Training Programs in Clinical Genetics

The Division supports ACGME accredited Training Programs in Clinical Genetics and Medical Biochemical Genetics. 

Genetics Faculty

Genetics faculty at Michigan Medicine discuss the program.

Mission & Overview

The Division of Pediatric Genetics, Metabolism and Genomic Medicine provides service in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of birth defects, structural abnormalities, inherited diseases, chromosomal abnormalities and intellectual disability. Pediatric genetics also cares for children with biochemical genetic disorders, inborn errors of metabolism, and metabolic defects. Services include an evaluation to identify genetic diseases, chromosomal analysis, molecular and DNA diagnostics, and genetic counseling.

The University of Michigan offers highly competitive salaries and tremendous benefits to our residents/fellows. An overview of salary, benefits and employment eligibility is available on the GME Office website, under “Prospective Residents/Fellows.”

Pediatric Genetics Program

Michigan Medicine Medical Genetics Alumni Perspectives

Medical Genetics Residency Program

Clinical Genetics training is offered through the 2 year Medical Genetics Residency Program or the Combined Pediatrics/Medical Genetics 4 year program.  Both training programs are ACGME-accredited and are based in the Department of Pediatrics. Each program utilizes the combined clinical genetics services, basic science research and education programs of six Medical School departments. The primary goals are Board Certification in Medical Genetics and preparation for an academic career in medical genetics.  The program is under the direction of Catherine Keegan M.D., Ph.D. [email protected].  

The program focuses on three aspects:
•    Clinical genetics training
•    The basic sciences of human, molecular, cancer, cytogenetic, biochemical, and population/statistical genetics
•    Research career development.

Pediatric Genetics Program video

Watch Michigan Medicine Medical Genetics Resident Perspectives

Clinical Training

Patient care activities in Medical Genetics occur in the Departments of Pediatrics and Communicable Diseases, Internal Medicine, Neurology, and Obstetrics and Gynecology. The clinical training includes inpatient and outpatient prenatal, pediatric and adult neurogenetic, adult cancer, adult-onset, biochemical, cytogenetic, and molecular genetics. Formal genetics course work, seminars, and other didactic sessions augment the clinical training and promote preparation for an academic career.

For Board Certification requirements see American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics www.abmgg.org.

Research Opportunities

Research time is allotted to pursue clinical or basic science projects and residents are encouraged to apply for external research support (KO8, etc.) during their first or second year of training. The University of Michigan has a long and distinguished tradition in the field of human genetics, and outstanding research opportunities are available through training program faculty.

Eligibility and Selection

For the 2-year Medical Genetics residency, individuals with MD, DO, or MD/PhD degree(s) who have completed a minimum of two years in an ACGME-accredited residency program in Pediatrics, Internal Medicine, or Obstetrics and Gynecology who wish to pursue Medical Genetics training are encouraged to apply. For applicants to the 4-year Combined Pediatrics/Medical Genetics Training Program, please see Application Requirements for the Pediatrics Residency Program.  International medical graduates or trainees applying to either the 2-year or 4-year program should seek credentials verification and evaluation by the ABMGG.  While prior research experience is encouraged, it is not required to be considered for the training program. Applications to the Medical Genetics Residency Program must be submitted through the National Resident Matching Program ERAS system.

Medical Genetics Fellowship Programs

Medical Biochemical Genetics

Fellowship training leading to ABMGG Board Certification in Medical Biochemical Genetics is currently offered.  The one-year training program is ACGME-accredited.  The educational experience includes clinical care of patients with inborn errors of metabolism (IEMs), clinical laboratory training in the MMGL Biochemical Genetics Laboratory, and didactic teaching in Biochemical Genetics.  Fellows will rotate between inpatient and outpatient settings and will spend one month in the Biochemical Genetics laboratory, which includes at least a one-week rotation in the State of Michigan (Michigan Department of Health and Human Services) Newborn Screening Lab.  They will learn both acute and chronic management of patients with a broad range of IEMs, including enzyme replacement therapies and organ transplantation.  They will be involved in Newborn Screening follow-up of patients with metabolic disorders. 

Applications are due at the end of September. Please contact the Program Director or Associate Program Director to check if training positions are available. Jill Cahill [email protected]; Nicole Schwartz [email protected]

Application materials should include the following:

  1. Current curriculum vitae
  2. Personal statement describing why you wish to pursue training in Medical Biochemical Genetics
  3. USMLE scores (Step 1, Step 2 CK and CS, Step 3)
  4. 3 Letters of Recommendation (one from Medical Genetics Residency Program Director)

Application materials can be sent to Dr. Catherine Keegan ([email protected]), the Program Director, and/or Dr. Amanda Pritchard ([email protected]) the Associate Program Director.

Laboratory Genetics and Genomics

Fellowship training leading to ABMGG Board Certification in Laboratory Genetics and Genomics is currently offered.  The two-year training program is ACGME-accredited.  The educational experience includes clinical laboratory training in the Molecular Genetics Laboratory of the Michigan Medical Genetics laboratories (http://mmgl.med.umich.edu/) and in the Michigan Cytogenetics laboratory (https://www.pathology.med.umich.edu/cutting-manual/cytogenetics), and didactic teaching in Molecular Genetics and Cytogenetics.  Fellows will rotate between the Molecular Genetics laboratory and the Cytogenetics laboratory.

Applicants who have neither a M.D. nor a D.O. degree may be considered for Laboratory Genetics and Genomics training if they have a Ph.D.  Applications will be accepted for the 2025 start date in July of 2024.

Application materials should include the following:

  1. Current curriculum vitae
  2. Personal statement describing why you wish to pursue training in Laboratory Genetics and Genomics
  3. Three Letters of Recommendation

Application materials should be sent to Dr. Lina Shao, PhD ([email protected]) the Program Director.

Please feel free to also visit the American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics website.

 

Dr. Martin

Watch Dr. Martin, Chair of the Department of Pediatrics, speak about the benefits of training at Michigan Medicine.

 

Training at Michigan Medicine video

Why Train in Pediatrics at Michigan Medicine?