The close of 1999 affords us the unique opportunity to reflect on the passing of a century and the dawn of a new millennium.

As a physician, my thoughts at this time are focused on how medical care can continue to help people enjoy longer, healthier, happier lives.

Since I began the practice of medicine almost 20 years ago I have witnessed many advances. The last decade, especially, was marked by enormous advances in research and technology. These improvements can be seen in every aspect of my work with patients at Northwest Community Hospital.

For example, continued efforts to develop better drug therapies have been fruitful, with many new medications introduced for a host of conditions, including heart disease, hypertension and asthma.

One of the greatest benefits of these new drugs is the reduction in side effects. This means that patients often can control their disease without compromising the quality of their lives. This is important to people who want to continue to lead active, fulfilling lives.

I hope, and expect, that our next century will see the continued introduction of improved medications.

Advances in technology have also led to exciting breakthroughs in medical genetics, which are allowing us to better understand the causes of disease and develop strategies for prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

I believe that in the early years of the 21st century we will see a burgeoning in gene therapy as well as an increase in genetic testing to screen for such conditions as cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer's disease.

Knowledge of a person's predisposition to a disease can help us develop care plans to prevent certain conditions and prescribe early intervention strategies when appropriate.

Another welcome result of improved technology is in communications. Computer technology, in particular, has greatly enhanced patient access to information, allowing them to explore the Net and learn more about health and disease.

My own patients often come to me already armed with information about their condition, with on-target questions about how they can play a role in their care. I welcome their eagerness to learn and expect these trends to continue to grow in the next millennium.

One of the biggest changes I've seen as a physician, and one which I welcome enthusiastically, is the increase in knowledge about the role of diet and exercise in maintaining a healthy body.

I am delighted that my patients turn to me for help not just in prescribing medications or performing physical examinations. They see me as a guide and a partner, someone who helps them cultivate diet and fitness habits that can improve their chances of living longer, healthier lives.

An attention to healthful choices is especially important for older adults, who should expect to live vigorous, fulfilled lives. Our population is aging, with an ever-increasing percentage of our citizens age 65 and older. This means that more and more resources should - and will - be directed to conditions affecting the elderly.

I believe the new millennium will see a greater focus on age-related diseases such as hearing loss, atherosclerosis and diabetes. I hope that we can concentrate, too, on vital issues such as isolation and depression, which can compromise an older adult's chances for good health.

What will the new millennium bring? I know we will see continued breakthroughs in research and technology that lead to improvements in prevention, diagnosis and treatment. And I believe that the world will grow even smaller thanks to the broadening of communication pathways.

It is my fervent hope that these advances will be met with equal attention to the human side of medical care.

If we can combine knowledge with compassion, the promise of a healthier new millennium is one we can all embrace.

Janet Reilly, MD, is chief of internal medicine at Northwest Community Healthcare, Arlington Heights.

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