Medical Students Will Increase Their Knowledge of Medical Genetics at Twenty-two Institutions in the 2016 ACMG Foundation Summer Genetic Scholars Program

BETHESDA, Md., Feb. 4, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Since 2011, the ACMG Foundation for Genetic and Genomic Medicine has been offering a popular and innovative summer educational program to second year medical students as part of its efforts to attract physicians into the specialty of medical genetics. This program, the ACMG Foundation Summer Genetic Scholars Program (SGSP), provides students with hands-on experience in various areas of genetics and genomics such as clinical and laboratory practice, research, and medical genetics services at leading genetics institutions.

Through the ACMG Foundation Summer Genetic Scholars Program, students work with ACMG members who are experienced medical geneticists and receive a stipend for the 6-week program. The program fosters professional mentorships and provides students with the opportunity to learn more about the rapidly changing field of genetics and genomics.

"First year medical students usually encounter genetics and genomics as a basic science course and are usually unaware that there are career opportunities open to them in medical genetics," said Bruce R. Korf, MD, PhD, FACMG, president of the ACMG Foundation. "Although they may see medical geneticists in their third and fourth year rotations, by that time many have already decided on their career path. The Summer Genetic Scholars Program is intended to provide an earlier exposure, and thereby increase the number who get excited about a career in medical genetics."

This year, 22 institutions across the United States will be participating in this program. Each participating institution has a principal mentor or faculty member who will guide students through the 6-week program. To see the full list of institutions and mentors visit:
https://www.acmgfoundation.org/docs/List_of_2016_Participating_Institutions_New.pdf

Previous students have given the ACMG Foundation Summer Genetic Scholars Program high marks:

"My 6 weeks allowed me to solidify my belief in pursuing genetics as a specialty. Through this program, I was able to see some of the most extraordinary presentations and interact with some of the most talented geneticists." - Jacob Adashek, Western University of Health Sciences

"By far the most impactful and time-intensive part of my experience came in clinical shadowing. Some of the skills I developed I believe are widely applicable, and will prepare me for third year clinical rotations more generally." - Eric Debbold, Tulane University School of Medicine

For more information about the ACMG Foundation Summer Genetic Scholars Program visit: https://www.acmgfoundation.org/ACMGFound/ACMGF_Programs/Summer_Scholars/ACMGFound/ACMGF_Programs/Summer_Scholars_Program.aspx?hkey=e235b4f9-2775-4de3-a042-ca4c2f58b1c7.

About the ACMG Foundation for Genetic and Genomic Medicine

The ACMG Foundation for Genetic and Genomic Medicine, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is a community of supporters and contributors who understand the importance of medical genetics in healthcare. Established in 1992, the ACMG Foundation for Genetic and Genomic Medicine supports the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics; mission to "translate genes into health" by raising funds to attract the next generation of medical geneticists and genetic counselors, to sponsor important research, to promote information about medical genetics, and much more.

To learn more about the important mission and projects of the ACMG Foundation for Genetic and Genomic Medicine and how you too can support this great cause, please visit www.acmgfoundation.org or contact us at [email protected] or 301/718-2014.

ACMG Media Contact: Kathy Beal, MBA
[email protected]
301-238-4582

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SOURCE ACMG Foundation for Genetic and Genomic Medicine

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