Army Veteran Dariton Robinson struggled with high cholesterol for years, experiencing side effects from various medications like pravastatin and atorvastatin. His situation improved after meeting Dr. Paula Newberry, a Clinical Pharmacy Practitioner at the VA. She introduced Robinson to pharmacogenomics (PGx) testing, which analyzes how genes affect medication processing. This personalized approach allows healthcare providers to create tailored treatment plans rather than relying on trial and error.

After Dr. Newberry completed her training on PGx testing, she used the results to adjust Robinson’s medication regimen based on his genetic makeup. This led to significant improvements in his health, with better cholesterol levels and an overall sense of well-being. Robinson expressed his satisfaction, stating, “I finally feel like we’re on the right track.”

This case highlights the VA’s commitment to precision health care, utilizing pharmacogenomics to enhance treatment outcomes and reduce adverse drug reactions. Veterans are encouraged to collaborate with their primary care teams and clinical pharmacy practitioners to manage chronic conditions effectively. Personalized care is essential to achieving optimal health outcomes.