Program Overview

MD/MS in Genomic Medicine

The MD/MS in Genomic Medicine is a 4-year concurrent master’s degree program that provides students with the background, knowledge, and understanding to integrate the ever-expanding field of genomics into their practice. This program is designed to graduate clinicians with the ability to integrate genomic knowledge into their clinical practice.

Educational Mission of the MD/MS Program in Genomic Medicine

The educational mission of the program is to train students in human genetics, family history, diagnostic genomic tests, high-throughput sequencing, pharmacogenomics, and the newest genomic concepts and approaches. The program is offered in collaboration with the Hussman Institute for Human Genomics.

Program Details

• Both degrees are obtained during the 4-year MD degree
• Integrated and innovative training in both clinical and human genomics
• Online coursework coupled with small group learning sessions for smooth integration into the student's schedule
• Hands-on experience analyzing and interpreting genome sequence data
• Capstone experience featuring clinical case descriptions, journal club, and individual research projects

Applying for the MD/MS Program in Genomic Medicine

• Applicants must be accepted first-year medical students in the UM Miller School of Medicine
• Applications are due by June 1st of each year
• The academic prerequisites are the same as those for the regular MD program
• Graduate Record Exam (GRE) test scores are not required to apply to the program
• Applicants will be notified of their acceptance status no later than June 30th for coursework that will begin in the Fall semester of the first year of medical school
• Tuition is equal to UM Miller School of Medicine dual degree tuition

Curriculum Requirements

Students will complete all GNM courses and follow the NextGenMD curriculum. The course list includes:

• GNM 602: Clinical Applications of Genomic Medicine II (3 credits)
• GNM 605: Research Ethics (1 credit)
• GNM 610: Clinical Applications of Genomic Medicine I (3 credits)
• GNM 630: Clinical Applications of Genomic Medicine III (4 credits)
• GNM 631: Genomic Medicine Laboratory (3 credits)
• GNM 660: Computational Methods for Genomic Medicine (3 credits)
• GNM 680: Genomic Ethics and Public Policy (3 credits)
• GNM 690: MSGM Capstone (6-12 credits)
• MDR 890: Genetics and Metabolic Diseases (4 credits)

Plan of Study

The Master’s in Genomic Medicine (MSGM) coursework is concurrent with the UM Miller School of Medicine MD Program, beginning in the fall semester of the first year and ending upon completion of the MD program in the 4th year. Each course is made up of self-guided online instruction and reading, and in-person small group work.

Core Competencies

The MSGM curriculum is designed to provide mastery of the 18 Core Competencies in Genetics Essential for All Health Professionals, as outlined by the National Coalition for Health Professional Education in Genetics (NCHPEG, 2007), plus additional competencies specifically directed towards genomic medicine and anticipated new opportunities that will become available during the course of training. These competencies include:

• Basic human genetics terminology
• The basic patterns of biological inheritance and variation, both within families and within populations
• How identification of disease-associated genetic variations facilitates development of prevention, diagnosis, and treatment options
• The importance of family history (minimum three generations) in assessing predisposition to disease
• The interaction of genetic, environmental, and behavioral factors in predisposition to disease, onset of disease, response to treatment, and maintenance of health
• The difference between clinical diagnosis of disease and identification of genetic predisposition to disease (genetic variation is not strictly correlated with disease manifestation)
• The various factors that influence the client’s ability to use genetic information and services, for example: ethnicity, culture, related health beliefs, ability to pay, and health literacy
• The potential physical and/or psychosocial benefits, limitations, and risks of genetic information for individuals, family members, and communities
• The resources available to assist clients seeking genetic information or services, including the types of genetics professionals available and their diverse responsibilities
• The interconnection scientific, socio-ethical and policy issues arising in the context of genomic medicine (e.g. genetic services and testing through the life cycle, informed consent and privacy, patents, discrimination, insurance, etc.)
• One’s professional role in the referral to or provision of genetics services, and in follow-up for those services

Basic Genetic Skills

• Gather and use clinically genetic family history information, including at minimum a three-generation history
• Identify and refer clients who might benefit from genetic services or from consultation with other professionals for management of issues related to a genetic diagnosis
• Explain effectively the reasons for and benefits of genetic services
• Use information technology to obtain credible, current information about genetics
• Assure that the informed-consent process for genetic testing includes appropriate information about the potential risks, benefits, and limitations of the test in question

Genomic Skills

• Understand next-generation sequencing
• Understand basic bioinformatics and key terms important for clinical use
• Understand basic pharmacogenetics terms important for informed clinical use

Course Descriptions

• GNM 602: Clinical Applications of Genomic Medicine II (3 credits)
• GNM 605: Research Ethics (1 credit)
• GNM 610: Clinical Applications of Genomic Medicine I (3 credits)
• GNM 630: Clinical Applications of Genomic Medicine III (4 credits)
• GNM 631: Genomic Medicine Laboratory (3 credits)
• GNM 660: Computational Methods for Genomic Medicine (3 credits)
• GNM 680: Genomic Ethics and Public Policy (3 credits)
• GNM 690: MSGM Capstone (6-12 credits)