Genomics impact trial. The (in)famous cardiologist is now Director of the Scripps Translational Science Institute, with an NIH grant. Dr. Topol will use the money to conduct research in things like genomics, stem cells, and applications of wireless technology. But we don't list him for his past accomplishments, or his efforts to develop new science. We acknowledge his trial to investigate whether some of that new science is worth doing in the first place. As part of the Scripps Genomic Health Initiative, last fall Topol began a 20-year trial to determine if 10,000 people who undergo genetic testing show any signs of behavior modification after the fact -- do they change their diets, exercise more, seek preventative care? In other words: is there an impact? Too often in technology and medicine, new things are done, simply because they can be done. But innovation for innovation's sake just wastes of resources. We like this trial, and appreciate the companies supporting it (Microsoft, Navigenics and Affymetrix), even if they view it as market research ("It's intended to be the foundational study of preventative genomic medicine," it has been said). Still, as exciting as personal genomics is, at a time of reform, we need to ask whether the hippest science in healthcare is worthwhile -- or is it being done because it can be sold? 

Dr. Topol speaking to the WSJ last fall:

"Anecdotally, it looks like some people are benefiting but this [study] is the only way to demonstrate this once and for all," said cardiologist Eric Topol