Genetics and Genomics Pathway

Advances in medical genetics, molecular biology, and biomedical technology have applications to the treatment of disease, determination of disease risk, use of pharmacologic agents, reproductive counseling, and interpretation of clinical laboratory data. In addition, ethical and public policy concerns related to the application of these technologies to promote health and wellness have emerged.

The goals of the Genetics and Genomics Pathway are to:

• Augment the foundation of basic genetic principles which are threaded throughout the preclinical curriculum
• Enhance the medical student experience to include a broad range of patients with genetic conditions
• Develop the student's appreciation for the nuances inherent in performing and interpreting clinical diagnostic analyses in biochemical genetics, molecular genetics, and cytogenetics
• Provide an interface with the community and patient advocacy organizations to enhance the student's awareness of the social concerns faced by patients and families affected with genetic disorders
• Prepare students to author a scholarly publication and/or presentation
• Provide students a means to network and discuss various topics and career paths in medical genetics

Preclinical

Required

• MEGNT-501: TouchPoints in Clinical Genetics, Term 4 (March-May)
• MEGNT-520: Genetics Pathway Journal Club, Term 2 (October-December)
• MEGNT-553, Introduction to Genetics and Genomics Research, Term 5 (May-June)

Clinical

Required

• Clinical elective (4 weeks total)

Choose any TWO:

• MEGNT-200: Adult Genetics (two weeks)
• MEGNT-201: Pediatric Genetics (two weeks)
• MEGNT-202: Prenatal Genetics (two weeks)

OR

Choose ONE:

• MEGNT-525: Adult Genetics (four weeks)
• MEGNT-544: Pediatric Clinical Genetics (four weeks)

Non-Clinical

Required

• MEGNT-554, Genetics Research Project (MS2-MS3)
• Evenings with Genetics (8 total=2/year) 
• Pathway Director Annual Meeting

Presentation Opportunities

• Henry J. N. Taub & James K. Alexander Medical Student Research Symposium at BCM
• American College of Genetics & Genomics (ACMG) National Meeting
• American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) National Meeting
• Other mentor-approved venue

View a PDF version of the example schedule for the Genetics and Genomics Pathway.