Washington University - School of Medicine: Department of Pathology & Immunology

The Program
	The Cytogenetics Fellowship is a two-year training program set to begin in July 2009 under the direction of Dr. Shashi Kulkarni, Director of the Clinical and Molecular Cytogenetics Laboratory at WUSM. The program is designed to train fellows the skills required to direct operations of a clinical cytogenetic diagnostic laboratory. Specifically, these skills include: Broad knowledge in medical genetics and human cytogenetics including prenatal and postnatal cytogenetic diagnosis, infertility and pregnancy loss, cancer and leukemia Diagnosis and interpretive skills in a wide range of disorders Technical expertise and knowledge in quality control and quality assurance procedures The ability to understand the requirements needed to introduce new laboratory tests, and to appreciate validation standards that include thorough evaluation of methodology and clinical utility An understanding of the heterogeneity, variability and natural history of cytogenetic disorders The ability to communicate cytogenetic laboratory results to medical genetics professionals, other clinicians and patients in concert with other professional staff
History
	Historically, WUSM's Clinical and Molecular Cytogenetics Laboratory has provided training to fellows and residents on program rotations from pediatric genetics, pediatric hematology/oncology, laboratory and genomic medicine, clinical genetics and molecular genetics. With new leadership in both the Department of Pathology and Immunology and the Division of Laboratory and Genomic Medicine, there has been a renewed institutional interest in training MD and PhD specialists in clinical molecular genetics and clinical cytogenetics. To achieve this objective, several faculty members teamed together to develop the two-year Cytogenetics Fellowship, which will officially begin in July 2009.
The Curriculum
	Investigative research, either clinical or basic, is required during the fellowship. Emphasis is placed on application of the scientific method, preparation of written reports on findings, presentation of research data, and gaining experience in current genetic diagnostic techniques. Trainees are expected to present their research at national meetings and publish original papers in peer-reviewed journals. Didactic training is provided by formal lectures, case conferences, seminars and journal reviews. Additionally, WU graduate school courses may be required, depending upon previous training and experience. Topics include: 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 cytogenetic and molecular-cytogenetic 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 The second half of the first year and all of the second year, fellows will be required to complete rotations in pediatric, adult, cancer and prenatal genetic clinics three days a week in the afternoon. During this time, they will be working closely with clinical geneticists, genetic counselors, hemato-pathologists and oncologists to understand the importance of cytogenetic and molecular cytogenetic testing. They will also be expected to give half hour seminars aiming at broad review of techniques, current understanding of genetics of various diseases and journal reports at the weekly cytogenetics meeting.
The Application
	Individuals should apply to the program 8-12 months before the anticipated start date. Interviews are granted based upon review of the application package (including CV, personal statement, transcripts and letters of recommendation), and there is no set time frame for interviews. Send application materials to Dr. Kulkarni: Shashi Kulkarni, PhD Fellowship Director Assistant Professor of Pathology and Immunology Department of Pathology and Immunology Division of Laboratory and Genomic Medicine Washington University School Medicine660 South Euclid Avenue, Box 8118 St. Louis, MO 63110 Phone: 314-454-8418