The Human Genome Project (HGP), an international research effort to characterize all 50,000-100,000 human genes, is scheduled for completion before 2003. The HGP and the resultant "new genetics" will dramatically change, perhaps even revolutionize, healthcare. While such aspects as cloning, genetic engineering, and research studies of populations have drawn the most public attention, genetics will have the greatest impact through its effects on everyday healthcare. Therefore, both primary care and public health professionals will play key roles in our use of genetics. Expanding knowledge of genetics will promote an approach to healthcare that is individualized and focused on maintaining health, rather than treating disease. Genetics knowledge will give birth to pharmacogenomics, which will change forever how drugs are both designed and used. Perhaps most importantly, genetic knowledge will provide new insights into basic biological mechanisms that could dramatically improve our approach, even to diseases with a relatively minor genetic component. While the "new genetics" will individualize healthcare, it will not do so at a cost to population-based health strategies. Indeed, it should make such strategies more effective; for instance, by allowing genetic-based information to make screening techniques more precise and behavior change programs more personalized. Despite its great promise, this new knowledge also brings peril. It raises important ethical, social and legal issues that are already challenging our society and our healthcare systems. A particular challenge will be to assure that the benefits and the risks of the new genetics are shared equitably by all segments of society.
Learning Objectives: 1. Identify at least four specific ways that the Human Genome Project will affect healthcare. 2. Identify at least two ways that pharmacogenomics will affect healthcare. 3. Identify at least two examples of how genetics will affect public health screening strategies
Keywords: Genetics, Health Care
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.