New Video Encourages Medical Students to Consider a Residency in Medical Genetics

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American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics

Oct 18, 2012, 08:27 ET

BETHESDA, Md., Oct. 18, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) has unveiled a new video aimed at encouraging medical students to pursue training in medical genetics. The video, "Medical Genetics is the Future of Medicine," is available on The ACMG Channel on YouTube at www.youtube.com/theacmgchannel and is also being distributed to medical schools and Medical Genetics Training Programs around the country. Individuals may also request a copy on flash drive by emailing [email protected]. The funding for the Medical Genetics Residency Video was provided by the ACMG Foundation for Genetic and Genomic Medicine (www.acmgfoundation.org.)

"Drafts of the video were tested with current medical students and residents in several parts of the country and received extremely positive feedback," said Kathy Ridgely Beal, MBA who produced the video as Public Relations Director for ACMG. The video includes interviews with current and recently graduated medical genetics trainees and real life footage of actual patient care, team meetings, and other activities in several settings. "The idea was for medical genetics trainees themselves to 'talk' directly to the medical students."

This video is part of ACMG's ongoing efforts to attract more college and medical students to pursue careers in medical genetics and genomics. Other outreach initiatives include the ACMG Summer Genetics Scholars Program, whereby medical students can apply for a paid summer genetics position under the mentorship of a board-certified geneticist. In addition, there are ACMG Medical Student Interest Groups, free student sessions at the ACMG Annual Meeting, and student membership discounts.

Dr. Bruce R. Korf, M.D., Ph.D., FACMG, president of the ACMG Foundation for Genetic and Genomic Medicine, is leading the ACMG efforts to attract more students into the field. He said, "There has never been a more exciting and extraordinary time to consider a residency and career in medical genetics. Genetics and genomics are changing how we practice medicine and will increasingly guide day-to-day healthcare decisions. This video will help us reach out to students to encourage them to think about a career in genetics and let them know that there are several paths they can choose - from a clinical genetics residency to combined residency programs of genetics together with internal medicine, pediatrics, OB-GYN, or maternal fetal medicine."

"From diagnosis to management and from rare diseases to the most common conditions, medical genetics is moving the practice of medicine forward and is at the center of medicine today," said Michael S. Watson, Ph.D., FACMG and one of the task force members who created the new video. "The future of medicine lies in a better understanding of the human genome and how to apply it to every aspect of medical practice – this video lets medical students know that they can play a role in this effort."

SOURCE American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics