Genetics and Medicine Collaborative Effort: Can targeted genetic testing aid in early disease detection and improve patient outcomes?

• Main Authors: Abanoub Aziz Rizk, George Botros, Ahmed Al-Izzi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: University of Ottawa 2021-04-01
• Series: University of Ottawa Journal of Medicine
• Subjects: arthritis; diabetes; genetic screening; mental health disorders; multifactorial; preventative medicine
• Online Access: https://uottawa.scholarsportal.info/ottawa/index.php/uojm-jmuo/article/view/4825

An increasing attention on preventative medicine promises to remodel healthcare by using proactive approaches designed to avert and avoid potential diseases from being introduced to the patient. Genetic screening is a subset of health program measures that is purposely designed to be offered to asymptomatic individuals in favour for providing promising forms of early treatment. Whilst many diseases are multifactorial in nature, an early detection of the disorder can aid in tailoring effective medical interventions to the patient. This article will discuss implementing early genetic screening with the aim to promote greater collaboration between the field of genetics and medicine.