Children's Mercy Hospital Program

The Laboratory Genetics and Genomics fellowship at Children's Mercy is a comprehensive 36-month program accredited by the American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ABMGG). This fellowship is specifically designed for MD and/or PhD candidates seeking to become proficient laboratory geneticists. In this role, the fellows will oversee clinical cytogenetic and molecular genetic laboratories, analyzing and interpreting genetic tests that are critical for diagnosing and managing genetic disorders.

Fellows will receive their training on the Children’s Mercy campus, fostering a rich learning environment. The program aims to equip candidates with the skills and knowledge necessary to consult on a variety of inherited and acquired molecular and chromosomal disorders. Following successful completion of the fellowship, candidates will be qualified to sit for the ABMGG Clinical Laboratory Genetics and Genomics Board examination 1.

Program Structure and Clinical Curriculum

The fellowship consists of 30 months dedicated to intensive clinical training in key areas such as clinical cytogenetics, fluorescence in-situ hybridization, microarray analysis, and molecular genetics, including next-generation sequencing. An additional six months are allocated for research activities to ensure fellows can integrate their clinical experience with scholarly work.

A unique component of the program includes graduate-level coursework at Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences during the first year. Fellows will also audit pathology courses at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) and participate in numerous didactic sessions and clinical rotations, including those offered in the Children’s Mercy Genetics clinics and Kansas University Cancer Center. The program emphasizes a diverse range of learning experiences through conferences and journal clubs, aimed at preparing fellows for successful careers in Clinical Cytogenetics and Molecular Genetics 2.

Hands-on Clinical Experience

The fellowship provides extensive hands-on training within both the Molecular and Cytogenetics Laboratories at Children's Mercy. In the Molecular Genetics Laboratory, fellows will engage in genetic testing for conditions such as Prader-Willi, Angelman syndromes, Hemochromatosis, and others. Additionally, the lab is capable of offering whole exome sequencing and research-based whole genome sequencing.

Fellows will develop proficiency in a range of molecular techniques under the guidance of certified laboratory technologists and ABMGG-certified directors. This includes performing DNA isolation, next-generation sequencing, and various methods of genetic analysis. In the Cytogenetics Laboratory, the experience includes comprehensive training in G-banded chromosomal analysis and other cytogenetic tests, further enriching the fellows' expertise in laboratory practices 3.

Faculty and Mentorship

The faculty for the Laboratory Genetics and Genomics fellowship is comprised of experienced directors and coordinators who provide strong mentorship. The program director is supported by an associate program director and various fellowship faculty members with specialized expertise in genetic medicine. This robust team is dedicated to guiding fellows throughout their educational journey, from clinical skills development to research endeavors 4.

Application Process and Requirements

Applications for the fellowship require candidates to hold either an MD, DO, or PhD in a relevant field such as genetics. Individuals with degrees from outside the USA, Canada, or Puerto Rico must fulfill additional criteria set by the ABMGG. The fellowship employs an online common application and utilizes a structured interview process for qualified candidates.

Notably, international applicants seeking to join the program may primarily be sponsored under the J-1 Visa, with some eligibility for H-1B sponsorship. All candidates must demonstrate successful completion of USMLE Step 3 for MD applicants 5. Furthermore, participation in optional diversity-focused events is encouraged to foster inclusivity within the applicant pool.

Salaries and Benefits

The fellowship provides competitive salaries for its fellows, starting from $78,540 in the fourth year and increasing based on year of training. Fellows are also entitled to a range of benefits, including educational stipends for resources such as books and travel, health and dental insurance, and a lifestyle spending account. Additional perks include access to an on-site fitness center, free parking, and support for tuition and educational resources 6.