Week 1

Students will be introduced to the foundations of precision medicine, including its scientific basis, historical evolution, and applications in healthcare. We will discuss key elements such as genomic sequencing, biomarker-based diagnostics, and targeted therapies. Students will explore examples of how precision medicine has impacted different diseases and begin considering potential areas of focus for their own research. The session will also introduce expectations for the final research presentation and optional research paper.

Week 2

Students will each identify and present three disease areas where precision medicine has demonstrated significant promise. They will analyze how precision medicine has influenced diagnosis and treatment in these diseases and assess both its successes and limitations. Through this process, students will refine their ability to critically evaluate scientific literature and construct evidence-based arguments. By the end of this week, each student will select one disease area to focus on for their final presentation and, if they choose, their research paper.

Week 3

Using their selected disease area, students will begin developing a structured outline for their research presentation, incorporating key scientific advancements and precision medicine strategies relevant to their disease of focus. This session will explore state-of-the-art diagnostic technologies such as next-generation sequencing (NGS), liquid biopsies, proteomics, and AI-driven analytics. Students will draft the first version of their research presentation, integrating peer feedback to refine their arguments and strengthen their supporting evidence.

Week 4

Students will examine how precision medicine intersects with population health and the social determinants of health (SDOH). While precision medicine aims to deliver individualized treatments, its accessibility and implementation are often challenged by disparities in healthcare access, socioeconomic factors, and research biases. Students will assess these issues within the context of their selected disease area and explore potential strategies for improving equity in precision medicine. They will refine their presentation by integrating clear, data-driven visuals. For those pursuing a paper, this week will focus on drafting the discussion and conclusion sections.

Week 5

We will focus on the development and clinical application of targeted therapies in precision medicine. Students will explore pharmacogenomics, monoclonal antibodies, gene therapies, and other precision-targeted treatments specific to their disease area. We will also discuss regulatory considerations and the design of clinical trials for precision medicine. Students will finalize their presentations, incorporating feedback to ensure clarity, coherence, and depth. Those working on research papers will revise their drafts based on instructor feedback.

Week 6

Students will present their final research findings, demonstrating their ability to synthesize complex scientific concepts and communicate their conclusions effectively. Peers will provide structured feedback, evaluating the clarity, scientific rigor, and persuasiveness of each presentation. We will conclude with a discussion on the future of precision medicine, exploring where the field is headed.