Proactive Health Screening: Looking Beyond Today's Symptoms
One of the things I enjoy most about practicing rheumatology is that our specialty naturally encourages us to think beyond today's symptoms. Autoimmune diseases don't affect just one joint or one organ—they can influence nearly every system in the body. Because of that, I believe the best care is comprehensive, personalized, and proactive.
While my primary focus is diagnosing and treating autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, I also believe in helping my patients understand their overall health risks so we can make informed decisions together. One tool that can add another layer of information is whole genome sequencing.
What is whole genome sequencing?
Whole genome sequencing (WGS) analyzes nearly all of your DNA rather than looking at just a handful of genes. We offer the MyOme Proactive Health Plus Single-Gene Risk report, which evaluates 151 medically important genes associated with inherited conditions and disease risk.
Unlike many genetic tests that only examine selected portions of DNA, this test uses a PCR-free whole genome sequencing platform. One advantage of sequencing your entire genome is that, as scientific knowledge evolves, your genetic data can be reanalyzed without having to repeat the sequencing itself. As researchers discover new disease-associated genes or better understand existing ones, those insights may become available in the future.
What can this information tell us?
Genetic testing is not a crystal ball. Instead, it helps us better understand where extra attention may be worthwhile.
For example, imagine a patient is found to have a genetic variant associated with an increased risk of melanoma. This does not mean they currently have melanoma, nor does it mean they will definitely develop melanoma in the future. Most genetic variants increase risk—they do not determine destiny. Whether someone develops disease often depends on a combination of genetics, environmental exposures, lifestyle, and chance.
Knowing about that increased risk allows us to be proactive. That patient may choose to:
Be especially diligent about sunscreen and sun-protective clothing.
Perform regular skin self-examinations.
Schedule annual full-body skin exams with a dermatologist.
Avoid unnecessary UV exposure.
The goal isn't to create fear—it's to create awareness and opportunities for prevention.
The same principle applies to many inherited conditions. Sometimes the most valuable result isn't finding a disease—it's identifying an opportunity to reduce risk before disease develops.
Why does this matter in rheumatology?
Patients with autoimmune diseases often ask me, "What else should I be watching for?"
It's an excellent question.
Many autoimmune diseases affect multiple organ systems, and many patients have family histories that include autoimmune disease, heart disease, osteoporosis, certain cancers, or neurologic conditions. While genetic testing doesn't diagnose autoimmune diseases or predict them with certainty, it can provide another piece of the puzzle as we think about your long-term health.
Our practice looks at patient care holistically. Rather than simply treating flares, we focus on prevention whenever possible. Genetics is just one component of that larger picture, along with:
Family history
Lifestyle habits
Laboratory testing
Imaging studies
Physical examination
Environmental exposures
Cardiovascular risk factors
When these pieces are considered together, we can develop a more personalized prevention strategy.
The advantages of proactive genetic screening
There are several reasons patients choose to undergo whole genome sequencing.
Earlier identification of inherited risks can lead to more appropriate screening and earlier intervention.
Testing may uncover conditions that would otherwise go unrecognized until symptoms develop.
Results can guide conversations about preventive care, lifestyle modifications, and specialist referrals.
Because whole genome sequencing captures the entire genome, the information may continue to provide value as scientific discoveries expand over time.
For many patients, it also provides reassurance. Learning that you do not carry certain high-risk variants can be just as informative as discovering one that warrants additional attention.
The limitations are equally important
Like any medical test, genetic testing has limitations.
Not every genetic finding has a clear interpretation. Some variants are classified as "variants of uncertain significance," meaning we simply do not yet know whether they increase disease risk.
Some findings may increase anxiety, particularly if the associated condition has limited preventive options.
Many common diseases—including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, diabetes, and heart disease—are influenced by hundreds of genes in addition to lifestyle and environmental factors. A normal genetic test does not eliminate your risk.
Finally, genetics is one of the fastest-moving fields in medicine. Our understanding continues to evolve, which is one reason whole genome sequencing is particularly valuable—it allows future reinterpretation as new evidence becomes available.
Who may benefit from this type of testing?
This testing may be worth considering if you:
Have a strong family history of cancer or chronic disease.
Are interested in precision medicine.
Want a more personalized approach to long-term health planning.
Are interested in understanding inherited health risks before symptoms develop.
Prefer taking a preventive rather than reactive approach to healthcare.
My philosophy
Medicine is changing. Increasingly, we are moving away from waiting for disease to appear and toward identifying risk early enough to make meaningful changes.
Whole genome sequencing is not a replacement for routine medical care, regular screening tests, or healthy lifestyle choices. It is another tool that helps us better understand your individual health profile.
As a rheumatologist, my goal is not simply to control inflammation today. It's to help you protect your health for decades to come. Whether we're talking about reducing cardiovascular risk in rheumatoid arthritis, screening for osteoporosis, monitoring for interstitial lung disease, or discussing genetic testing, my goal is always the same: to help you stay as healthy as possible through personalized, proactive care.
Interested in learning more?
If you're an established patient in my practice and are interested in learning whether the MyOme Proactive Health Plus test is appropriate for you, I'd be happy to discuss the potential benefits, limitations, and how the results could fit into your overall healthcare plan.
If you'd like to learn more, please visit the MyOme Genome website here: https://myome.com/