Clinical Genetics medical specialty is devoted to the diagnosis and management of genetic disorders affecting individuals and their families. The rapid increase in understanding of biological variation and its role in health and disease make it an exciting and expanding specialty.
MCGM is a leading UK training centre for doctors wishing to specialise in Genetic Medicine. Entry into Clinical Genetics training is possible following successful completion of both a foundation programme and a core training programme. The training programme in clinical genetics is four years (subject to satisfactory ARCPs), of which at least three years must be dedicated to clinical training during which experience will be gained in all aspects of clinical genetics. For those who undertake a period of research this can usually count towards one year of training. Further information on training is provided by the Joint Royal Colleges of Physicians Training Board.
Doctors usually start in the specialty at ST3 level. Completion of Foundation year competencies and of those in core medical training (CMT1 and 2) or level 1 paediatrics is essential as a broad range of experience in acute general medicine and/or paediatrics is essential. MRCP, MRCPCH or equivalent qualifications are also essential. Posts can be applied for using the central application procedure for higher medical training.
The MCGM training programme incorporates training in clinical and laboratory genetics, as well as genetic counselling and ethico-legal issues. It follows a modular programme rotating on a 6-monthly basis through the different genetic sub-specialty clinics. These training attachments include paediatric genetics, dysmorphology and developmental disorders, cancer genetics, neuromuscular genetics and neuropsychiatric genetics, and cardiac genetics. In addition, experience is gained through metabolic/biochemical clinics, genetic ophthalmology specialist clinics, prenatal diagnostic and urgent referral clinic sessions. Trainees are encouraged to undertake research projects and develop their own specialist interests towards the end of their training. The training programme director, Dr Kate Chandler can be contacted for further information.
Clinical geneticists and other experts from our centre contribute to specialty training in clinical genetics in the North West region, including provision of clinical and educational supervision to trainees, lecturing and participating in regional SpR teaching days.
MCGM is one of only 4 UK training centres for doctors wishing to specialise in paediatric inherited metabolic disease (IMD). The training programme is three years (subject to satisfactory ARCPs), though some specialist trainees extend their training by undertaking research to gain either an MD or a PhD. To enter a specialist training programme in IMD doctors must successfully complete Foundation year competencies and progress on to general paediatric training. During the initial paediatric training years (ST1-3) they must pass the ‘Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health‘ (MRCPCH) membership examination. Once this qualification is achieved, senior general paediatric training (ST4 -5) is undertaken. Early in the ST5 year paediatric trainees can opt to apply for specialist training in IMD through a central, competitive application system. If successful the doctor then completes 3 years of specialist training solely in IMD (years ST6-8). This specialist training includes management of the acutely unwell patient with an IMD, out-patient experience, managing patients diagnosed on newborn screening and clinical trials work. On successfully completion of the START examination and final ARCP a certificate of completion of specialist training is awarded. In addition to specialist trainees, general paediatric trainees are attached to the unit and gain invaluable experience in these rare disorders as many of the patients also require input from general paediatricians.
For further information please contact Dr Andrew Morris, CSAC chair.
