Overview and Objectives
This Two-Year ACGME-accredited Fellowship Program in Laboratory Genetics and Genomics (LGG) trains individuals with either a PhD in genetics or a related field, or an MD and residency in pathology or medical genetics, to become the next generation of diagnostic geneticists and molecular pathologists with knowledge and expertise in traditional and modern genetics and genomics. Each Fellow will be prepared to direct a molecular, genomic and/or cytogenics diagnostic laboratory.
Fellowship training includes didactic sessions, active involvement in clinical case sign-out, training in laboratory bench work associated with research and development projects, and participation in medical genetics clinics and teaching conferences in medical genetics. This training, in addition to laboratory genomics, encompasses all aspects of medical genetics (i.e. clinical genetics, genetic counseling and biochemical genetics).
The trainee will be exposed to a full range of molecular testing including germline mutation testing, using both sequenced-based and targeted genotyping methods; cancer somatic mutation testing including conventional cytogenetics, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), array comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) and next-generation sequencing (NGS); and virology molecular testing including real-time PCR, Sanger sequencing as well as bioinformatics tools for data analysis. Trainees are expected to rotate in all areas of molecular genetic laboratories in order to acquire in-depth knowledge in each of these areas and to learn the basic technical skills, management (QA/QI/PT), the validation process of new test development, and how to run a comprehensive diagnostic molecular pathology laboratory in the future. Learning through lectures, presentations, journal club and conferences will be emphasized throughout the entire year of training. The Fellow is encouraged to participate in development and/or research projects and to present his or her work at national and/or international conferences. The program is built on the accredited training programs in anatomical and clinical pathology, hematopathology, clinical genetics, and molecular genetic pathology.
The Fellowship program has the extensive resources of the Department of Pathology as well as broad-based teaching and research collaboration from pediatrics, OB/GYN and genetics. It is designed to provide high-quality educational experiences in the training of genetic laboratory specialists. Our faculty consists of many board certified geneticists; molecular pathologists and board certified genetic counselors.
- Clinical Cytogenetics is a laboratory-based specialty of medical genetics that involves the processing and analysis of the chromosomes of various types of samples, with the express purpose of detecting and interpreting chromosomal abnormalities using various methodologies.
- Clinical Molecular Genetics is a laboratory-based specialty of medical genetics that focuses on the discovery of and laboratory testing for DNA mutations that underlie disease. Clinical Molecular Genetics is recognized as a primary specialty by the ABMS. The Fellow will be trained in both traditional and modern diagnostic platforms.
Facilities
The Molecular Pathology Laboratory at Einstein and MMC offers a broad menu of molecular/genetic testing in the areas of hematopathology/oncology, microorganism detection, genetics, genomics, pharmacogenetics and engraftment monitoring.
The laboratory is a CLIA, CAP and New York State accredited regional reference laboratory serving the Bronx and Westchester County, New York. The techniques used in the laboratory range from traditional DNA extraction and hybridization methods to state-of-the-art technologies, including DNA sequencing, quantitative PCR, DNA fragment analysis by capillary electrophoresis, NGS, array CGH and microarray.
Key Faculty
Rizwan Naeem, MD, Director
Susan Klugman, MD
K.H. Ramesh, PhD
Melissa Wasserstein, MD
Doctor Y. Goldstein, MD
Eligibility
The program accepts one candidate every two years. Applicants are eligible with a PhD in genetics or related field and/or an MD and residency in pathology or medical genetics. Individuals with an MD or PhD earned outside the United States or Canada must have their degree reviewed and approved by the ABMG Credentials Committee prior to applying to the training program.
Financial Support
Fellow will receive standard stipend and benefits from Department of Pathology at Montefiore Medical Center (MMC). Self-funding via granting institutes and organizations is also considered.
Application Timeline and Materials
Applications are accepted year-round, with open dates to start. There is no deadline and interviews are granted based upon review of the application package.
Materials required for application:
- Cover Letter
- Candidate’s CV
- Personal Goals Statement
- Transcripts
- Three Letters of Recommendation
- Wallet-Sized Color Photo
To Apply
Please send all application materials to:
Jacqueline Vazquez
MGP / LGG Fellowship Program Coordinator
Montefiore Einstein Department of Pathology
pathology@montefiore.org
For more information, please contact Jacqueline Vazquez at pathology@montefiore.org or 718.920.6573.
Location:
Albert Einstein College of Medicine and
Montefiore Medical Center
1635 Poplar Street, Room 243
Bronx, NY 10461