Every person’s health journey is unique—so why should healthcare be one-size-fits-all? At St. Elizabeth Healthcare, the answer is clear: it shouldn’t. That’s why St. Elizabeth is leading the region with one of the most comprehensive precision medicine and genomic health programs in the Tri-State, making personalized care actionable and accessible for Northern Kentucky.
What Is Precision Medicine?
Precision medicine is transforming healthcare by moving away from generic treatment guidelines and instead tailoring care to each individual’s genetics, lifestyle, and health history. “It’s about using your personal information to make care more individualized, targeted, and effective,” explains Jaime Grund, MS, LGC, Director of Precision Medicine & Genomic Health at St. Elizabeth Healthcare.
Unlike traditional medicine—which often relies on broad categories like age or diagnosis—precision medicine looks deeper. It evaluates your unique DNA, lifestyle behaviors, and environment to assess your risk for disease and determine the best prevention or treatment strategies. This approach shifts healthcare from reactive to proactive, empowering patients to make informed decisions and take preventive steps before illness strikes.
How Precision Medicine Works
Your journey begins with a conversation and, if appropriate, genetic testing. Using a simple blood or saliva sample, St. Elizabeth’s team examines your DNA for genetic variations that may influence your risk for certain conditions or affect how you respond to medications and therapies. These results are combined with your lifestyle factors—such as diet, exercise, and environmental exposures—to create a truly personalized care plan.
For example, if you have a family history of cancer, you’ll meet with a genetic counselor for a detailed review of your personal and family history. If you choose to proceed with testing, a sample is collected the same day. Once results are available, your counselor will guide you through the findings and any recommended next steps. “It’s a journey we take together,” says Grund.
Why Precision Medicine Matters
Precision medicine is driving breakthroughs in cancer care, rare diseases, and chronic conditions. For cancer patients, genetic testing can help select targeted therapies that attack tumors based on their genetic code, often resulting in better outcomes and fewer side effects. For those at risk of chronic or rare diseases, early identification allows for proactive prevention or tailored treatment plans.
A recent NRC Health study found that more than half of patients would complete genetic testing if insurance covered the cost. St. Elizabeth is making this a reality: genetic counseling visits are a flat fee under $100, and most genetic tests cost less than $100 out of pocket. Financial counselors are available to help patients understand insurance coverage and minimize barriers to care.
Who Benefits from Precision Medicine?
- Cancer Patients: Receive therapies targeted to the genetic makeup of their tumor, improving effectiveness and reducing side effects.
- Individuals with Chronic Conditions: Learn about their risk and receive prevention or personalized treatment plans.
- Those with Rare Diseases: Benefit from targeted interventions based on genetic insights.
- Anyone with a Family History of Disease: Can take proactive steps to manage their health.
Building Trust and Addressing Concerns
St. Elizabeth is committed to protecting your privacy. “We rely on strict safeguards and protocols to protect your genetic information,” Grund emphasizes. Genetic test results are treated with the same confidentiality as any other part of your medical record.
Getting Started
If you’re interested in learning how precision medicine and genetic testing can benefit you or your family, talk with your doctor or reach out to the St. Elizabeth Precision Medicine & Genomic Health Center. You can email askgenetics@stelizabeth.com or call (859) 301-GENE (4363) to schedule an appointment or get more information.
For more details, visit the St. Elizabeth Precision Medicine and Genetics website.
Your genes. Your care. Your better outcome. Precision medicine at St. Elizabeth Healthcare is helping patients across Northern Kentucky and beyond take control of their health—one person at a time.
