Medical Genetics - Rochester
Description:
Students are given the opportunity to observe and participate in the evaluation of patients (and their families) with birth defects, inherited diseases or complex medical conditions that are suspected to have a genetic component. Students also may spend time in the chromosome laboratory and participate in all teaching conferences, case conferences and journal clubs.
Specific Goals:
- Recognize the special complexity of evaluating patients and families with a genetic disease.
- Learn the indications for chromosome analysis and for other specialized genetic tests.
- Learn how medical genetics relates to other areas of medicine, especially regarding the concept of preventive medicine, by studying family history.
Activity Outline:
Most of the students' time is scheduled in the clinical area, seeing patients along with the residents and consultants. Students also have the opportunity to spend some time in the genetics laboratory; the amount of time spent there will depend on their interest.
Students have ample opportunity for reading and library research during this elective. They are introduced to the tools of computer-assisted diagnosis in the evaluation of genetic patients. Students interested in doing a project during their elective should express this interest within the first week so that a feasible project can be planned.
There is no night call. Students are expected to present a conference on a subject of specific interest to them.
Method of Evaluation:
Students are judged on standard criteria, such as attendance; interest; enthusiasm for acquiring new information by asking appropriate questions; and taking advantage of resource textbooks, journals and computerized information. Honors are not available unless the student chooses to do a project.
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