Miles Picus

“Knowledge is power,” he says. “When we’re able to elucidate as much as we can and offer actionable information, patients see that while their genes are the blueprint, they don’t determine their health trajectories. Understanding each person’s risk allows care teams to intervene early and effectively.”

Picus’s path to genetic counseling began with personal experience—both of his grandmothers passed away from cancer, sparking his early interest in understanding how genetics influence health outcomes, particularly in oncology. This personal connection to the field deepened during his undergraduate studies at University of California Los Angeles, where he majored in Human Biology and Society, a transdisciplinary program that examined human biology from scientific, social, and ethical dimensions.

When Picus first shadowed a genetic counselor during his studies, he knew he'd found his calling. “The human genome was mapped so recently that it’s all still very new. Genetics is such a fascinating topic and we’re still learning a lot,” he says. “This is an exciting time to help patients understand what their genes can tell them.”

Picus then earned his Master’s in Human Genetics and Genetic Counseling at Stanford University, where he trained across specialties including cancer genetics, cardiogenetics, neurogenetics, and pediatrics. He trained in variant science at several leading commercial clinical laboratories during this time. His published master’s thesis focused on communication of genetic test results within families.

Following his training, Picus joined Providence Health in Los Angeles and worked primarily as a cancer genetic counselor while leading the coordination of the system’s High-Risk Pancreatic Cancer Screening and Prevention Program. Picus led the induction of Providence into the PRECEDE study, the leading international study on early detection of pancreatic cancer, and has spoken at national conferences on both programmatic development and research. At Providence, he also developed a team-based approach to help patients at elevated risk, working with gastroenterologists, dietitians, researchers, and other specialists to create prevention plans tailored to each person’s unique situation.

Picus believes this collaborative approach is the optimal way to care for patients. “No one organ system exists as its own island. It’s all interconnected,” he says.

What drew Picus to Atria was the shared commitment to a multidisciplinary approach across all specialties, and the ability to harness the latest scientific advances to deliver truly personalized care for every patient. “We’re at the crux of a paradigm shift from reactive disease management to proactive health optimization, and genomics is a key part of that shift,” Picus says. At Atria, Picus brings a holistic approach to genetics-based preventive care.

Picus likes to use cutting-edge genomic technologies in his work with patients. He has expertise in polygenic risk scores and blood-based early cancer detection tests, which allow him to be at the forefront of precision medicine.

With genetics evolving so rapidly, Picus knows it’s not only important to adapt to new technologies, but also to help patients understand them. Picus likes to learn about each person's relationship with their health and their families, as well as their values and comfort level with genetic testing and screening. “Then, knowing all that, we can provide as much information as possible at a level that is aligned to the patient’s needs and meet them where they are in their health journey,” he says.

Beyond his clinical work, Picus is passionate about making genetic counseling more accessible to people everywhere. Through his consulting work with Rhizome Health, he helps develop resources that make it easier for hospitals and health systems across the country to start or grow their own genetic counseling programs, expanding access to this important care.

Originally from Singapore, Picus now calls California home, and resides in Los Angeles with his family based up the coast in Monterey Bay. His passion for genetics is paralleled by his love for the ocean, and he stays active by surfing, sailing, and exploring the California coastline.