Program in Personalized & Genomic Medicine
Director
John A. Whitehurst Professor of Medicine
Alan R. Shuldiner, MD
The mission of the Program in Personalized and Genomic Medicine is to facilitate the pace of discovery in genetics and genomics; to accelerate the translation of these new discoveries to improve patient care; and to enhance the training and education of future generations of physicians and scientists in genomic medicine and science.
The unveiling of the complete sequence of the human genome is providing exciting new insights into human biology and disease. Coupled with advances occurring in areas such as high throughput technologies and computing, exceptional opportunities now exist to uncover the molecular bases of many medical conditions, from rare monogenic diseases to common diseases of complex inheritance - discoveries that will translate into exciting new strategies for prevention and treatment.
The Program in Personalized and Genomic Medicine is an inter-departmental program that emphasizes a multidisciplinary team approach to research training and discovery. Faculty have expertise across a wide range of disciplines including clinical investigation, molecular genetics, cytogenetics, cancer genetics, biochemical genetics, functional genomics, molecular and cell biology, genetic epidemiology, statistical genetics, and bioinformatics.
The Program supports opportunities for students at all stages including undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate. The University of Maryland's graduate program grants both master's and doctoral level degrees. In addition, there is a nationally accredited master's in genetic counseling training program. Positions are also available for post-doctoral fellows in genetics/genomics as well as MD fellows.
Master's in Genetic Counseling Program
Director: Shannan DeLany Dixon, MS, CGC, Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics
Medical Director: Carol Greene, MD, Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics
The School of Medicine offers a Master's in Genetic Counseling (MGC) Training Program for motivated individuals interested in becoming part of the expanding field of medical genetics. The MGC program addresses the growing need for clinically oriented genetics professionals who understand the impact of the developing field of human genetics on individuals, families and the community. The objective of the program is to train well-rounded master's level genetic counselors with a thorough understanding of the complex issues inherent in this field. The program provides students with a strong foundation in medical genetics, while addressing the psychosocial and ethical aspects of genetic counseling.
Core courses include Basic Human Genetics, Clinical Genetics, Introduction to Genetic Counseling, Advanced Topics in Genetic Counseling, Psychosocial Genetic Counseling, Clinical Cancer Genetics, Research for Genetic Counselors, Working with Support Groups and various student-led seminars. Students can tailor their curriculum through elective courses in the Graduate School, Schools of Medicine, Law, Social Work and Nursing.
Students complete three 12-week clinical rotations in the second year of study, where they gain a wide variety of experience in prenatal, pediatrics, cancer and other sub-specialty areas under the supervision of certified genetic counselors and/or geneticist at the University of Maryland Medical System and other area hospitals. Students also participate in clinical laboratory rotations conducted within the biochemical, AFP and cytogenetic laboratories of the University of Maryland Medical System in the first year of study.
Students are required to complete an original genetics and/or genetic counseling research project working with faculty of the University of Maryland and other genetic professionals in the Baltimore/Washington area.
The Master's in Genetic Counseling Training Program is a full time, two year program that awards the professional degree of Master's in Genetic Counseling. Graduates are eligible for board certification by the American Board of Genetic Counseling and are well-prepared to enter the job market.