Bringing Precision Medicine Closer to Patients to Advance More Preventive and Personalized Healthcare

Hospital Ruber Internacional hosted an event for patients and members of the public interested in learning more about the latest advances in precision medicine, a healthcare model that is transforming disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment through the integration of genetics, advanced diagnostics, and personalized therapies.
The event, held at Estudio SelgasCano in Madrid, featured Dr. Arántzazu Álvarez de Arcaya, a specialist in Internal Medicine, who presented the vision behind the hospital's new Advanced Health Unit. During her presentation, she emphasized that the unit's goal is "to anticipate disease" through a multidisciplinary approach that combines technology, clinical expertise, and individualized risk assessment. "Personalized medicine is not simply about incorporating new technologies; it is about integrating them with sound clinical judgment to help people live longer, healthier lives," she said.
Next, Dr. Javier Sanz, a specialist in Predictive Medicine and Pharmacogenomics, explained how genetic testing can identify an individual's predisposition to certain diseases while optimizing treatment response. He noted that pharmacogenomics enables physicians to select the most appropriate medications for each patient, reducing adverse drug reactions and improving treatment effectiveness through a genetic analysis that only needs to be performed once in a lifetime.
Interventional cardiologist Dr. Federico Gutiérrez-Larraya highlighted the importance of prescribing exercise on an individualized basis. He stressed that physical activity should be prescribed like any other medical treatment, tailored to each person's specific characteristics through advanced functional assessments that ensure safe and effective training for both patients and athletes.
Dr. Pablo de la Cuadra, a specialist in Sports Traumatology and Reconstructive Surgery, emphasized that exercise is one of the most effective tools for preserving musculoskeletal health, provided it is practiced appropriately. He explained that precision medicine makes it possible to adapt physical activity to each patient's individual needs while using advanced imaging techniques to prevent injuries and enhance recovery.
Men's health was also a key topic, addressed by urologist Dr. Miguel Sánchez Encinas, who encouraged men to make preventive care part of their regular health routine. He explained that urological consultations should be viewed as an opportunity for the early detection of cardiovascular, metabolic, hormonal, and mental health risk factors, thereby promoting healthy aging.
The final presentation was delivered by Dr. César Canales Pimentel, Head of the Diagnostic Imaging Department, who highlighted the role of state-of-the-art imaging technologies in enabling more accurate and less invasive diagnoses. He also stressed that technological innovation reaches its full potential only when combined with the expertise of highly specialized professionals capable of selecting and interpreting each diagnostic test with sound clinical judgment.
During the event, attendees also heard the message of Dr. Begoña Molina from the Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, who was unable to attend in person. Her remarks, presented by Dr. Álvarez de Arcaya, emphasized that modern endocrinology makes it possible to detect subtle metabolic and hormonal imbalances before disease develops, enabling personalized nutrition and lifestyle plans that support healthy aging.
The event concluded with an open discussion during which attendees had the opportunity to ask questions directly to the specialists and gain a better understanding of how precision medicine is transforming healthcare by placing prevention, personalization, and continuous patient support at the center of care throughout every stage of life.





