Each of the laboratories in the Division of Laboratory Genetics at Mayo Clinic provide testing for a wide range of constitutional genetic disorders using a variety of platforms. In addition, the genetics laboratory offers numerous tests in the areas of hematology and oncology genetics. Test volumes in each laboratory are large and are rapidly increasing. Fellows also are able to interact with consultants in other laboratories and clinical departments, such as experimental pathology, hematology, hematopathology, medical genomics, neurology, obstetrics, and pediatrics.

Clinical experience

Casework involves working closely with board certified directors and genetic counselors. A typical fellowship experience includes:

• Collection and review of appropriate clinical and pedigree information from the referring clinician
• Review of technical work performed
• Scoring and interpretation of results
• Performing risk calculations (when applicable)
• Interpretation of test results
• Generation of the interpretive report
• Subsequent follow-up with the referring clinician

Call frequency

The fellowship call schedule is different for each rotation. Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science follows the recommendations of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME).

Practical laboratory experience

Each genetics laboratory is fully equipped for diagnostic and research work. You have ample opportunity for involvement in research projects and the development of new clinical tests. In addition, you will review quality control and quality assurance procedures, and participate in preparing the laboratory for certification inspections by on-site reviewers from the College of American Pathologists (CAP) and New York State.

Clinical assay development and research

Clinical testing at Mayo Clinic benefits from active research and development programs. Developmental activities in the Division of Laboratory Genetics are focused on improving current test strategies and introducing new genetic tests. All approved tests meet rigid validation standards that include a thorough evaluation of methodology and clinical utility.

Our research programs combine the expertise and experience of Mayo Clinic scientists to advance the field of genetics and genetic testing.

Didactic training

Didactic training is provided through formal lectures, case conferences, seminars, and journal reviews. Additionally, enrollment in Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences courses may be required, depending upon your previous training and experience.

For certification by the American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ABMGG) in clinical molecular genetics, clinical cytogenetics, or clinical biochemical genetics, a general genetics examination together with the specialty examination must be taken. Our fellowship programs provide the required training in all aspects of medical genetics (clinical genetics, molecular genetics, cytogenetics, biochemical genetics, and genetic counseling).

The training program encompasses a broad range of topics and expertise, including:

• Molecular, cytogenetic, and biochemical etiology, and pathogenesis of human genetic diseases
• Laboratory diagnosis and carrier detection of a broad range of genetic disorders and malignancies using a range of state-of-the-art molecular techniques
• Risk calculations, including Bayesian analysis and calculations for linkage analyses
• Genetic counseling of disorders diagnosed by laboratory methods
• Technical problems, potential pitfalls, and laboratory quality control and assurance procedures

Teaching opportunities

In all Mayo Clinic genetic fellowships, trainees have the opportunity to teach other laboratory genetics fellows, pathology residents and fellows, laboratory technologists, and visiting students from other medical schools through bench instruction and formal didactic lectures.

Evaluation

To confirm that you acquire adequate knowledge and develop the appropriate technical skills to meet program expectations, performance is monitored carefully throughout the Laboratory Genetics and Genomics Fellowship. You will be evaluated formally by supervising faculty members each quarter and meet with the program director to review these evaluations. In addition, you will evaluate the faculty to ensure that your educational needs are being met.