Educational Opportunities

• The Division of Genetics is actively involved in education within the School of Medicine, including multiple lectures integrated into the new systems-based curriculum during the M1 and M2 years. Their genetics education continues as third-year medical students when they rotate through pediatrics and participate in an interactive lecture focused on clinical applicability. Third- and fourth-year medical students, as well as pediatric residents, have the opportunity to take a genetics elective, which is an opportunity to learn more about clinics and our patient population.  
• The Division’s prenatal genetic counselors also participate in Obstetric and Gynecology (Ob-Gyn) resident and Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM) fellow didactics, in addition to directing the new Genetics and Genomics rotation required for MFM graduation by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG). The Division also periodically participates in Pediatric and Pediatric Neurology rotations for interested residents. 
• We are also invited lecturers for students and providers in other health science schools at UMMC, including the School of Graduate Studies in Health Sciences and the School of Nursing.

SOM Genetics Student Interest Group

Purpose: The purpose of the UMMC SOM Medical Genetics Student Interest Group shall be to educate medical students on the field of Medical Genetics and to provide opportunities for medical students to participate in activities related to the field of Medical Genetics including, but not limited to: arranged shadowing, research, faculty/staff seminars, discussions, and/or panels, patient panels, and community outreach. 

Officers:

• President - Hannah O'Bryan (M2)
• Vice President - Alyssa Rondinelli (M2)
• Community Outreach Coordinator - Jay Lemon (M2)
• Faculty Liaison - Barrett Aldridge (M2)
• Rare Disease Day Coordinator - Caleb McCreary (M2)
• Social Media Manager - Sarah Grace Brownlee (M1)
• Treasurer - Alex Carlyle (M2)
• M1 Representative - Anna Lee Bullock
• M2 Representative - Nazm Rahat
• M3 Representative - Cameron Hunt
• Advisor - Laura Hendon, MA, MS, CGC

External Outreach

Our clinicians also provide education to the general public, middle and high schools, undergraduate institutions, and other medical schools both virtually and in person.

We are proud to have engagement on the national and international level with previous speaking engagements at annual education conferences for the National Society of Genetic Counselors, the American College of Medical Genetics, the American Society for Human Genetics, the American College of Osteopathic Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the International Society for Prenatal Diagnosis.

Our team is passionate about community outreach to interested learners at all levels. Check out some of our work at the Mississippi Children’s Museum, sponsored by Children’s of Mississippi: Question It? Discover It! • Mississippi Children's Museum.

Interested in a Career in Genetics? 

Becoming a Genetic Counselor: Becoming a Genetic Counselor (nsgc.org)

Becoming a Geneticist: American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics | An ABMS Member Board

Shadowing 

Interested in learning more about a career in Genetics? Our team welcomes observers aspiring to gain more exposure to the day-to-day experiences of genetic professionals. For more information, please contact Glenda Hicks (Administrative Assistant, gyhicks@umc.edu) or call 601-984-1900, option 2. 

In your email, please include:

• a brief paragraph telling us about yourself, your education history, and what area(s)/role(s) you are interested in shadowing (geneticist, genetics nurse practitioner, genetic counselor, or metabolic dietitian)
• a letter of interest in Genetics
• a resumé, if available
• any dates of availability you have in mind

Shadowers must be at least 16 years of age and have documentation of a recent flu shot.