Precision Medicine in Pediatrics: Promise, Hype, and Caution

Why Do We Still Rely on Trial and Error?

You’re at your doctor’s office, discussing treatment options. How often have you heard some version of, “Let’s try this and see what happens… If it doesn’t work, we’ll try something else.”? It’s frustrating—especially when medications have side effects or take weeks to show results.

This is where precision medicine comes in—a promising approach that aims to remove trial and error from medicine. Imagine a reliable test that analyzes things like genetics, allergies, or nutrient deficiencies, and then instantly guides us to the perfect treatment. Sounds amazing, right? Almost too good to be true?

The Problem with Medical Fads

That’s because it might be. Any doctor in practice for a few years has seen miracle medical trends come and go. Remember telomere therapy? Or the cryotherapy craze? In my career, I personally saw several families who traveled to clinics in Mexico, spending tens of thousands on stem-cell therapy. None of them saw results.

When people buy into medical fads before the research backs them up, the best-case scenario is wasted time and money. The worst case? Unintended harm. Take the low-fat diet craze—it led to increased sugar consumption and higher obesity and diabetes rates instead of better health.

Why Pediatricians Are Extra Cautious

In pediatrics, this problem is even more pronounced. Parents want the best for their children, but:

• Most medical advancements start in adults and take years—or decades—to be tested in kids.
• Children are constantly growing, meaning treatments that work at one stage may not apply at another.
• We think long-term, balancing immediate benefits with potential effects decades down the road.

Because of this, pediatricians rely on evidence-based medicine—treatments backed by rigorous research—to make decisions that prioritize safety and effectiveness.

Precision Medicine Is the Future—but Not Quite Yet

Precision medicine is already changing lives in areas like pediatric cancer treatment and genetic diseases. Some conditions that once had no solutions are now treatable—or even preventable. The potential is exciting.

For everyday conditions, though—like ADHD, asthma, or infections—we don’t yet have reliable, research-backed precision tests to tell us exactly what will work for each child. While some companies claim to offer these answers, not all are backed by real science. To be clear, I sincerely believe these proven tests are coming, probably soon, and I will embrace them when they do. I just want to see the proof in action first.

Separating Science from Scams

We don’t want any families to fall for the next Theranos—a company that overpromised and underdelivered, putting patients at risk. Yes, trial and error has its downsides, but blindly trusting untested precision medicine claims can be far worse.

That’s why clinical studies, research, and scientific evidence are essential. They allow us to filter out fads and embrace true medical advancements safely.

How Parents and Pediatricians Can Work Together

So how do you, as a parent, make sense of all this? How do we, as pediatricians, support you while staying grounded in science? Through collaboration.

• You know your child best.
• We bring experience, training, and a commitment to evidence-based medicine.
• Together, we weigh benefits and risks, making the best decisions for your child.

Skepticism isn’t rejection—it’s making sure we get it right.

A Partner in Your Child’s Health

At Lighthouse Pediatrics, we’re committed to accessibility, availability, and trust. Whether it’s precision medicine or any other medical question, my name is Dr. Sean Park, and I am here to answer your concerns and help you make informed decisions—without the hype.

I understand that every family approaches healthcare differently, and I welcome conversations about any treatment you’re considering for your child. My role isn’t to dismiss ideas but to help you navigate them with the best available information. If there’s a new therapy or approach you’ve read about, I’m happy to explore it with you—looking at the research, discussing the potential benefits and risks, and finding the safest, most effective path forward. My goal is always to empower you with knowledge so you can make the best choices for your child. No judgment, no pressure—just guidance and support from someone who cares about your child’s well-being as much as you do.