Genomics: implications for health systems

In anticipation of and following the announcement of the completion of the mapping of the human genome, numerous articles have appeared in scientific, industry, and consumer journals and magazines on the topic of genomics. Building off the excitement surrounding this scientific milestone, many of these articles--irrespective of the audience--look to the future and anticipate how this knowledge breakthrough will change the way classes of diseases are diagnosed, treated, and even prevented over the next several generations. However, literature that explores the potential effect of genomics on health system care delivery is virtually nonexistent. As such, this article begins to prepare health system executives for the future by speculating how genomics may affect their organizations and suggesting strategies for future success.