Towards predictive, preventive, and personalized paediatric surgery

Abstract

Future medicine will be revolutionized by genomic and stem cell research, becoming predictive, preventive, and personalized. Despite the smallness of the specialty, paediatric surgery is well placed to play a determining role in this exciting development. First, paediatric surgeons are innovators and leaders. Second, paediatric surgery thrives on the multidisciplinary approach. Third, congenital anomalies provide genetic models for studies of complex diseases. Fourth, morphogenesis underpins basic understanding in development, ageing, cancer, and immunology. The next generation paediatric surgeons must seize the opportunities in large-scale biology research to develop the best future treatment for their patients.