PITTSBURGH CYTOGENETICS LABORATORY
OVERVIEW OF THE CYTOGENETICS FELLOWSHIP TRAINING PROGRAM
The Pittsburgh Cytogenetic Laboratory is accredited by the American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ABMGG) for the training of clinical cytogenetics fellows. The two year program is designed for individuals who wish to become directors of clinical cytogenetics laboratories.
The PCL offers broad laboratory training in all areas of clinical cytogenetics, including :
- prenatal testing on amniotic fluid, chorionic villi and products of conception;
- postnatal and adult testing on peripheral blood and fibroblasts;
- oncology testing on bone marrow and solid tumors.
We will provide the fellows with a broad range of knowledge, skills and experience necessary to direct a clinical cytogenetics laboratory. During the two years of training the fellows will receive instructions and hands-on experience in both basic cytogenetic techniques and advanced molecular cytogenetics diagnostic methods including array CGH (Oligonucleotide and SNP arrays). The fellows will interact with the medical staff of the hospital to gain further experience in cooperating and consulting with a variety of health care professionals.
Fellows will participate in the clinical genetics, clinical microarray, hematopathology case conferences, the Children’s Hospital tumor board and genetic counseling sections. In addition the candidate is required to take several graduate level courses at the Graduate School of Public Health at the university of Pittsburgh in the area of Human Genetics.
Upon the successful completion of the two-year training the cytogenetic fellows should be eligible for the ABMGG certification exam for Clinical Cytogenetics and be able to:
- direct a cytogenetic laboratory,
- identify and interpret cytogenetic and molecular cytogenetic abnormalities,
- accurately communicate genetic test results to physicians, families, and other professional staff,
- provide consultation regarding the clinical significance of the genetics findings
Eligibility of Candidates:
- Candidates must hold an M.D., or Ph.D. or MD/PhD degree
- Candidates with two years prior postdoctoral training are preferred.
- Candidates must be US citizens or permanent residents.
Interested applicants may contact the program directors for more information.
For applications see Program Overview