Laboratory Genetics & Genomics Fellowship

In addition to complying with GME Eligibility and Selection Policy, the Laboratory Genetics and Genomics program’s policies and procedures are:

• Graduation from a medical school in the United States or Canada, accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME); graduation from a college of osteopathic medicine in the United States, accredited by the American Osteopathic Association Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (AOACOCA); or graduation from an accredited doctoral program in a clinically related discipline;

• or (1) Post-doctoral trainees entering laboratory genetics and genomics programs must hold an MD, DO, or PhD (or equivalent) degree.

• (a) The PhD (or equivalent) degree must be in either genetics or a related field.

• (b) graduation from a medical school outside of the United States or Canada, and holding a currently valid certificate.

Process for Admission

After review of the previous information, qualifying Fellows are selected for an interview. Not all applicants can be interviewed. Specific criteria that will be used include:

1. Quality of the medical school training and performance.

2. Quality of Fellowship training and performance.

3. Quality of letters of support.

Candidates selected will then be interviewed by a majority of the faculty, and have an opportunity to meet with the current trainees and visit the clinical and laboratory facilities associated with the program. Once selected candidates have been interviewed, the faculty of the Section of Clinical Genetics and Metabolism will have an opportunity to collectively make a decision on which candidates will be offered positions (this will also depend on the number of positions available). In addition to the criteria listed above, faculty will also consider the following:

1. The candidate’s personality and communication skills.

2. Perceived commitment to patient care.

3. Perceived commitment to a career in genetics.

4. Special personal circumstances or special personal attributes.

In alignment with the aims of the University of Colorado School of Medicine the Laboratory Genetics & Genomics (LGG) program aims are as follows:

• Prepare LGG Fellows for a successful career in the practice of clinical molecular genetics and/or cytogenetics.

  • • • Through participation in formal didactics, benchside and signout learning, classes, conferences, and journal clubs, Fellows will prepare for the LGG Board Examination.

      • Fellows will develop a framework for practical application of technical and clinical knowledge in clinical laboratory genetics.

• Practice collaborative, interdisciplinary patient care in clinical molecular genetics and cytogenetics.

  • • • Appreciate differences in clinical laboratory genetic testing across the lifespan, from preconception to adult. Understand how constitutional and somatic genetic testing differs in the laboratory and in the clinic.

      • Observe cases and participate as appropriate in prenatal, pediatric, and adult genetics clinics.

      • Communicate effectively with ordering providers, laboratory staff, genetic counselors, and genetic and pathology attendings.

• Develop and maintain knowledge of current clinical laboratory genetics practice guidelines and applicable clinical laboratory regulations to become excellent in the practice of clinical laboratory medicine.

  • • • Attend journal club, scheduled didactic lectures, and relevant clinical meetings.

      • Participate in cases by learning the technical test performance, discussing cases with attendings, reading appropriate reference materials, and searching PubMed and other online sources for relevant, current literature.

      • Participate in mock- and authentic CAP and CLIA inspections as appropriate

      • Participate in mentored clinical laboratory research (e.g., test validation)