Imagine a world where your treatment is made just for you—based on your DNA, your family history, and your unique biology. That future isn’t far off. At the 2025 Black Health Connect Conference, the panel “It’s in Our Genes: Genetics and the Future of Precision Medicine” brought this vision to life.
But here’s the catch: we need more people—especially Black and underserved communities—to be part of the data that drives this future.
Why This Matters to YOU
Genomics is not just about science—it’s about your life. From how you respond to medications to your risk of chronic illness, your genetic makeup holds critical answers. But if you’re not in the system—or if the system doesn’t understand your ancestry—you could be getting the wrong care.
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Panel at a Glance: Who’s Leading This Change?
Moderator:
- Yusuf Henriques, Founder and CEO of IndyGeneus Bio
Speakers:
- Dr. Fatimah Jackson, Professor Emerita, Howard University
- Dr. Earl Ettiene, Assistant Dean, Graduate Programs & Industrial Partnerships, Howard University
- Dr. Porscha Johnson, Principal, PJW Clinical Pharmacy Consulting
These experts shared urgent insights about making precision medicine more inclusive, and they didn’t hold back.
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Key Takeaways Every Patient Should Know
1. You Need to Get Genetic Testing
Genetic testing isn’t just for people with rare conditions—it’s a powerful tool for everyone. And yes, you can do it from home. Many tests can now be mailed directly to you, no clinic visit required.
2. Know Your Family History
Do cancer, heart disease, or diabetes run in your family? Write it down. Share it with your doctor. This info, combined with your genetics, helps create a roadmap for better care.
3. Representation Matters: We Need More Black Participants
The medical system often overlooks non-white patients in research. This has to change. There’s not enough genetic data from Black communities, which means medications may not work as well, or could even cause harm. Your participation in research and testing helps fix this.
4. Age and Metabolism Matter More Than You Think
Your metabolism changes with age, and your genes influence how your body processes medication. Without the right data, you could be taking drugs that don’t work for you, or worse, cause harm.
5. I’m Not a Minority—And You’re Not Either
The term “minority” doesn’t reflect reality, especially not in health. African-descended populations hold some of the richest genetic diversity on the planet. That knowledge should guide innovation, not be left out of it.
The Past Still Shapes the Present
This panel didn’t shy away from hard truths. Historical abuse and exploitation in medical research—especially involving enslaved individuals—has led to deep mistrust. But the speakers emphasized that trust must be rebuilt with transparency, accountability, and education.
What You Can Do Right Now
- Ask your doctor about genetic testing, especially if you have family health risks
- Join community conversations and advocacy efforts around health equity
- Participate in ethical, community-approved clinical trials if available
- Encourage your family to document their health history and share it
- Support curriculum changes and community literacy in health and science
The Road Ahead: A Shared Future
The panel—and the conference as a whole—pushed for a new vision: one where healthcare is shaped by the people it serves. Precision medicine won’t work unless everyone’s DNA is in the conversation.
The rallying cry? “Nothing About Us Without Us.”
So the next time you think about your health, ask yourself: Am I part of the future of medicine, or just a bystander?
You have more power than you think. Use it.
