It is likely that many complex diseases result from interactions among several genes, as well as environmental factors. The presence of such interactions poses challenges to investigators in identifying susceptibility genes, understanding biologic pathways, and predicting and controlling disease risks. Recently, Gauderman (Am J Epidemiol 2002;155:478-84) reported results from the first systemat...

deeply conscious of the honor you have bestowed upon me as a surgeon in asking me to give this lecture. Although modesty is not a quality with which surgeons are generally overendowed, I would like to accept it as a tribute to my colleagues both medical and surgical who work with me at Guy's and National Heart Hospitals in London. In fact, teamwork is the feature which has characterized modern ...