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Each of the laboratories in the Division of Laboratory Genetics
at Mayo Clinic provides testing for a wide range of genetic disorders.
In addition, the Molecular Genetics Laboratory and Cytogenetics
Laboratory offer numerous tests in the areas of hematology and oncology.
Test volumes in each laboratory are large and are rapidly increasing.
There will be numerous case conferences and many interactions with
consultants in other laboratories and clinical departments (e.g.
Experimental Pathology, Hematology, Hematopathology, Medical Genetics,
Neurology and Pediatrics).
Clinical Experience
Case work will involve working closely with board certified molecular
geneticists and genetic counselors. Your experience will include:
- Collection of appropriate clinical and pedigree
information from the referring clinician
- Review of technical work performed
- Scoring and interpretation of results
- Performing risk calculations
- Generation of the test report
- Subsequent follow-up with the referring clinician
Didactic Training
Didactic training will be provided by formal lectures, case conferences,
seminars and journal reviews. Additionally, enrollment in Mayo Graduate
School courses may be required, depending upon your previous training
and experience.
For certification by the American Board of Medical Genetics (ABMG)
in Clinical Molecular Genetics, Clinical Cytogenetics, or Clinical
Biochemical Genetics, a general genetics examination together with
the specialty examination must be taken. Our fellowship programs
provide the required training in all aspects of medical genetics
(clinical genetics, molecular genetics, cytogenetics, biochemical
genetics and genetic counseling). The training program will encompass
a broad range of topics and expertise, including:
- Molecular, cytogenetic and/or biochemical etiology
and pathogenesis of human genetic diseases
- Laboratory diagnosis and carrier detection of
a broad range of genetic disorders and malignancies using a range
of state-of-the-art molecular techniques
- Risk calculations, including Bayesian analysis
and calculations for linkage analyses
- Genetic counseling of disorders diagnosed by
laboratory methods
- Technical problems, potential pitfalls and laboratory
quality control/assurance procedures
Practical Laboratory Experience
Each genetics laboratory is fully equipped for diagnostic and research
work. You will have ample opportunity for involvement in research
projects and/or the development of new clinical tests. In addition,
you will review quality control and quality assurance procedures,
and participate in preparing the laboratory for certification inspections
by on-site reviewers from the College of American Pathologists (CAP)
and New York State .
Research Training
Clinical testing at Mayo Clinic benefits from active research and
development programs. Developmental activities in the Division of
Laboratory Genetics are focused on improving current test strategies
and introducing new genetic tests. All approved tests meet rigid
validation standards that include a thorough evaluation of methodology
and clinical utility.
Our research programs combine the expertise and experience of Mayo
Clinic scientists to advance the field of genetics and genetic testing.
Call Frequency
Your call schedule will vary by individual rotation within each
fellowship. Mayo Clinic follows the recommendations of the Accreditation
Council for Graduate Medical Education.
Teaching Opportunities
In all of Mayo Clinic's genetic fellowships, you will have the opportunity
to teach Mayo Medical School students, pathology residents, and
visiting students from other medical schools through bench instruction
and formal didactic lectures.
Evaluation
To ensure that you acquire adequate knowledge and develop your technical
skills, your performance will be monitored carefully during the
course of your fellowship. You will be evaluated formally by your
supervising faculty member after each rotation. In addition, you
will regularly evaluate the faculty to ensure that your educational
needs are being met.
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