Department of Pathology & Immunology

Molecular Genetic Pathology Fellowship Curriculum

Master
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Core Curriculum

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Molecular Oncology and Cancer Genomics

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

Genetics 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 and targeted DNA panels.

Molecular Microbiology

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

Molecular Neuropathology

This is a unique module offered by the fellowship program where residents are exposed to the principles of molecular testing in benign and malignant neurological and musculoskeletal disorders.

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Core Curriculum: Training Modules

Training Module

Primary Location(s)

Director

Major Focus

Select Technologies

Molecular Oncology & Cancer Genomics

 

Dolores Lopez-Terrada, M.D., Ph.D.

Pediatric Cancer and Sarcoma Diagnostics

FISH, Real-time PCR, Single-gene sequencing.

 

 

Angshumoy Roy, M.D., Ph.D.

Pediatric cancer genomics

Targeted DNA and RNA NGS panels, tumor whole-exome sequencing, transcriptome sequencing

 

Baylor Genetics Laboratory

Brian Merritt, M.D.

Cancer Diagnostics

Sanger sequencing, Cytogenomic arrays, NGS-based targeted panels (Ion Torrent PGM and MiSeq)

 

Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory at MD Anderson Cancer Center

Raja Luthra, Ph.D.

Cancer Diagnostics

Sanger sequencing, Fragment analysis, Sequenom mass spectrometry, NGS

Inherited Disorders

Baylor Genetics Laboratory

Jennifer Scull, Ph.D.

Genetic Testing

Sanger sequencing, Mass spectrometry, whole-exome Sequencing

Molecular Microbiology

 

James Dunn, Ph.D.

Infectious Disease Testing

Real-time PCR, pyrosequencing

Molecular Neuropathology

 

Adekunle M. Adesina, M.D., Ph.D.

Neuropathology

FISH, Sanger sequencing, pyrosequencing, Western Blotting

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Courses and Workshops

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'Dry-Labs' Applied Bioinformatics Course

A 10-course hands-on applied bioinformatics workshop intended to serve as basic training for clinical and biological data handling and database mining.

 

Molecular Pathology Course

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

Human Genetics Course

A course in the principles of human genetics offered by the faculty in the BCM Department of Molecular and Human Genetics

 

Journal Club

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

Molecular Genomics Tumor Board

Molecular Genomics Tumor Board meetings are held over the course of the fellowship year.

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