Program Overview

---

Program Background

A graduate training program in human genetics was established at the Johns Hopkins University in 1957 under the direction of a university-wide committee to train highly qualified people for academic careers in human genetics. The program was revised extensively in the mid-1980s, acquiring a new focus of providing a firm foundation in human biology, molecular biology, and genetics along with rigorous training in state-of-the-art research methodology. The program provides an alternative to the combined M.D./Ph.D. program for those who want to carry out human genetic studies but do not want the M.D. degree.

Building the Curriculum

The program recognizes increasing opportunities for non-physician geneticists who have been trained in human biology. It is believed that it is not sufficient to expose students to research problems in human genetics without providing basic knowledge of the human phenotype. Therefore, in addition to courses in molecular biology, biochemistry, and genetics, students receive basic information about the human organism so that they will be able to think creatively about their experimental organism.

The program also provides rigorous training in research. Through continuous laboratory experience and research conferences, the student develops knowledge of the scientific process. The preceptors have been chosen because of their research interests and productivity. Each is committed to active participation in the teaching program. All are involved with eukaryotes and most of them with human-oriented research.

Initially, the course of study is similar for all students, consisting of basic lectures in human biology, molecular biology, and genetics. Later, the individual programs diverge, according to the student's research interests. The trainee may choose a program with emphasis in:

• Molecular genetics and genomics
• Bioinformatics
• Biochemical genetics
• Cancer genetics
• Immunogenetics
• Population genetics
• Related fields

Faculty advisors are available to discuss career planning with the student. The overriding goal is to provide each student with a quality training experience that will prepare them for a career in the area of their choosing.

Fostering a Diverse Learning Environment

Students benefit from the enormous quantity and outstanding quality of activities in human genetics taking place at Johns Hopkins. In fact, because of the breadth of research activities and the large number of laboratories available for research training, the program provides a unique atmosphere for graduate training.

The School of Medicine and The Johns Hopkins Hospital furnish an excellent environment for research training in human genetics. The activities in human genetics are coordinated through the McKusick-Nathans Institute, within the Department of Genetic Medicine, a School of Medicine department that has both clinical and foundational science faculty. Activities include:

• Courses in human genetics and medical genetics
• A postdoctoral training program in human genetics
• Research conferences and journal clubs
• Clinical conferences
• An intensive summer course in mammalian genetics at The Jackson Laboratory in Bar Harbor, Maine

The clinical facilities provide superb opportunities for students to observe variations in human phenotype and to learn about relevant problems in medical genetics. They also provide a wealth of research material, rarely equaled elsewhere.

Program Details

While the training program is strictly a Ph.D. program, the Master's degree is available with a thesis in cases where performance has been adequate, but termination or transfer to another institution is deemed appropriate. The program aims to provide research training in human genetics and therefore is not suitable for those whose interest is limited to genetic counseling.

Graduate Programs & Training

The Department of Genetic Medicine offers various graduate programs and training opportunities, including:

• Human Genetics and Genomics Graduate Program
• Clinical Genetics Residency Program
• Research Postdoctoral Fellows
• Medical Student Opportunities
• The McKusick Short Course
• Genetic Counseling Research Fellowship
• Genetic Assistant Training Program
• Genetic Counseling Internship
• Other Educational Opportunities

Human Genetics and Genomics Graduate Program

Overview

The Human Genetics and Genomics Graduate Program provides students with a comprehensive education in human genetics and genomics, preparing them for careers in research, academia, and industry.

Program

The program consists of:

• Basic lectures in human biology, molecular biology, and genetics
• Continuous laboratory experience and research conferences
• Individualized programs based on research interests
• Faculty advisors for career planning

Curriculum

The curriculum includes courses in:

• Human biology
• Molecular biology
• Genetics
• Biochemistry
• Bioinformatics
• Cancer genetics
• Immunogenetics
• Population genetics

Facilities

The program utilizes state-of-the-art facilities, including:

• Research laboratories
• Clinical facilities
• The McKusick-Nathans Institute

Faculty Preceptors

The program has a diverse faculty with expertise in various areas of human genetics and genomics. Faculty preceptors are committed to active participation in the teaching program and provide individualized guidance to students.

Our Students

The program has a strong track record of producing well-trained and successful graduates. Students have gone on to pursue careers in research, academia, and industry.

Clinical Genetics Residency Program

Overview

The Clinical Genetics Residency Program provides training in clinical genetics, preparing residents for careers in patient care, research, and education.

Program Information

The program consists of:

• Clinical rotations
• Research experiences
• Didactic courses
• Individualized programs based on research interests

Residency Programs

The program offers various residency programs, including:

• Categorical Medical Genetics Program
• Combined Pediatrics and Medical Genetics
• Combined Internal Medicine and Medical Genetics
• Combined Maternal Fetal Medicine and Medical Genetics
• Combined Reproductive Endocrinology and Medical Genetics
• Medical Biochemical Genetics Fellowship

Research Postdoctoral Fellows

Overview

The Research Postdoctoral Fellows program provides advanced training in research, preparing fellows for careers in academia, industry, and research institutions.

Overview

The program consists of:

• Research experiences
• Mentoring
• Career development

Clinical Biochemical Genetics

The program offers training in clinical biochemical genetics, including:

• Research experiences
• Clinical rotations
• Didactic courses

Laboratory Genetics and Genomics

The program offers training in laboratory genetics and genomics, including:

• Research experiences
• Laboratory rotations
• Didactic courses

Medical Student Opportunities

Overview

The Medical Student Opportunities program provides training and research experiences for medical students, preparing them for careers in medicine and research.

Overview

The program consists of:

• Research experiences
• Clinical rotations
• Didactic courses
• Mentoring

Our Team

The Department of Genetic Medicine has a diverse team of faculty, staff, and trainees. The team includes:

• Faculty members with expertise in various areas of human genetics and genomics
• Staff members with expertise in administration, education, and research
• Trainees, including graduate students, residents, and postdoctoral fellows