Emory University School of Medicine Program

The Emory University School of Medicine offers a comprehensive Medical Biochemical Genetics Training Program as part of its Department of Human Genetics. This program is tailored for physicians who have successfully completed a residency in medical genetics or a combined program that includes medical genetics.

Spanning one year, this fellowship is fully funded and ACGME accredited, encompassing 41 weeks of immersive experience that includes intensive outpatient and inpatient care of patients with a variety of metabolic disorders. The program includes four weeks of clinical biochemical genetics laboratory training and an additional four weeks dedicated to research, along with three weeks of vacation.

One of the program's distinctive features is its large and diverse patient catchment area, which covers the State of Georgia and parts of Tennessee, Alabama, South Carolina, and Florida. This broad geographical range affords residents exposure to a wide array of rare diseases through over 5,000 outpatient visits and 800 inpatient consultations annually. Notably, the program operates the only metabolic center in Georgia, managing metabolic patients of all ages, many of whom began their treatment in childhood and continue to receive care as adults.

Newborn Screening and Research Opportunities

Emory holds the newborn screening follow-up contract for the state of Georgia, allowing trainees to immerse themselves in all facets of newborn screening. This engagement includes opportunities to participate in pilot programs aimed at identifying new disorders in newborns.

Furthermore, the Division of Medical Genetics is supported by a dedicated Clinical Trials Group that includes genetic counselors, nurses, coordinators, and principal investigators. This collaborative environment fosters innovation and improvement in treatment methodologies for genetic diseases, with over 25 active clinical trials currently underway.

National Conferences and Professional Development

All trainees are required to attend and present at least once annually at a national meeting such as the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG), the American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG), or the Society for Inherited Metabolic Disorders (SIMD). Participation in these events is considered instrumental in their professional development.

Laboratory Training and Genetics Education

The program includes a critical four-week rotation at the Emory Genetics Laboratory, where residents gain hands-on experience in the clinical and biochemical genetics laboratory settings. This practical training complements their theoretical understanding and research initiatives, equipping them with the requisite skills to address complex genetic conditions.

The Division of Human Genetics consists of over 50 faculty members who are distinguished leaders in clinical and human genetics. The program emphasizes a supportive and inclusive environment, fostering individual self-initiative and professional growth.

Application Requirements and Competitiveness

Candidates are required to submit applications directly to the program. The application process is competitive, typically welcoming highly qualified applicants. Candidates must indicate completion of a residency in medical genetics or a combined program. The program also considers physicians who have engaged in a primary care specialty.

The program is friendly to DO candidates and international medical graduates (IMGs), reflecting its commitment to diversity and inclusion within the medical community. There are no specific restrictions on the year of graduation, and the program does not impose a maximum standard for failed STEP examinations, making it accessible to a broader range of applicants.

Visa Sponsorship

The program provides visa sponsorship support, facilitating applications for J-1 visas, which are often utilized by international medical graduates seeking training opportunities in the United States. This support allows the program to attract diverse talents from around the globe, enhancing its learning environment.