When I look back on the experiences that led me to write this book, I realize that my
innate interest in genomics and public health has been apparent for quite some time. In
high school, as a National Science Foundation Young Scholar, I gravitated toward
genetics: my fi rst science fair project studied whether musical ability was inherited or
acquired, and one of my college application essays explored the ethical and social
issues surrounding genetic engineering. As an undergraduate at Princeton, I read The
Selfi sh Gene, by Richard Dawkins, for a molecular biology course, and it quickly
became a favorite book. As a medical student at Mount Sinai, I was fascinated by the
genetics cases I encountered on the pediatrics wards but was equally intrigued by my
course work in preventive medicine, public health, and medical ethics.
Given that medical genetics and community medicine were two of the most
renowned departments at my medical school, perhaps I was merely a product of my
environment. But regardless of the underlying reasons for my interest in these topics,
it seems now that all roads were pointing me toward public health genomics. During
my clinical training, I remained captivated by the rapid advances being achieved in
applied genetics. As a resident in preventive medicine and public health at Stony
Brook and Columbia, I enjoyed teaching and learning about the interface between
science and society. It was then that I also fully realized my ability and passion for
educating others.