Bridging Pharmacogenomics and Medical Genetics Education to Prepare Students for Personalized Medicine

Abstract

The rise of personalized medicine, driven by advances in human genome sequencing and pharmacogenomics, necessitates integration of genomic and drug-response knowledge into medical education. Pharmacogenomics explores how genetic variation affects drug metabolism, efficacy, and toxicity, offering a foundation for individualized treatment strategies. Despite growing clinical relevance, education in pharmacogenomics remains limited in medical curricula. Integrating pharmacogenomics with core medical genetics education can bridge this gap, equipping future clinicians with competencies in genetic variation interpretation, genomic technologies, and ethical, legal, and social considerations. Approaches such as competency-based education and interprofessional case-based learning provide effective frameworks for preparing students for the era of precision medicine. Addressing curricular gaps ensures that medical professionals can leverage genomic insights for safer, more effective, and patient-centered therapies.