Clinical Genetics Laboratory Training Options

Clinical Biochemical Genetics is a laboratory-based specialty of medical genetics that involves the diagnosis, evaluation, and management of patients and their families with inborn errors of metabolism, including conditions involving disturbances in the metabolism of amino acids, organic acids, carbohydrates, lipids, and other metabolic compounds. Clinical biochemical genetics fellowship programs provide training in the skills and knowledge necessary to perform and interpret biochemical analyses relevant to the diagnosis and management of human genetic diseases. Clinical Biochemical Genetics is recognized as a primary specialty by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) [www.abms.org]. Laboratory postdoctoral fellowship training programs in this specialty are accredited by the American Board of Medical Genetics and require a minimum of 24 months of training, with a significant amount of clinical interaction as related to human genetic abnormalities. Trainees entering this specialty must hold either an M.D. or Ph.D. (or their equivalent); the Ph.D. degree must either be in genetics or a related field within the biological sciences. Individuals with a M.D. or Ph.D. earned outside of the United States or Canada must have their degree reviewed by the ABMG Credentials Committee prior to entering a training program. For information on procedures for degree review, please visit http://www.abmg.org/pages/training_options.shtml. Upon successful completion of training, clinical biochemical geneticists have the skills and knowledge to function as technical supervisors of clinical laboratories as well as clinical consultants in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with these types of disorders and may, in many jurisdictions, be deemed qualified to direct specialty laboratories.

Clinical Cytogenetics is a laboratory-based specialty of medical genetics that involves the processing and analysis of the chromosomes of various types of samples with the express purpose of detecting and interpreting chromosomal abnormalities. Clinical Cytogenetics is recognized as a primary specialty by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) [www.abms.org]. Laboratory postdoctoral fellowship training programs in this specialty are accredited by the American Board of Medical Genetics and require a minimum of 24 months of training, with a significant amount of clinical interaction as related to human genetic abnormalities. Trainees entering this specialty must hold either an M.D. or Ph.D. (or their equivalent); the Ph.D. degree must either be in genetics or a related field within the biological sciences. Individuals with a M.D. or Ph.D. earned outside of the United States or Canada must have their degree reviewed by the ABMG Credentials Committee prior to entering a training program. For information on procedures for degree review, please visit http://www.abmg.org/pages/training_forcredential.shtml. Upon successful completion of training, clinical cytogeneticists will have the skills and knowledge to function as technical supervisors of clinical laboratories as well as clinical consultants in the management of patients and families referred for chromosomal testing, including those with constitutional or acquired cytogenetic abnormalities; and may in many jurisdictions be deemed qualified to direct specialty cytogenetic laboratories.

Clinical Molecular genetics is a laboratory-based specialty of medical genetics that focuses on the discovery of and laboratory testing for DNA mutations that underlie disease. Clinical Molecular Genetics is recognized as a primary specialty by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) [www.abms.org]. Laboratory postdoctoral fellowship training programs in this specialty are accredited by the American Board of Medical Genetics and require a minimum of 24 months of training, with a significant amount of clinical interaction as related to human genetic abnormalities. Trainees entering this specialty must hold either an M.D. or Ph.D (or their equivalent); the Ph.D. degree must either be in genetics, molecular biology, or a related field within the biological sciences. Individuals with a M.D. or Ph.D. earned outside of the United States or Canada must have their degree reviewed by the ABMG Credentials Committee prior to entering a training program. For information on procedures for degree review, please visit http://www.abmg.org/pages/training_forcredential.shtml. Upon successful completion of the program, clinical molecular geneticists have the skills and knowledge to function as technical supervisors of clinical laboratories as well as clinical consultants regarding laboratory diagnoses of a broad range of inherited disorders, and may in many jurisdictions be deemed qualified to direct specialty clinical molecular laboratories.

From: American Board of Medical Genetics Updated October 1, 2008