Genetics and Genomics Pathway

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
• MEGNT-553, Introduction to Genetics and Genomics Research, Term 5
• MEGNT-501: TouchPoints in Clinical Genetics, MS2s in Term 1

Clinical Elective (Required)

Houston Campus (4-weeks required)

• 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)\

Temple Campus (4-weeks required)

• Choose ONE:
  • MEGNT-800 (Adult Genetics BSWH (four weeks)

or

• Choose TWO
  • MEGNT-820 (Adult Genetics BSWH (two weeks)
  • MEGNT-821 (Pediatric Genetics BSWH (two weeks)

Non-Clinical (Required)

• Evenings with Genetics (8 total=2/year)
• Pathway Director Annual Meeting

Optional (focused support or mentorship with scholarly project)

• 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

View a PDF version of the example schedule for the Genetics and Genomics Pathway.