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Clinical Electives Program: Genomic Medicine

3-Month Research Elective for MD-PhD Students

Rotation Coordinator:
David Adams, MD, PhD

Rotation Description
This rotation combines clinical work in genomic medicine in the NIH Clinical Center (CC) with individualized exposure to translational research in selected National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) senior investigator laboratories. Clinical research and patient oriented clinical exposure will include experience on the in-patient and outpatient Medical Genetics and Medical Genetics consult services and the NIH Undiagnosed Disease Program (UDP). Accepted MD-PhD students with requisite clinical skills in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics would participate in the weekly clinical case conferences and patient rounds of the Undiagnosed Disease Program (UDP) at the NIH Clinical Center.

Students with specific interests in bioinformatics, informatics, complex-case diagnostics or the medical interpretation of genomic data can choose to focus on those areas during their rotation. A variety of coursework is offered by the NHGRI during the year and students are welcomed to take any classes that overlap with their rotation. Examples include "Medical Genetics and Genomic Medicine: from Diagnosis to Treatment", "Current Concepts in Molecular Genetics and Embryology, Developmental Biology and Human Malformations," which are taught by NHGRI faculty.

Selection of Applicants
Applicants must apply at least four (4) months prior to their anticipated start date. Prospective students should include a statement about their specific interests in their cover letter to be submitted at the time of application. The rotation director will consider the specific interests of the learner to identify potential related activities for each rotation. Once accepted, a pre-rotation discussion with the rotation director to review rotation content and logistics will be arranged with the student.