Molecular Genetic Pathology Fellowship Curriculum

Molecular Oncology and Cancer Genomics 

Fellows are trained to analyze, review, interpret, and assist in the sign-out of both traditional clinical molecular assays such as real-time quantitative PCR, Sanger sequencing, FISH, pyrosequencing, digital PCR, and fragment length analysis as well as clinical genomic tests including cytogenomic DNA single nucleotide polymorphism arrays and next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based testing such as whole-exome sequencing, targeted DNA sequencing panels, and targeted RNA sequencing panels. Fellows learn to interpret test results in solid and CNS tumors and hematological malignancies in both pediatric and adult populations at Texas Children's Hospital (TCH) and MD Anderson Cancer Center. 

Genetics and Genomics of Inherited Disorders

Fellows receive training at the world-renowned Baylor Genetics laboratories in the principles of genetic testing that covers more than a hundred Mendelian disorders using Sanger sequencing, as well as MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, and NGS-based clinical diagnostic testing such as whole exome sequencing (WES) and targeted DNA panels. Fellows also receive exposure to testing for somatic mosaic disorders, inherited bone marrow failure syndromes, cardiac genetics, and liver disorders, as well as the laboratory stewardship of constitutional testing at TCH. 

Molecular Microbiology

Training covers principles of molecular testing covering all aspects of infectious diseases including SARS-CoV2 testing, viral load monitoring by PCR, viral genotyping for resistance mutations, and bacterial identification by pyrosequencing.

Laboratory Administration and Informatics

Fellows are trained in the principles required for Medical Directorship including CAP/CLIA regulation and inspection, test validation and cost analysis, test selection and stewardship, and clinical consultations. Fellows are exposed to a variety of informatics principles including data management, genomics pipeline data analysis, and health information systems. Training in these areas occurs throughout the course of the training in all laboratories and in the “dry-labs” workshops.

'Dry-Labs' Applied Bioinformatics Course

An 8-week hands-on “reverse classroom” workshop to explore principles in applied bioinformatics and genomics. The workshop is intended to serve as basic training for clinical and biological data handling and database mining as well as to improve clinical interpretation if genomic data.

Human Genetics Course

A course in the principles of human genetics offered by the faculty in the BCM Department of Molecular and Human Genetics. Weekly conferences in pathology and genetics are included in the program.

Journal Club

Journal Club meetings are held monthly over the course of the fellowship year.

Molecular Pathology Fellow Didactics

A multi-lecture didactic course offered by the molecular genetic pathology faculty for residents/fellows covering all aspects of molecular genetic pathology.

Molecular Genomics Tumor Board

Molecular Genomics Tumor Board meetings are held monthly over the course of the fellowship year. Fellows share presentation responsibilities with fellows from other clinical disciplines. 

Cytogenetic Case Conference

Conferences are held monthly over the course of the fellowship year. Fellows coordinate presentations with members of the cytogenetics laboratory to present cases for discussion. 

Genomic Medicine Division Case Conference

Conferences are held weekly over the course of the fellowship year. Fellows coordinate the presentation of interesting or challenging cases with the primary faculty. 

Neuropathology and Genomic Medicine Division Case Conference

Conferences are held weekly over the course of the fellowship year. Fellows coordinate the presentation of interesting or challenging neuro-oncology cases with the primary neuropathology faculty.

Weekly conferences in pathology and genetics are included in the program.