Genetics

Clinical Genetics Training Program

Overview and mission

The University of Pennsylvania (Penn) and The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia offer an unique opportunity for training in human genetics. The program integrates experiences at Children's Hospital, the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and other clinical and research opportunities available at Penn.

The training program, which is under the co-sponsorship of the Departments of Pediatrics, Genetics, Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology at Penn and the Division of Human Genetics at Children's Hospital, is designed for physicians who have completed training in a clinical specialty such as pediatrics, internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology or other relevant specialties. A combined residency program in Pediatrics and Genetics is also available. Fellowships in laboratory specialties (clinical molecular genetics, clinical biochemical genetics and clinical cytogenetics) are also available to qualified PhD and MD applicants.

BACK TO TOP

Fellowship training program director

Ian Krantz, MD
The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Leonard and Madlyn Abramson Pediatric Research Center
Room 1002
3615 Civic Center Boulevard
Philadelphia, PA 19104-4399
215-590-3856
E-mail: harveyr@email.chop.edu

Division chief

Beverly Emanuel, PhD
The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Leonard and Madlyn Abramson Pediatric Research Center
Room 1002
3615 Civic Center Boulevard
Philadelphia, PA 19104-4399
215-590-3856
E-mail: harveyr@email.chop.edu

BACK TO TOP

Specific information by years and/or rotation

The first year of the training is devoted to clinical training in clinical, biochemical, adult and prenatal genetics. Although this is individualized according to a person's prior experiences and training, the usual rotations include:

During the second and third year, the trainee continues to participate in a weekly genetics clinic and patient rounds. The trainee can choose from a wide variety of clinics, including clinical genetics, biochemical genetics, adult genetics, prenatal genetics, cancer genetics and specialized genetic clinics. At the end of training, the trainee should be competent to provide expert clinical care, interpret laboratory tests and give appropriate genetic counseling to patients with a wide range of genetic conditions. The trainee should have a thorough understanding of the genetic and metabolic laboratories (e.g., chromosome analysis, amino acid analysis, molecular analysis, lysosomal enzyme screening) that are essential to prenatal and postnatal diagnosis and management.

BACK TO TOP

Research expectations and opportunities

During the second and third year, 75 percent of the trainee's time is devoted to research. The trainee may choose from many research opportunities in the following areas: molecular genetics, cytogenetics, somatic cell genetics, cancer genetics, population genetics, biochemical genetics, gene regulation, prenatal diagnosis, teratology, embryology, differentiation and developmental genetics and immunogenetics. The trainee is expected to complete a major research project as the primary investigator. The opportunity to participate in an additional (fourth year) highly specialized research project may also be available.

Clinical activities of the Division of Human Genetics

Patients are referred for diagnosis, counseling and care from the Northeast region of the United States to the Clinical Genetics Service and Biochemical Genetics Service at Children's Hospital and the Adult Medical Genetics Program at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Patients are evaluated in the outpatient clinic setting and during in-hospital consultations. Additional patients are counseled in other specialty clinics. All clinics are staffed with trained geneticists with various subspecialty interests. Learn more about the Division of Human Genetics>>

The Adult Medical Genetics Program at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania

Learn more about the Adult Medical Genetics Program »

Additional information about the Clinical Genetics Training Program

BACK TO TOP

  • Print
  • Share

Contact Us