This is historical material “frozen in time”. The website is no longer updated and links to external websites and some internal pages may not work.

Search form

Week in Review: A Trip to India, Protecting the Arctic, and More Precise Medicine

Summary: 
From the President's trip to India, to the new Precision Medicine Initiative, see what happened at the White House this week in our "Week in Review."

This week, the President traveled to India, launched the new Precision Medicine Initiative, and called on Congress to protect the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

Find out more about the past week at the White House in our latest weekly wrap-up.


A Historic Visit to India

“Chalein saath saath.” It means "forward together we go," and it perfectly sums up the President's recent trip to India.

The President and First Lady traveled to India this week -- their first time visiting since Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was sworn in on May 26, 2014. President Obama also made history as the first sitting U.S. president to visit India twice.

The United States and India are true global partners, both in strengthening economies and strong democracies. From a pledge on fighting climate change to beautiful parades, the trip was full of notable moments.

Take a look at the highlights and photos from the trip, and see how our two nations are moving forward together.


Protecting the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

On Sunday, President Obama announced his plans to ask Congress to designate the Coastal Plain and other core areas of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge as wilderness.

Watch on YouTube

Known as "The Sacred Place Where Life Begins," this area sustains the most diverse array of wildlife in the entire Arctic -- from the Porcupine caribou and polar bears, to gray wolves and muskoxen. Bird species from the Coastal Plain also migrate to all 50 states of the country, which means that no matter where you live, the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is part of your landscape. 

Get more info on the President's announcement here.


"A True American Patriot"

On Wednesday, the President traveled to Fort Myer, Virginia for the Armed Forces farewell ceremony in honor of our 24th Secretary of Defense, Chuck Hagel. In his remarks, the President acknowledged Secretary Hagel's courageous work during his lifelong service as a decorated veteran and Secretary.

Read more of the highlights from the President's remarks here.


The Precision Medicine Initiative

Earlier today, President Obama launched his Precision Medicine Initiative, which would invest in the emerging field of medicine that takes into account individual differences in people’s genes, microbiomes, environments, and lifestyles.

While most of today’s medical treatments are designed for the average patient, Precision Medicine delivers the right treatment to the right patient at the right time. This approach is already saving lives, giving those in the medical field better options, and helping keep families healthy.

Learn more about the President's initiative and how it could help your family and friends.


For more of the week's highlights, watch the latest edition of West Wing Week:

Watch on YouTube

And if you want to stay up-to-date on what's going on daily at the White House, sign up for our Daily Snapshot here.