Monday, June 13, 2016

Citizen Engagement in Precision Public Health

By Courtney Lyles, PhD and Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo, MD, PhD

At the Precision Public Health Summit held this week at UCSF (sponsored by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the White House Office of Science, Technology, and Policy: see), we were inspired by many great discussions and ideas.  While the field is still figuring out how to define and conceptualize the core elements of “precision public health,” a broad interpretation that is relatively simple and straightforward includes:  a discipline for using the best methodologies and datasets to tailor interventions (from medical screenings and treatments, to community wellness and prevention programs, to science-informed advocacy and policy) that better meet the needs and priorities of local communities and individuals.