Op-Ed: Genetics and Genomics for Clinicians

March 19, 2008

Advances in genetics and genomics are revolutionizing biomedical science and providing great promise for the future of clinical practice. The magnitude, scope, and pace of discovery in genetics and genomics research are at unprecedented levels and continue to increase exponentially. Progress in basic science resulting from the sequencing of the human genome1 and new approaches for genomics analyses have accelerated and continue to expand, resulting in new knowledge, mechanisms, and techniques for examining the genetic basis of disease. These discoveries have important implications for understanding disease processes and pathophysiology, for predicting disease susceptibility and progression, and for refining and individualizing treatments—all of which ultimately have the potential to improve health and to increase both quality of life and longevity. (JAMA)