Personhood and solidarity: what kind of personalized medicine do we want?

The concept of personalized medicine has attracted considerable criticism over recent years. Only a few studies, however, have questioned the meaning of the notion of the 'person' in this context. By leaving the meaning of this word unexplored, we risk taking on board two assumptions that are inherent in contemporary western thinking: first, that social practice can be reduced to decisions of individuals; and second, that people's actions are normally motivated by self-interest. Both assumptions are problematic in the context of medicine. One of the keys to realizing a form of personalization in medicine that fosters solidarity and is sensitive to people's needs lies in being cautious about what idea of personhood we use and promote.