Clinical Genetics an option?

[TabletopJoe]

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I was selected into the AF HPSP and am now learning a lot about the residency program. I saw a match list result spreadsheet from 2008 and there was one Molecular Genetics acceptance for a civilian program (though it wasn't clear if it was a residency or not). Is it possible to get into a Clinical Genetics residency while taking the AF route? (BTW I have a basic understanding of how the military match works, civ deferments, GMO's etc.) Has anybody looked into this before?

 

[J-Rad]

It's possible, but not a frequently trained specialty. It'll come up on the IFB, usually as a peds sub, every few years. I haven't paid attention to whether it has been specifically open to IM and/or OB in the past, but I do know that there is/was an OB trained geneticist in the past.

 

[TabletopJoe]

Thanks for the insight. Is it a two year residency (ie two years peds then two years genetic)? And is it civilian or AF?

 

[J-Rad]

I picked a random website of a program: http://www.ucdenver.edu/academics/c...bs/genetics/educat/fellows/Pages/fellows.aspx

The program says two years. BUT, a few problems: 1) all milmed residencies are relatively small compared to medium and large civilian programs so they probably aren't often interested in losing a projected third year early (either up front, or later) and I would speculate that they don't often allow it (for example, I'm not sure if they've allowed someone to do and abbreviated peds residency to be linked to a child neurology residency) and 2)the relative infrequency of the training will probably render that debate irrelevant. Upshot: I would plan for a full base residency and apply when and if it becomes an option to apply to.

 

[NavyFP]

I was selected into the AF HPSP and am now learning a lot about the residency program. I saw a match list result spreadsheet from 2008 and there was one Molecular Genetics acceptance for a civilian program (though it wasn't clear if it was a residency or not). Is it possible to get into a Clinical Genetics residency while taking the AF route? (BTW I have a basic understanding of how the military match works, civ deferments, GMO's etc.) Has anybody looked into this before?

I knew an AF O6 OB who did clinical genetics. I thinke she retired a couple of years ago. I can't see there being a huge demand signal though.

 

[GeoLeoX]

Peds is also a common specialty that trains med genetics.

 

[TabletopJoe]

What is AF 06? I am unfamiliar with AF jargon still.

I would be interested in entering from a peds or adult medicine route. Does that up my chances at all?

 

[J-Rad]

What is AF 06? I am unfamiliar with AF jargon still.

I would be interested in entering from a peds or adult medicine route. Does that up my chances at all?

An Air Force Colonel (he's referring to his pay grade. You could read it as "Officer, sixth pay grade". Same rank for Army, but a Navy O-6 would be a Captain).

The route would probably not matter. It may come up on the IFB (Integrated Forecast Board) as a peds sub, but since other specialties are legitimate routes into the field, I would think you'd be able to apply from IM (or OB) as well. Probably most geneticists come from peds (at least I think they do) because of the amount of dysmorphology and heritibility issues in peds and because it's least pay cut (i.e. since pediatricians are paid the least of the three, dropping to a geneticists salary is not as far of a drop). Speculation on my part only.