Medical Genetics

HAS THE AVAILABILITY OF HEALTH-RELATED INFORMATION ON THE INTERNET HELPED OR HARMED THE WAY PATIENTS SEEK CARE? It’s helped for those who understand where to go to get accurate information, but harmed those who do not know how to separate accurate facts from inaccurate information. STAYING HYDRATED IS OBVIOUSLY IMPORTANT FOR GOOD HEALTH. WITH SO MANY WATER CHOICES (MINERAL, SPRING, SPARKLING, FILTERED, ALKALINE, PURIFIED, TAP), ARE THERE ANY GUIDELINES YOU WOULD RECOMMEND? Quantity is likely the most important issue (at least 3040 oz per day). WHAT WOULD BE THE #1 PIECE OF HEALTH ADVICE REGARDING YOUR AREA OF SPECIALTY THAT YOU’D GIVE PEOPLE IN THEIR 30S? Exercise 3-5 times per week for at least 30 minutes, have a normal body mass index, and do all of your screening measures for cancer. Plus get all of your HPV vaccines. WHAT FORTHCOMING TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENT IN YOUR AREA OF SPECIALTY ARE YOU EXCITED ABOUT THAT WILL BENEFIT FUTURE PATIENTS? Cancer research and treatments and understanding of cancer genetics is making meaningful, constant improvements in our ability to treat and prevent cancer. MOST MEMORABLE MEDICAL SITUATION? Just being able to work with each patient one on one to improve the quality and length of their lives. THE SO-CALLED FAUCI EFFECT (MORE INTEREST IN HEALTHCARE CAREERS SPURRED BY COVID-19) SAW AN 18 PERSCENT INCREASE IN MEDICAL SCHOOL APPLICANTS IN 2021. WHAT WILL THIS MEAN FOR FUTURE PATIENTS? If they could double the enrollment, it will benefit patients in 10-15 years. The healthcare system is going to struggle for decades, though. YOUR THOUGHTS ON UNIVERSAL HEALTHCARE IN SIX WORDS OR LESS: Great concept, likely unobtainable (financially, politically). IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME 25 YEARS AND GIVE YOURSELF ONE PIECE OF HEALTH ADVICE, WHAT WOULD IT BE? Same as my answer for #3. Those things will lessen your chances of premature death from strokes, heart attacks, and all the common cancers. ARTIST WHOSE MUSIC WE’D HEAR THE MOST IN YOUR WAITING ROOM: There are too many talented and gifted musicians to pick just one. Music is a blessing for the soul.

ALSO IN THE TOP 3 FOR MEDICAL GENETICS: Annette Fontaine, Tom Cushing