Medical genetics

[chicamedica]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Is there a niche for IM-trained residents, or is this a fellowship geared more for peds/obgyn-trained individuals?

 

[adam6]

There are very few programs for medical genetics - but all of the physicians I've met in the field (~4-5) went through internal medicine.

In fact, I have a relative interested in the field and I recommended going through the IM route.

Just my 2cents, though.

 

[chicamedica]

Sounds like you're not in the field yourself but perhaps you might know from the medical genetics specialtists whom you know. . .

What would clinical practice in medical genetics entail? Is it largely a research oriented field?

 

[chicamedica]

Sounds like you're not in the field yourself but perhaps you might know from the medical genetics specialtists whom you know. . .

What would clinical practice in medical genetics entail? Is it largely a research oriented field?

Anyone know??😕

 

[adam6]

I don't have a ton o' info...
The physician I rotated with has a very nice setup. She does a mix of clinical research and clinical practice. In the clinic, she basically supervises the genetics counsellors and after they meet with the patient for 1-2 hours, she sees them for about 20-30 minutes. She has very nice hours and work environment.
I'm sure at the other spectrum are the hard-core researchers. Like in all specialties, there is going to be a range of experiences.

 

[TumrBustr]

For the most part, medical genetics was a training program geared towards peds and ob/gyn. Over the years people affected with genetic disorders have been living longer and are now too old to be seen by a pediatrician, therefore there has been a push to train Internists to deal with these patients. Also, I'm not sure if you have seen in many journals the term "Personalized Medicine"...this is a recent trend in treating patients based on their own specific genetic blueprints. For example...hydralazine works great as an anti-hypertensive drug in African-Americans... this is based on specific polymorphisms found.
As a practice I agree with adam6...I would like to add that you can also use it for other subspecialties. Many people will also train in Cards or ID as well as medical genetics. My goal is when I finish my training in MG I will then continue with Onc.

Hope this helps a little.