To scratch just the surface, we’ve got predictable glitches in health record access such as the recent “connectivity” problem affecting hundreds of doctors across Ontario. The Toronto Star reported January 24 that over the past two weeks 5% of the 7,000 medical clinics, hospitals and other health care providers connected to the province-wide network run by the government agency Smart Systems for Health were affected.

At times like these doctors and other providers and their staff feel the pressure and paper record keeping seems a happy memory. But there is much to be gained by suffering through the bumps and bruises of innovation in technology “toddler-hood”.

Although technology has a significant price tag and the frustrations exist, these are likely to transition into genuine appreciation and benefit both individually and for society in general.

We are now on the cusp of personalized medicine, with new genetic advances being brought mainstream by innovative technology involving the human genome.

A California company is offering Canadians a chance to “delve into the secrets of their DNA” says medical reporter Carolyn Abraham in this week’s Globe and Mail article: “Click here to unlock your DNA code”. Susceptibility to certain diseases is available through 23andMe, a Google-backed genetic testing firm which began selling its $1,000 genetic scan in Canada this week.

Some will say this is “hoodwinkery” at its best since disease processes are likely governed by many genes, not one or two, but by encouraging larger numbers of people to provide their DNA, a larger data pool for research may become available to provide even further insight into illness and disease and all the related preventative possibilities.

The opportunities seem as endless as the obstacles seem daunting in this new genetic frontier. There will be costs, probably far more than government can single-handedly manage on its own.

People like Bill Gates are in the front, leading the way in a new philanthropy called “creative capitalism” that is very likely to use this technology and innovation as well as the kindness and compassion of many of the world’s most successful companies. On January 24, 2008 at the World Economic Forum, Mr. Gates called for a new “creative capitalism” to help the world’s one billion poorest who live on less than $1 a day.

According to Bill Gates, the self-interest behind capitalism has driven multiple innovations, but the benefit to all can occur when greater focus on recognition for improving the lives of others is encouraged. He urged multinationals to pledge the services of their top people to this work.

At the World Economic Forum he said:

“We have to find a way to make the aspects of capitalism that serve wealthier people serve the poorer people as well.”

This is philanthropy for the new millennium and I don’t doubt Mr. Gates’ ability or desire to make it happen.