National Genetics Organization Develops New Tools to Attract Students Into Medical Genetics: American College of Medical Genetics Announces New Video Series, Webpage and Brochure

BETHESDA, Md., Sept. 29, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- At a time when a day does not go by without news of the latest genetic discovery, there is a greater need than ever for specialty-trained, board-certified genetics and genomics health professionals.  One professional organization, the American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG), is addressing that need through a number of outreach and educational initiatives including three newly created tools:  

• Careers in Medical Genetics Video Series on TheACMGChannel on YouTube features live interviews with medical geneticists whose diverse career paths have brought them into the genomic era.
• A Student Webpage on the ACMG Site with FAQs, special events and grants/awards exclusively for students/trainees, information on becoming a student member of ACMG, forming a Genetics Student Interest Group and much more.
• A free New Brochure, Think Medical Genetics! includes What Medical Geneticists Do, How and Where Genetics Health Professionals are Trained, How to Know if Genetics is Right for You, and many valuable resources.

Additionally, ACMG and the ACMG Foundation created a popular new initiative in 2011, "The ACMG Foundation Summer Genetics Scholars Program," which enabled 20 medical students to work with clinical geneticist mentors in prestigious medical institutions around the country for 6 weeks, while also receiving a stipend.

"It is our hope that these new programs, plus activities like our new ACMG Student Interest Groups at the Graduate and Medical School levels and a brand new Student Program planned for our 2012 Annual Clinical Genetics Meeting, will draw talented individuals into medical genetics -- whether it is to become a physician, a laboratory geneticist, or a genetic counselor.  Medical genetics is a rewarding, fascinating specialty for smart, inquisitive students who want to apply our ever-increasing knowledge of genetics and the human genome to better patient care and improved health for all," said ACMG Medical Director, Barry H. Thompson, MD, FACMG.

For more information about the ACMG or to request a free copy of Think Medical Genetics! Graduate Medical Education in Medical Genetics contact [email protected] or visit www.acmg.net.  For the new Careers in Genetics Video Series visit TheACMGChannel at www.youtube.com/theACMGChannel.

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 and genomics by providing education, resources and a voice for more than 1400 biochemical, clinical, cytogenetic, medical and molecular geneticists, genetic counselors and other healthcare professionals committed to the practice of medical genetics. 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 American College of Medical Genetics Foundation (www.acmgfoundation.org) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to funding the College's diverse efforts to translate genes into health.  The Foundation is dedicated to Better Health Through Genetics.™

SOURCE American College of Medical Genetics