Opening the gates: a push for inclusion of Black people in genomic medicine

Abstract

Genomic medicine considers the differences in people’s genetics, biology, behavior and social determinants of health. Because there are many factors influencing health disparities, reducing or eliminating health disparities to achieve health equity will require a multi-prong approach with changes to overcome patient-, physician-, and system-level social, racial, and institutional inequities. One of the biggest concerns with the move towards more precision medicine is the ever-growing gap of disparities in historically marginalized populations. To open the gates, we must 1) close existing gaps among vulnerable and underserved communities, 2) make certain development and implementation of genomic medicine are unbiased and equitably accessible, 3) create an inclusive, anti-racist environment and workforce to ensure strategies adopted across all communities. This talk will outline health equity in precision medicine and illustrate steps that the field must take as not to further widen health disparities gaps or add to existing inequities.