The Role of Genomics in Enabling Prospective Health Care

Microbiology has a profound impact on concepts concerning the cause and potential cure of illnesses, through the identification of causative agents for numerous infectious diseases. Given the increasing number of diseases determined to have specific causes, medicine has pursued a scientific, reductionist approach to health care. It attempts to identify a disease's root cause and eliminates it. This approach has enabled medicine to reverse some diseases, prolong life, and at times, effect wondrous cures. The reductionist approach to medicine is limited as the evolution of virtually all diseases is more complicated than a single root cause. The development of disease is based upon one's genetic susceptibilities, complex interactions between initiating factors, and health status. By focusing primarily on the reductionist model of disease development, the health care system has not focused on the prevention or treatment of complex chronic diseases. Genomic and related expanding fields of research impact health care in numerous ways. They enable truly personalized, predictive, and preventative care with their ability to predict risk, track disease progression, and anticipate clinical events. To do this, the strengths of today's disease oriented reductionist approach must be integrated with an approach that focuses on prevention and minimization of disease with an emphasis on long-term strategies. © 2010 Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Duke Scholars

Author Ralph Snyderman Medicine