Welcome to the Public Health Perspective Series, the National Office of Public Health Genomics's highlights page. Each Public Health Perspective focuses on a single topic and contains information and commentary on discoveries of genetic variants, related disease outcomes, and the complex social, legal, and ethical issues surrounding genetic discoveries. Topics are examined from a public health perspective, and readers are encouraged to participate in an ongoing discussion in the reader’s forum.
This Public Health Perspective examines the topic of The Completion of the Human Genome Project: A Public Health Perspective. |
This month, we are examining the topic, "The Completion of the Human Genome Project: A Public Health Perspective" (August 2003)
"Genomics will be to the 21st Century what infectious disease was to the 20th Century for public health. It has the potential to change our thinking. Genomics should be considered in every facet of public health: infectious disease, chronic disease, occupational health, and environmental health, in addition to maternal and child health."
S. Gerard, M. Hayes, and M.A. Rothstein
J Law Med Ethics; 2002 Fall; 30 (3 Suppl):173-176
“Think genomically; act locally.”
Kristin Peterson Oehlke
2001
In April 2003, the Human Genome Project was pronounced complete. Now, as we officially enter the genomics era, what will this mean for public health? Will genomic information lead to new opportunities for preventing disease or will it provide a new mechanism for excluding people from insurance or employment? Will genomics make any real difference to the practice of public health? The intent of this Public Health Perspective is to collect some of the relevant articles, stories and on-line materials that look at where we’ve been and attempt to project where we might be in the future. |
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The Public Health Perspective (all links last accessed 2/2008) |
- Research Priorities for the Public Health Sciences in the Post-Genomic Era
Gwinn M, Khoury MJ
Genetics in Medicine 2002; 4(6):410-11
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The Celebration (all links last accessed 2/2008) |
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The Scientific Literature (all links last accessed 2/2008) |
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FAQ (all links last accessed 2/2008) |
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The Ethical, Legal and Social Issues (all links last accessed 2/2008) |
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World Health Organization (2002): Report on Genomics and World Health with recommendations to ensure that genome technology is used to reduce rather than exacerbate global inequalities in health status.
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The Ethics of Access to Online Genetic Databases: Private or Public? ( Acrobat Print File )
A. Marks, B.A., Karen K. Steinberg, PhD. (2002)
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Genetic Discrimination Risks
Mark A. Hall, J.D., Wake Forest University, November 2001
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Ethical, Legal and Social Issues in Public Health Genetics (PHELSI). The University of Michigan Center for Public Health and Community Genomics. Society is at a unique crossroads--the fields of public health, genetics, and ethics are all merging together into a single discipline, and there is a need to study ELSI issues relating to genetics in the PH context.
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Popular Media's Interpretations (all links last accessed 2/2008) |
- News Items
- Genome Project is a Model for Open, International Research
(April 24, 2003) SiliconValley.com reports, "This month marked the conclusion of a profound chapter in human history, known as the Human Genome Project
- Human Genome Project Finished
(April 21, 2003) Chemical and Engineering News reports, "International consortium announces all original goals met, plans for future."
- Human Genome Project Complete
(April 15, 2003) The Scientist reports, "'Final' version includes 99% of gene-containing DNA - variation between individuals is next challenge."
- Human Genome Done and Dusted
(April 14, 2003) Nature reports, "For some it's the sense of completion. For others it's the importance of getting it right."
- Press Releases
- April 14, 2003 The National Human Genome Research Institute reports, "International Consortium Completes Human Genome Project. All goals achieved; New vision for genome research unveiled."
- April 14, 2003 The U.S. Department of Energy reports, International Consortium Completes Human Genome Project. All goals achieved; New vision for genome research unveiled."
- Editorials / Commentary
- A Common Thread
(April 22) washingtonpost.com reports, "This month marked the conclusion of a profound chapter in human history, known as the Human Genome Project." A piece by Dr. Francis Collins reflecting on the completion of the Human Genome Project
- Who Cares About the Double Helix?
Bruno J. Strasser.
Nature 422, 803 - 804 (24 April 2003); doi:10.1038/422803a
- Genomics in Medicine: Hype or Real Promise?
Ed Rabinowitz
Healthplan (January/February 2003)
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Now That It’s Finished, What’s Next? (all links last accessed 2/2008) |
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Online Human Genome Resources (all links last accessed 2/2008) |
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Provides link to non-governmental sites and does not necessarily represent the views of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. |
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