Speakers - 2026 Speakers

Precision medicine is transforming healthcare by tailoring prevention, diagnosis, and treatment to the unique characteristics of each individual, including genetics, molecular profiles, environment, and lifestyle. This approach has already shown promise in improving treatment outcomes, reducing side effects, and enhancing disease prevention across many conditions, including age-related illnesses, cancer, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and rare genetic disorders.

Despite these advances, major challenges remain. One limitation is the underrepresentation of diverse populations in genetic research, which contributes to disparities in treatment outcomes and increases the risk of misinterpreting genetic risks. Another challenge is that current clinical reference intervals often fail to reflect the biological changes of aging. This gap leaves older adults more vulnerable to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment.

We suggest a broader and more inclusive vision of precision medicine that considers both individual variability and population-level factors such as aging and genetic diversity. Advances in digital health and multi-omics can help make this possible. Precision medicine must include underrepresented populations in research, establish age-specific clinical guidelines, and address socioeconomic barriers in order to evolve into a global approach that respects diversity, promotes equity, and improves health outcomes for all.