Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Program

Overview of the Laboratory Genetics and Genomics Fellowship Program

The Laboratory Genetics and Genomics (LGG) fellowship program, offered by Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) in conjunction with the University of Pennsylvania, is a comprehensive two-year training program designed for professionals seeking to specialize in the rapidly evolving field of genetics. Since 2017, the program has been certified for training in Laboratory Genetics and Genomics, reflecting its commitment to excellence in genetic and genomic diagnostics.

This program encompasses training in various areas including clinical genomic testing, cytogenetics, molecular cytogenetics, and advanced methodologies like chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA), multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA), and next-generation sequencing (NGS) techniques.

Training Locations

Training for the LGG fellowship occurs across three sites on the University of Pennsylvania campus:

• The Division of Genomic Diagnostics at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
• The Center for Personalized Diagnostics in the hospital's Department of Pathology
• The Genetic Diagnostic Laboratory in the Department of Genetics at the Perelman School of Medicine

These integrated facilities provide a diverse range of laboratory experiences, allowing fellows to gain exposure to both molecular and cytogenetic tests, thereby offering a comprehensive scope of diagnostic capabilities.

Curriculum and Rotations

The curriculum of the fellowship includes extensive clinical rotations across various specializations and laboratory settings, focusing on both constitutional and cancer genetics. During the fellowship, participants engage in rotations that provide insights into clinical services, bioinformatics, and laboratory genetic counseling, ensuring a well-rounded experience.

Fellows are encouraged to participate in research initiatives and test development projects throughout the two years, which fosters the application of clinical knowledge alongside practical lab skills.

Application Requirements

Applicants to the LGG fellowship are expected to possess prior experience in human genetics, and it is preferred that they complete a postdoctoral year before application. The application process requires submission of the following materials:

• Application form (PDF)
• Current curriculum vitae (CV)
• Personal statement
• Four letters of recommendation

Foreign applicants must also complete a Foreign Credentials Review prior to application. All documents must be submitted by the specified application deadlines for the candidate to be considered for the fellowship.

Research Opportunities

During the fellowship, trainees are provided opportunities for involvement in ongoing research projects. This includes collaborative work with established faculty in various diagnostic laboratories, enabling fellows to contribute to advancements in laboratory techniques and improve genetic testing methodologies.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The laboratory genetics and genomics fellowship program offers visa support for eligible international applicants, typically sponsoring the J-1 visa type. This facilitates participation by a diverse range of candidates in the program. The program is competitive in nature, accepting a limited number of fellows each year.

The program strives to be inclusive and is considered friendly toward DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) and IMG (International Medical Graduates) applicants, actively seeking to enrich the training experience with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

Training Directors

Leadership within the fellowship is provided by experienced professionals who guide the curriculum and mentorship of fellows. The Program Director and Assistant Program Director oversee the academic and clinical training aspects, ensuring adherence to high educational standards.