This post was written on location by Oregon State University Student and SBE Member, Madeline Midgett.
Dr. Lee Hood explained his P4 model of informational wellness science, which has the
potential to completely revolutionize health care and medicine in the next few years. Instead of continuing with the current, expensive and failing reactive medicine, the Institute for Systems Biology is paving the way to developing a system based on capturing biological information and integrating the knowledge into diagnostic tools. P4 medicine is based on predictive, personalized, preventive, and participatory science.
One project looking to start the digitalization of medicine is ISB's family genome sequencing. By looking at the genome sequences in families with one or more disease-afflicted member, researchers can identify the actual "disease gene." This analysis can be used to follow progression of disease using organ-specific blood proteins before physical symptoms appear. This knowledge can then be integrated into microfluidic technology for rapid diagnostic testing.
It is expected that the cost of sequencing an individual's genome will drop below $1,000 within the next five years, which only leads one to believe that genome sequence will soon become part of personal medical records. Besides the grand challenges of acquiring vast quantities of complex information, Dr. Hood notes that the greatest challenge of this project is the societal aspect. The best way to overcome societal suspicions is to provide science and medical education, so that people have the chance to understand the science behind genome sequencing and the benefits of sharing personal information. The speaker expressed that it's hard to change the opinions of adults, but that his company is putting time and money into educational modules for middle school and high school students.
I think this idea of medicine based on quantified wellness and demystifying diseases can transform our health care system. More emphasis on prevention and early detection through organ-specific blood proteins could greatly reduce health care costs.
What's your take on Dr. Hood's P4 model?
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