UAB-HudsonAlpha Genomic Medicine Training Program

University Of Alabama At Birmingham, Birmingham AL

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

The UAB-HudsonAlpha Genomic Medicine Training Program was established in 2016 to train leaders in the integration of genetics and genomics into medical practice. We have recruited fellows with an MD, PhD, or PharmD degree who participate in customized educational training and pursue mentored research at UAB or HudsonAlpha. The educational plan is based on a set of competencies that equip the trainee with the knowledge and skill set to be an independent genomic medicine researcher. Each scholar will conduct mentored research under the auspices of a mentor and will develop an individualized development plan tailored to equip the trainee with the knowledge and skill set to be an independent genomic medicine scientist. Scholars will work closely with a mentorship team comprising a Primary Mentor, a Program Mentor (providing complementary experience or collaboration opportunities), and an early career peer mentor. Each scholar will receive training in the key concepts of human genetics, genomics, and precision medicine, incorporating didactic, research, and career development components with exposure to a broad array of skills, technologies, approaches, and methods. Each scholar will receive training in responsible conduct of research and rigor and reproducibility, ethical, legal and social issues in genomic medicine, and grant writing. Trainees will complete genomic medicine clinical practicum that provides exposure to clinical laboratories, and participate in journal clubs, and seminars covering scientific foundations, essential skills for career development, and team science. Each trainee also completes a genomic medicine practicum that provides exposure to clinics and clinical laboratories, an educational outreach project, an opportunity to explore entrepreneurship career opportunities, and training in the responsible conduct of research and rigor and reproducibility in research. The trainees carry out mentored research under the auspices of one of 60 program faculty, as part of an individualized development plan. Conferences at UAB and HudsonAlpha include research seminars, genome sequencing case review conferences, a molecular tumor board, and a monthly genomic medicine meeting, which provide a foundation and common platform for all trainees. All trainees attend the annual NHGRI training conference and present either posters or platform presentations and present their work at a Work in Progress seminar at UAB. Trainee progress is monitored in biannual written reports and meetings with each trainee and mentor together with the program co-directors. Several innovations have been instituted since the inception of the program four years ago. These include the monthly genomic medicine conference and the entrepreneurship practicum; the latter leverages the strong relationship of HudsonAlpha with biotechnology companies hosted on the HudsonAlpha campus.