Molecular medicine is a broad field where physical, chemical, biological and medical techniques are used to describe molecular structures and mechanisms, identify fundamental molecular and genetic errors of disease, and to develop molecular interventions to correct them.
Molecular Medicine strives to understand normal body functions and disease pathogenesis at the molecular level which may allow researchers and physicians to use that knowledge in the design of specific molecular tools for disease diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, and prevention. It is revolutionizing human medicine with enormous and far-reaching applications ranging from diagnostic techniques for disease and genetic disorders to the design of drugs and gene therapy. It often makes reference to such specialties as genomics, proteomics, and bioinformatics.
Background
Molecular Medicine is a fairly new scientific discipline that bridges the gap between medical studies and basic research. In November, 1949, Linus Pauling, Harvey Itano and their collaborators laid the groundwork for establishing the field with the Science paper, “Sickle Cell Anemia, a Molecular Disease”. In 1956, Roger J. Williams wrote Biochemical Individuality, a book about genetics, prevention and treatment of disease on a molecular basis, and nutrition which is now referred to as individualized medicine.
Genes and DNA
The tiny factors that are most widely known as being manipulated in the practice of molecular medicine are genes and DNA. There is hope that studying genomic medicine will enable the knowledge gained to be used for personal and preventative practices, by providing individually designed solutions to medical issues. Nevertheless, this does not represent the entire extent of the field. Other factors that are involved in molecular medicine include antibiotics, carbohydrates, enzymes, hormones, inorganic polymers, lipids, metals, synthetic organic polymers, viruses, and vitamins.
Education Opportunities
With a degree in this field, the graduate is able to pursue a career in medical sciences, scientific research, laboratory work and postgraduate medical degrees.
A graduate training program in this discipline prepares scientists for laboratory research at the cellular and molecular level with a direct impact on the understanding, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of human diseases. Ph.D. graduates will have a rigorous training in scientific research and a thorough knowledge of human biology and human diseases.