Laboratory Genetics and Genomics

The Harvard Medical School ABMGG (American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics) fellowship is ACGME-accredited and requires a minimum of 24 months to complete.

The fellowship integrates training in both clinical cytogenetics and clinical molecular genetics into a single primary specialty. Fellows spend dedicated time on both constitutional and somatic genetics while rotating through a variety of Harvard-affiliated laboratories. Fellows also are expected to participate in a variety of didactic sessions and seminars and play an active role in new assay validation, as well as assume responsibility for carrying a clinical pager.

The overall goals of the LGG Fellowship include:

• Teaching the principles of cytogenetics and molecular genetics as applied to diagnostic testing
• Exposing fellows to major techniques used in both specialties
• Providing experience in both conventional cytogenetic and cutting-edge molecular cytogenomic techniques
• Teaching the major clinical indications for testing and the clinical implications of test results (samples types include peripheral bloods, fibroblasts, amniotic fluids, chorionic villi, hematology-oncology specimens, and solid tumors)
• Allowing fellows to become familiar with constitutional syndromes, principles of prenatal diagnosis, and cancer cytogenetics
• Helping fellows develop communication skills necessary for interaction with healthcare professionals and patients
• Conveying an appreciation of issues in quality assurance necessary to management of a diagnostic laboratory
• Conveying a range of ethical issues involved in the practice of clinical cytogenetics