The family history: reemergence of an established tool.

Genetics has transformed the use of family history information and has led to the reemergence of the detailed genetic family history. It is critical that public and professional educational efforts to increase family history awareness and working knowledge are prioritized. Patient maintenance of the pedigree provides increased patient awareness and facilitates some of the limitations associated with conventional medical history ascertainment, ultimately improving health care and research. The increasing use of genetic screening promises to cultivate a paradigm shift in medical treatment emphasizing primary prevention and early intervention. Appreciation of the family history is necessary to make this important advance.