Meet Disruptive Woman to Watch: Anne Wojcicki

The success of the Human Genome Project, over a decade ago, created a foundation from which science and the practice of medicine could be revolutionized, enabling greater knowledge about human health and new insights into the origins and nature of complex diseases.  For genomic research to reach its full potential, however, requires the vision and energy of pioneers who can democratize the science and give it profound, everyday meaning for the population at large.
Anne Wojcicki, the founder and CEO of 23andMe, is one of those pioneers.  She is also a Disruptive Woman to Watch for 2016.
Wojcicki, who had spent years investing in innovative healthcare companies, saw the decoding of the human genome and realize it presented an opportunity to bring a new degree of empowerment to patients and healthcare consumers.  With access to their own genetic information, individuals could not only better understand their family heritage but also have the capability to make more informed decisions about their own health.
That conviction led, in 2006, to the creation of 23andMe.  As the company states in its Core Values, “We believe genetic research tools can and should be used to give us a deeper understanding of the role genes play in our individual lives.  By tapping into advances in DNA analysis and offering education, tools and expertise, we at 23andMe want to help others take a bold, informed step toward self-knowledge.”
It’s not only the direct-to-consumer DNA analysis that m...

Source: Disruptive Women in Health Care - November 9, 2015 Category: Consumer Health News Authors: dw at disruptivewomen.net Tags: Genetics Innovation Source Type: blogs