Patient's genetic information will be routinely an essential components of overall health care. For example, when patients check into a hospital for care of myocardial infarction, physicians will rapidly establish their genetic profile for blood coagulation and lipid disorders as well as their pharmacogenetic profile, or check this information from the gene card carried in their cellular phone. This information will be critical to the planning of any operations or prescriptions.

Researchers will have identified the genes causing predisposition for many common diseases, and characterize the "genetic risk profiles." For many common conditions like coronary artery disease or depression, we will know the specific significance of genes, and the additional impact of the environment or lifestyle factors. We will know how to prevent many of these diseases, since genetically predisposed individuals can be treated before they develop symptoms. Monitoring and medication will be "individualized" to match each patient's personal biology.

At present, gene therapy is a routine cure for a few diseases; this will change dramatically. Genetic medicine will be the most prestigious specialty in the future; even now, medical students are competing for training slots in medical schools now offering this training.