The impact of genomics on public health practice

Genomic science is developing rapidly, and engagement of public health professionals will be necessary to appraise new technologies and use them effectively.

We use established domains of public health and draw on the literature and expert knowledge to illustrate how genomic technologies give rise to new applications.

Genomic technologies are useful in rare inherited disease, including population screening programmes, in health care and for surveillance, diagnosis and treatment of infectious disease.

It is less clear when and how genetic susceptibility testing will be used for common chronic disease prevention or protection from environmental hazards.

Developments in public health practice will be necessary to ensure rapid and effective implementation of genomic science.

Public health researchers should address how to accelerate the implementation of genomics for health benefit in developed and developing countries.