In the field of genomics, 2023 proved to be a monumental year. There were significant milestones reached in both technology and innovation that set the stage for rapid change in the landscape. There were also breakthroughs in treatments and therapeutics that have transformed how individuals experience genetic conditions. Although there is much to reflect on from this past year, we want to look ahead to 2024 with predictions for the genomics workforce. It is shaping up to be another year of rapid change.
These moments and milestones lay the groundwork for genomics to play a central role in the future of healthcare.
Brief Reflection on 2023
Before delving into predictions for the coming year, it's essential to recognize the key milestones reached and the noteworthy conversations held in genetics and genomics in 2023:
- New focus on the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare. The launch of ChatGPT in late 2022 was the beginning of a new public consciousness of AI. It spurred discussions of its potential in many sectors, including healthcare. Articles were written about the potential benefits of utilizing AI chat tools to assist in direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing and others outlining the caveats of using current forms of AI in healthcare. We recommend checking out the Being Human: 2023-24 Event Series | Sarah Lawrence College that focuses on what it means to be human in the age of AI.
- The human genome has now been completely sequenced! Although the first human genome was sequenced more than 20 years ago, there were still gaps in this sequence until 2023 when the completion of the Y chromosome sequence was announced.
- Another burgeoning year for whole genome sequencing. 2023 was filled with many whole-genome research milestones, such as those at the UK Biobank and new clinical whole-genome offerings coming to market.
- 2023 was marked by a downturn in the biotech industry. The biotechnology industry was not immune to the global impacts of market uncertainty and rising interest rates, with a recognized downturn in this industry. Many within the industry experienced layoffs or job changes due to restructuring.
- Communication with the public about genomics remains a key concern. In 2023, literature reported that the public has a lack of connection to science and that messages pertaining to genomics are received differently than intended. This particularly applies to those who identify with medically underserved communities and who have experienced injustices and discrimination within the medical system. These publications highlight that more work is necessary to effectively bring genomic science to the public.
- Monumental year for clinical gene and cell therapies. In 2023, the FDA approved more cellular and gene therapy products than ever before. The majority of these products were for the treatment of conditions with an underlying genetic cause. In December, the first FDA-approved therapies for sickle cell disease (SCD) marked a turning point in treatment for SCD. This was also a milestone for gene therapy in the U.S., as it was the first FDA approval for a CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing technology.
- The Institute for Genomics Education, Workforce & Leadership at Sarah Lawrence College launched publicly. Although preparation and planning for the Institute was well underway before 2023, we saw the fruits of this labor through engagement activities and the public release of new partnerships.
These moments and milestones lay the groundwork for genomics to play a central role in the future of healthcare. But what is the impact on those poised to bring these advancements to the bedside? Here are our predictions for the genetics and genomics workforce in 2024.
4 Core Predictions for the Genomics Workforce in 2024
1. A New Age in Gene and Cell Therapies Means Workforce Upskilling
As mentioned, 2023 was marked by an unprecedented number of FDA approvals for gene and cell therapies. We predict that even more therapies for a wider spectrum of genetic conditions will be released onto the market in 2024. This will create a paradigm shift in the way we treat patients with genetic conditions. Moreover, it will change the way we need to educate the healthcare workforce.
Genetics providers will not be the only specialists who will require new educational programming to understand the latest treatment options for patients. All specialties, including primary care, will need a way to keep pace with new treatment offerings to effectively triage patients towards the best care. This will require health systems to invest in scalable technology and education for their workforce. If not, health systems risk limiting access, litigation, the satisfaction of their existing workforce, and most importantly- the health of their patients.
2. Workforce Boom in Maternal Health
Maternal health in the U.S. has become increasingly poor. Citing the 2023 March of Dimes Report Card for the United States, maternal mortality nearly doubled from 17.4 maternal deaths per 100,000 in 2018 to 32.9 deaths per 100,000 in 2021. With new attention to this national problem, we predict that the maternal health market is ripe for disruption and growth in 2024. Much of the research of the past year has been centered on addressing pregnancy complications, such as identifying blood-based markers associated with preeclampsia or uncovering the multiomic factors associated with preterm birth, with the promise of early detection of potential issues. Therefore, we predict that this next year will garner greater investment in and release of new clinical solutions, increasing the need for genetics and multiomics expertise in the maternal health industry. This may be a spot of good news after an industry downturn in 2023.
This next year will garner greater investment in and release of new clinical solutions, increasing the need for genetics and multiomics expertise in the maternal health industry.
3. Changing Regulations Require Workforce Flexibility
In 2024, the genomics ecosystem will experience the impact of changes in governmental policies. We have already seen the winds of change in the U.S. with the FDA's proposed increased regulation of laboratory developed tests (LDTs) and an increasing number of biomarker legislation being introduced and passed at the state level. With increased regulation of genetic and genomic testing, the genetics workforce will need to adopt a growth mindset and be flexible in their approach to these changes. This may require the development of additional skills in areas like change management or communications. Skill sets such as these will equip providers to be champions for change within their healthcare organizations – guiding patients and care teams as they navigate new genetic testing processes.
Collaboration and effective communication between regulatory bodies, policy makers, healthcare providers, and industry will be essential to strike the optimal balance of patient safety and access to tests and treatments. Those within the genetics and genomics workforce who are skilled in communication, such as genetic counselors, may find new avenues to support these efforts and help develop effective solutions to enact policy change that maximizes the benefits to patients.
4. Population Genomics Requires Scalable Workforce Solutions
Population-based genetics and genomics programs have been gaining momentum in recent years. In 2023, population-based genomics programs were implemented in multiple health systems and there is discussion of bringing whole genome sequencing to more people through broader programs, like newborn screening. In 2024, we predict that the reach of population-based genomics programs will increase and become a greater part of public consciousness. This could be seen as an opportunity to democratize access to genomic testing and health information, if executed correctly. However, there must be a genomics workforce with the capacity to help patients and healthcare providers navigate all of this new genomic data and health information. More attention must be paid to modifying current genomics workforce practices, education and use of technology in order to scale the delivery of genetic and genomic information. The potential to revolutionize public health is profound and now is the time to think critically about scalable workforce solutions to deliver precision health.
More attention must be paid to modifying current genomics workforce practices, education and use of technology in order to scale the delivery of genetic and genomic information.
A Year for Meaningful Change and Collaboration
As we embark on a new year, our predictions for the genomics workforce paint a vivid picture of a field poised for unprecedented change, growth and innovation. With each new program that the Institute releases or activity that we pursue in 2024, we dedicate our energy to the Institute’s vision of a world in which all people have access to the benefits of genetic and genomic science. However, there is still a lot of work to be done. Let us all go into this new year with the determination and shared commitment necessary to make meaningful change.
The Team at Institute for Genomics Education, Workforce, & Leadership