American College of Medical Genetics Unveils New CME Program: Using Databases to Interpret Cytogenomic Arrays

BETHESDA, Md., Feb. 15, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Technologies that allow for the evaluation of the entire human genome have become increasingly inexpensive and show great promise in clinical application.  Among the first of these technologies to move into the practitioner's clinic are the cytogenomic or chromosomal arrays that detect changes in copy number of genetic material throughout the human genome.   Rare and new variations have been a part of cytogenetic analysis since its inception in the 1970s.  New technologies now allow the identification of structural changes in human chromosomes at levels of resolution not previously possible and with these, another level of rare and previously undetected variation is being detected.

And now, after several years of development and thousands of hours of work, ACMG has unveiled the highly anticipated, new web-based educational CME program to help genetics and health experts to interpret these copy number variations, Using Databases to Interpret Cytogenomic Arrays.

The Using Databases to Interpret Cytogenomic Arrays program is designed to help genetics professionals to:

• interpret rarely encountered copy number variations
• confirm the interpretations of copy number variations provided in laboratory reports of results, and
• understand the phenotypic variations associated with different copy number variations.

The primary target audience includes:

• Medical and clinical geneticists interested in confirming cytogenomic array results
• Clinical Cytogenetics and Molecular Genetics Laboratory Directors
• Medical Genetics Fellows, Trainees and Students
• Genetic counselors

The registration fee for this outstanding new program is $500 for non-members and only $50 for ACMG members and free for medical genetics trainees. 

Continuing medical education (CME, CEU and P.A.C.E.®) credits are available for this program. 

The American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians. ACMG is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education (CME) for physicians. The ACMG designates this activity for up to 6 hours of AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ toward completion of the AMA Physician's Recognition Award. The Using Databases to Interpret Cytogenomic Arrays program has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and the policies of the ACCME through the ACMG.

To register, go to the ACMG website at www.acmg.net, click on the Education tab and select "Cytogenomic Array."

About the American College of Medical Genetics and ACMG Foundation

Founded in 1991, the American College of Medical Genetics (www.acmg.net) advances the practice of medical genetics by providing education, resources and a voice for more than 1,400 biochemical, clinical, cytogenetic, medical and molecular geneticists, genetic counselors and other healthcare professionals committed to the practice of medical genetics and genomics. ACMG's activities include the development of laboratory and practice standards and guidelines, advocating for quality genetic services in healthcare and in public health, and promoting the development of methods to diagnose, treat and prevent genetic disease. Genetics in Medicine, published monthly, is the official ACMG peer-reviewed journal. ACMG's website (www.acmg.net) offers a variety of resources including Policy Statements, Practice Guidelines, Educational Resources, and a Find a Geneticist tool. The educational and public health programs of the American College of Medical Genetics are dependent upon charitable gifts from corporations, foundations, and individuals. The ACMG Foundation (www.acmgfoundation.org), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is a community of supporters and contributors who understand the importance of medical genetics and genomics and genetic counseling in healthcare.  

SOURCE American College of Medical Genetics