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 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 with a means to network and discuss various topics and career paths in medical genetics
Preclinical
Required
- MEGNT-520: Genetics Pathway Journal Club, Term 2 (October-December)
- MEGNT-553, Introduction to Genetics and Genomics Research, Term 5 (May-June)
- MEGNT-501: TouchPoints in Clinical Genetics, MS2s in Term 1 (August)
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
- Evenings with Genetics (8 total=2/year)
- Pathway Director Annual Meeting
Optional
- MEGNT-554, Genetics Research Project (MS2-MS4)
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
Pathway at a Glance
View a for the Genetics and Genomics Pathway.
Methods | Content / Courses | Years(s) | Credits | |
Preclinical Electives | MEGNT-501: TouchPoints in Clinical Genetics, Term 4 (March-May) MEGNT-553: Introduction to Genetics and Genomics Research, Term 5 (May-June) | Year 1 | 0.5 per year for each course | |
Preclinical Elective | MEGNT-520: Genetics Pathway Journal Club, MS2s in Term 1 (August) | Year 2 | 0.5 | |
Clinical Electives | Choose any TWO: MEGNT-200: Adult Genetics (2 weeks) MEGNT-201: Pediatric Genetics (2 weeks) MEGNT-202: Prenatal Genetics (2 weeks) OR Choose ONE: MEGNT-525: Adult Genetics (4 weeks) MEGNT-544: Pediatric Clinical Genetics (4 weeks) | Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 | 4.0 | |
Non-Clinical (Optional) | MEGNT-554: Genetic Research Project | Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 | 4.0 | |
Scholarly Activity Students are encouraged to present their scholarly projects at a local, regional, or national meeting (optional). | Presentation of Scholarly Project
| Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 | 0 | |
Non-credit Enrichment Activities | Pathway Director Annual Meeting | Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 | 0 | |
Community Outreach Activities | Evenings with Genetics (8 total=2/year) | Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 | 0 | |
Total Number of Credit Hours | 5.5 or 9.5 |