Genomics and precision medicine: The expanding role of general practitioners

BACKGROUND: Precision medicine tailors an individual's healthcare to their genetics, environment and behaviour. This has been driven by rapid advances in genomics, where an individual's entire genetic code can now be sequenced. General practitioners (GPs) are increasingly involved in genomics throughout the lifespan, including performing prenatal screening during pregnancy, requesting reproductive genetic carrier screening and arranging genetic referrals for cancer and other conditions. Patients are relying on their GPs to appropriately counsel, test, refer and manage genetic conditions, and provide genomic healthcare. OBJECTIVE: This article provides an overview of the GP's expanding role in genomic medicine, some tools to assist GPs to navigate this landscape, and barriers to genomic uptake. DISCUSSION: GPs are integral to supporting patients and families in the genomics and precision medicine era. Resources specifically aimed at, and codesigned with, GPs are required to enable broader and equitable access for the benefit of all Australians.