I thought the presenters today did an excellent job raising thought provoking issues. I specifically wanted to comment on Andrea's presentation on Pharmcogenetics. It is such an interesting topic, one I must admit not being too familiar with. Although I agree that genetic variation amongst individuals can lead to a slew of drug responses, and quite possibly unintended adverse reactions as pointed out in class. It can potentially take our health and health care into an entirely new era - one loaded with health prevention possibilities and the knowledge to fine-tune medication to specific admixed populations.
However, as grand as it all sounds I can't help but wonder:
- In a society who's constituents constantly seek control over everything, especially their own lives, can we even handle the truth about our genetic predispositions? I wouldn't be surprised to see suicide rates rise, psychiatrists' patient lists lengthening, increased stress leading to the onset or worsening of chronic diseases, overuse of and burden on the healthcare system, etc.
- Also, are we in over our heads? We can barely take care of our nation's health when we force admixed populations into single racial/ethnic categories. With that in mind, how can we possibly attempt to manage health problems on an individual level based on one's genetic make-up?
I was just wondering what people's thoughts are... :0)
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Hello Cori,
Thank you for your comments on my presentation about pharmacogenomics. There are definitely risks associated with genetic information. I think our challenge is to make sure the information is used to improve health status and not further marginalize groups who already experience health disparities. I agree that tailoring medication specifically to an individual will ask a lot of our broken health system.
The presentations were excellent. Better management is needed to improve the health status, and should be open to suggestions from the community because they know what they need best.
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