University of Utah Health Program

The Clinical Biochemical Genetics Fellowship at the University of Utah Health provides an ACGME-accredited, two-year program with the possibility for an additional year focused on research. This specialized fellowship is designed for physicians and Ph.D. fellows who are keen on advancing their expertise in laboratory testing relevant to inherited metabolic disorders. Trainees benefit from hands-on experience in chromatographic and mass-spectrometry techniques, coupled with clinical and laboratory rotations, enhancing their proficiency in medical genetics and understanding of inborn errors of metabolism.

The fellowship is uniquely situated at ARUP Laboratories, where fellows engage in comprehensive training through its Biochemical Genetics and Newborn Screening laboratories. The curriculum includes conducting and interpreting biochemical laboratory tests, along with the expectation to maintain a logbook of all cases for the purpose of certification. This training aligns with the requirements established by the American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics for the Clinical Biochemical Genetics examination 1.

Training Environment

Fellows gain a diverse training experience at various esteemed sites, which include Primary Children's Eccles Outpatient Services, the University of Utah Hospital, ARUP Laboratories, and the Huntsman Cancer Institute. This multifaceted training approach ensures that fellows are well-equipped to handle a wide array of clinical scenarios 1.

Application Requirements

To be eligible for the fellowship, applicants must possess either an MD or a PhD, or another doctoral degree in genetics, biochemistry, chemistry or a closely related field from an accredited institution. Previous clinical laboratory experience or a postdoctoral fellowship in genetics is highly recommended for all candidates. Additionally, international applicants whose MD or PhD degrees were obtained outside of the United States or Canada are required to have their educational credentials evaluated by the ABMGG Credentials Committee before entering the program 1.

Visa Support

The program supports international fellows through the J-1 visa, which is the required visa type for trainees in this fellowship. This policy is enforced by the University of Utah Office of Graduate Medical Education, ensuring all candidates—irrespective of the program’s accreditation or degree type—have the necessary visa assistance during their fellowship 1.

Fellowship Competitiveness and Characteristics

While the program is competitive, it maintains a welcoming stance toward applicants from diverse backgrounds, including International Medical Graduates (IMGs) and osteopathic physicians (DOs). Successful candidates display a strong foundation in biochemical genetics or related fields, coupled with a commitment to advancing in this specialized domain of medicine.

Training Components

The fellowship training is robust and includes clinical rotations that cover various aspects such as outpatient genetics clinics and inpatient consultations, along with rotations dedicated to the Biochemical Genetics Laboratory at ARUP. Each fellow will also have opportunities for monthly presentations aimed at fostering teaching skills and publications of interesting cases, ultimately contributing to their professional development within the field 1.

In summary, the Clinical Biochemical Genetics Fellowship at the University of Utah Health offers a comprehensive training program that equips fellows with essential skills in diagnosing and managing metabolic disorders, while also providing the necessary support and resources for both domestic and international candidates.