Core Curriculum
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.
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 |
Courses and Workshops
'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.
Weekly conferences in pathology and genetics are included in the program.