utilizing genetic testing to personalize treatment plans and reduce adverse drug reactions. By integrating DNA analysis into clinical workflows, the system aims to improve therapeutic outcomes for complex patient populations.
The pharmacogenomics program analyzes 22 specific genes to inform prescribing for more than 100 medications. This initiative has been utilized by over 1,200 healthcare providers across nine VA health systems to determine drug efficacy and optimal dosing.
The players
Amanda McQuillan
Executive Director of Business Transformation at CVP and former 12-year employee at VA Pittsburgh who spearheaded regional pharmacogenomics initiatives.
VA Pittsburgh
A component of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs healthcare system that provides specialized medical care and research facilities for veterans.
The details
Pharmacogenomics is the study of how an individual's genetic makeup influences their response to drugs. The program screens patient DNA for variations that affect drug-metabolizing enzymes, allowing clinicians to tailor dosages or select alternative therapies to avoid side effects. This method replaces a trial-and-error approach to prescribing, as providers can now cross-reference genetic markers against the efficacy profile of over 100 medications before initiation.
Timeline
2026: Amanda McQuillan is named a 40 Under 40 honoree.
The Tech Race
The initiative aligns with national efforts to transition the VA toward precision medicine models by embedding genetic diagnostics into routine clinical care. It parallels larger genomic research efforts across federal health networks to quantify drug response based on internal patient markers.
The program currently supports 1,200 providers who use genetic insights to adjust medication therapy for thousands of veterans. Patients receiving care at the nine participating VA systems may now have their genetic profiles integrated into their clinical decision-making workflow.
The takeaway
The scaling of this program confirms that large-scale genomic screening is becoming a standard operational tool within the VA infrastructure. Future assessments will likely focus on whether this diagnostic precision leads to a statistically significant decrease in hospital readmissions for the veteran population.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest innovations in clinical genetics in our Biotech section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Pittsburgh Magazine.
