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
- Providing students with a means to network and discuss various topics and career paths in medical genetics
Foundational Electives
- MEGNT-553, Introduction to Genetics and Genomics Research, MS1, Term 5
- MEGNT-520: Genetics Pathway Journal Club, MS1, Term 2 (optional)
- MEGNT-501: Touchpoints in Clinical Genetics, MS2 in Term 1
Clinical Electives
Houston Campus (4-weeks required)
- MEGNT-200: Adult Genetics (2-weeks)
- MEGNT-201: Pediatric Genetics (2-weeks)
- MEGNT-202: Prenatal Genetics (2-weeks)
- MEGNT-525: Adult Genetics (4-weeks)
- MEGNT-544: Pediatric Clinical Genetics (4-weeks)
- MEPAT-203: Molecular Genetic Pathology TCH (2-weeks)
Temple Campus (4-weeks required)
- MEGNT-800 (Adult Genetics BSWH (4-weeks)
- MEGNT-820 (Adult Genetics BSWH (2-weeks)
- MEGNT-821 (Pediatric Genetics BSWH (2-weeks)
Houston or Temple Campus (2-week clinical elective substitution)
- Advanced Ambulatory Care Core Rotation in Clinical Genetics (2 full weeks)
Non-Clinical Advanced Electives
- MEGNT-554, Genetics Research Project (MS2-MS4)
Enrichment Activities
- Evenings with Genetics (EWG) – 8 total/2 per year
- Annual Meeting with Pathway Director(s)
Capstone
- Inquiry project in Genetics fulfills the requirement.
Scholarly Activities
- 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
How To Commit to the Pathway
Students must meet with Pathway Leadership during the MS2 fall term to review the program requirements and timeline. After this meeting, students may submit the Medical Pathway Commitment Form available on the Medical Pathways webpage. Commitment forms are due by Dec. 10 of the MS2 year. Students that wish to commit to the pathway after the deadline must contact the pathway director for approval.