Public Health Genomics - Advancing Public Health

Advancing Public Health

The publication of the sequence of the human genome only fifty years following the discovery of DNA promises to be a scientific landmark in biological research and more specifically, in clinical Internal Medicine. In prior periods of medical history, a lack of educational tools slowed the pace of clinical progress related to profound advances in the medical sciences. In the current era, education must partner with further scientific discovery to hasten the potential of the human genome sequence. Specific tools are already developed to create a new genetic and scientific literacy that is necessary to translate these tools to the bedside and to engage the crucial large population studies that are needed to examine both the promise and perils of the application of information generated by research on the human genome. Without strong continuing education programs both within and outside the university environment, it will be impossible to close the workforce knowledge gap in genomics. Public education is a critical part of that effort, but it has fallen short, primarily because public health professionals are still in the process of educating themselves. Ultimately, therefore, resources will be needed to mount the kind of effort necessary to assure that genomics is used properly for the benefit of the public's health. For example, more must be learned about the general language and terms that can make a difference to the public's understanding of genetics, particularly, an improved understanding of how probabilistic concepts can best be conveyed. For example, what are the effects of being told that one has a genetic predisposition for a disease?