The Impact of Genomics on Health Care

Genomics, the study of the genetic control of bodily functions in health and disease, has profound implications for biomedical research and development and for the future development of healthcare services.

One expected development is an improved understanding of the fundamental mechanisms underlying disease, with accompanying gain in the diagnosis, prevention and therapy of major diseases.

The growth in genomics also promises to redefine medicine in other ways, most notably in the areas of diagnostic testing for improved disease detection, disease staging and patient stratification, plus eventual evolution of the means to identify predisposition to disease and more precise subtyping of heterogeneous diseases.Harnessing these advances to deliver better health, and ensuring that the pace of progress in biomedical research does not pose serious threat to the future competency of healthcare professionals, represent major challenges for the medical profession.

This review examines many of the key issues surrounding genomics and should be useful for anyone interested or involved in this fast-moving area.