What is meant by "precision medicine"?

Precision medicine refers to a tailored approach to medical care that takes into account the unique characteristics of each patient. This includes individual genetic makeup, environmental factors, lifestyle, and specific health conditions. By focusing on these individual differences, precision medicine aims to provide more effective treatment plans that are specifically designed to work for the individual, rather than using a standardized treatment that may not be universally effective.

In contrast, the other options suggest methods of medical treatment that do not consider the nuances of individual patient profiles. Trial and error methods lack the targeted insight that precision medicine offers, while a generic approach to treating diseases ignores the importance of personalized care and may lead to less effective outcomes. Traditional medicine also generally does not incorporate the advanced insights provided by modern genetic and biological research that underpin precision medicine. Therefore, the distinction of precision medicine lies in its emphasis on customization and personalization for better health outcomes.