2002 Articles

Gene Maps Lead Medicine Down the Wrong Road

Pollack, Robert

In "Gene Maps Lead Medicine Down the Wrong Road," Robert Pollack critiques the current emphasis on genetic research in medicine, arguing that it distracts from more effective public health strategies focused on prevention. Pollack contends that the biomedical model, which prioritizes identifying genetic risks and developing treatments based on gene mapping, neglects the importance of social and environmental factors that contribute to disease. He advocates for a shift in medical research and policy towards preventive medicine that addresses the broader determinants of health, such as environmental toxins and lifestyle choices, which are responsible for the majority of cancer cases. Pollack warns that the pursuit of genetic perfection risks undermining the diversity that is essential for human survival and calls for a more holistic approach to improving public health.