The rise of health information technology.

Purpose Of Review: The purpose of this review is to discuss transformational changes taking effect in biology and medicine and to place them in a broad historical context.

Recent Findings: Recent findings suggest that in the new millennium, information technology will promote great changes in the study of biology and the practice of medicine. Digital information, more readily assessed, analyzed and manipulated, will be used to integrate large and disparate data sets. Systems biology emerging as an interdisciplinary field will focus on complex interactions in biological systems. Health information technology will make possible efficient healthcare that is predictive, personalized, preventive and participatory.

Summary: Systems biologists' understanding of biological information will promote conceptual insights and practical innovations. Predictive, preventive, personalized and participatory medicine will help patients and physicians make optimal treatment decisions.