Program Overview

Ophthalmic Genetic Counseling Fellowship

About the Fellowship

The Ophthalmic Genetic Counseling Fellowship is a comprehensive program that offers a unique opportunity for genetic counselors to specialize in ophthalmic genetics and inherited retinal disease. The fellowship is designed to provide high-quality clinical care and assessment of patients with inherited retinal disease, including pre and posttest counseling.

Clinical and Clinical Research Experiences

• The fellow will participate in three full-day ophthalmic genetics clinics held each week at the Casey Eye Institute alongside the current genetic counselor and three retinal specialists.
• The fellow will provide high-quality clinical care and assessment of patients with inherited retinal disease, including pre and posttest counseling.
• The fellow will have the opportunity to participate in gene therapy clinical trial enrollment and ocular gene therapy trials, including the screening and eligibility evaluations conducted before trial enrollment in collaboration with the clinical trial research team.
• The fellow may participate in the OHSU Human Investigations program, which trains investigators in clinical and translational research.

Educational Experiences

• The fellow will participate in select, didactic training opportunities alongside other ophthalmology trainees (residents and fellows) in the form of coursework, conference attendance, case presentations, and grand rounds.
• The fellow will be expected to participate in these opportunities as an attendee and presenter.
• The fellow will also participate in the National Society of Genetic Counselors Ophthalmology and Hearing Loss Special Interest group as a member and presenter.

Research and Outreach

• The fellow is expected to participate in either original research or program development that specifically addresses access to genetic services for inherited retinal disease to underserved populations.
• The research or program should be presented at a national meeting of the fellow's choosing (National Society of Genetic Counselors, Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology).
• The fellow will participate in the OHSU Genetic Counseling Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion program, which aims to increase access to genetic counseling through initiatives that reduce barriers to becoming genetic counselors and accessing genetic counseling.

Fellowship Application

• Selection criteria will be based on the following:
  • Applicants must be a lawful resident of the US and have attended graduate school (MSGC) in the US.
  • Completion of an accredited graduate program in genetic counseling (board certification is not required but encouraged; professional development funds may be used to support board fees, if exam is taken during the fellowship year).
  • Completion of the online application form and submission of supporting materials, which include:
    • Two letters of recommendation: Recommendations should be requested from individuals who know the applicant in an academic context and can directly attest to the applicant's academic performance, professional abilities, and potential for success as a fellow and genetic counselor.
    • Curriculum Vitae

Additional Information

Funding

• Competitive salary provided, with benefits and professional development funds.

Resources

• Ophthalmic Genetics at Casey Eye Institute