**Genomic Medicine Aims to Transform Healthcare in Australia** Genomic medicine is poised to revolutionize healthcare in Australia, with the potential for doctors to use patients' DNA to enhance diagnoses, prevent diseases, and tailor treatments. The Australian government has committed $500 million to genomic research and allocated $30 million to establish a national body aimed at keeping the country at the forefront of genomic technology. However, a significant challenge looms: millions of Australians may be excluded from these advancements. Chris Richards, from the Centre for Population Genomics (CPG), is working to address this issue by expanding the genetic databases utilized by researchers and clinicians worldwide. "These databases are heavily biased towards people of European background," Richards stated. He noted that over 5 million Australians, primarily from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds and multicultural communities, are not represented in these databases. This lack of representation puts them at risk of missing out on the benefits of genomic medicine. Genomic medicine operates by comparing an individual's DNA to extensive reference datasets to identify variations that may heighten disease risk or relate to health conditions. Its advantages include more straightforward diagnoses of rare genetic disorders and personalized cancer treatments. However, concerns have been raised about the potential for inappropriate testing and the emergence of a group of "worried well" individuals. The CPG was established by two prominent genomics research institutions: the Garvan Institute of Medical Research in Sydney and the Murdoch Children's Research Institute in Melbourne. Dr. Richards leads the flagship project, OurDNA, which seeks to gather DNA samples from underrepresented groups, including individuals of Filipino, Vietnamese, Samoan, Fijian, Sudanese, South Sudanese, and Lebanese descent. "As genomic medicine is becoming more embedded in healthcare, we still have time to build these resources," Richards said. "If we don't act urgently now and fill this data gap, these communities, who often already experience inequities in health outcomes for various reasons, will continue to be exacerbated." Researchers plan to utilize their findings to create new genetic resources, including a browser tool to assist researchers and doctors in identifying disease-causing genes and improving treatments for diverse populations. Chi Vu, a member of the Australian Vietnamese community, is one of over 1,300 contributors to the OurDNA project. She is particularly invested in the initiative, as her son has a rare genetic condition that took years to diagnose. "For his rare genetic condition, it's really hard to find the information," Vu explained. "It's like you swim in the ocean and you're trying to find the right information." Initial prenatal testing indicated that both she and her son shared a DNA change, but doctors initially dismissed it as a concern since it had not caused significant health issues. After her son was born prematurely and small, Vu noticed developmental delays as he reached milestones. Eventually, her son was diagnosed with level 3 autism. It wasn't until he turned three and underwent further genetic testing that Vu learned he had Verheij Syndrome, a rare condition affecting the heart, kidneys, and skeletal system. "The diagnosis helped not only for me, but my son, to help us support him best in his life," she said. As genomic medicine continues to evolve, ethical dilemmas surrounding its implementation and accessibility remain a critical consideration for researchers and healthcare providers alike.