Today, the School of Medicine announced the creation of a new Center for Genomics and Personalized Medicine. The center brings together the most advanced sequencing technology and experts in genomics, bioinformatics, molecular genetic pathology and even ethics and genetic counseling. It is co-directed by geneticist Michael Snyder, PhD, and pathologist Stephen Galli, MD.
The center will build on the recent advances in the interpretation of bioengineering professor Stephen Quake's complete genomic sequence and allow physicians to make clinical decisions personalized in ways that were never before possible. According to Snyder:
I can envision a day that every person who walks into Stanford Hospital & Clinics can, if they choose to do so, have their entire genome sequenced to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of their unique conditions and disorders.
This type of personalized diagnosis and treatment will change the face of medicine, says Galli:
By analyzing the subject's entire genome, and advancing our understanding of how to use such information in a clinically appropriate way, we will be able to catalyze the transition in medicine from the current 'diagnose and treat' model of care to an exciting new model that includes the ability to 'predict and prevent'.
What do you think? Are you ready for this brave new world? I'm kidding. You don't have much of a choice. Ready or not, here it comes.
Previously: Whole genome sequencing data vaults into clinic and You say you want a revolution
