Implementing genomic medicine represents a key method for reducing cost and increasing effectiveness over the traditional trial-and-error treatment through the application of individual genetic analysis to customize health care for each patient. This personalized medicine concept, considering variations of human genome sequence during therapeutic decision making, embodies the essential “P” of the “5Ps” of perioperative medicine and pain management including: 1) personalized, 2) preventive, 3) predictive, 4) participatory and 5) prospective. In the practice of anesthesia, knowing a patient’s individual genetic information can help anesthesia providers choose the right medication at the right dose. This individualized prescription practice reduces unnecessary expenses from trial-and-error. However, pharmacogenomic-based medication selection should be considered in only be applied where the evidence and published guidelines support current knowledge.

Keywords: Pharmacogenomics, Anesthesia