Clinical Biochemical Genetics Fellowship

The Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, Clinical Biochemical Genetics (CBG) fellowship program is a 2 years training program leading to potential certification in Clinical Biochemical Genetics after successful completion. The program consists of two years’ exposure to biochemical genetics laboratory testing for metabolic disorders and other inheritable disorders.

Meet the Clinical Biochemical Genetics team

PROGRAM DIRECTOR: PARUL JAYAKAR, MD
MEDICAL EDUCATION DIRECTOR & DIO: RANI S. GEREIGE, M.D., M.P.H., F.A.A.P.
FACULTY: BROCHA F. TARSHISH, MD
FACULTY: PAUL CARDENAS MD
CRISTINA VISONA, RD – Registered metabolic nutritionist
SAJEL LALA KANA, MD

Curriculum

Goals and Objectives

The overall goal of the CBG fellowship training program is to ensure that trainee (s) gain the skills needed to perform appropriate diagnostic testing and management of a wide variety of genetic disorders, inborn errors of metabolism, and congenital anomalies. This includes providing family-centered patient care that is developmentally and age appropriate, compassionate, and effective for the treatment and health promotion of individuals with genetic disorders. Fellows will be specifically trained in the practice of clinical biochemical genetics, the use and interpretation of biochemistry laboratory techniques, and in the independent administration and directing of a clinical biochemical genetics laboratory. At the completion of training, fellow(s) will be able to use a logical and appropriate clinical approach to the care of patients presenting for a medical genetics evaluation, applying principles of evidence-based decision-making and problem solving.

This fellowship will focus on key competency areas for professional growth and development, including Patient care, Medical knowledge, Practice-based learning and improvement, Interpersonal and Communication skills, Professionalism, and Systems-based practice. Throughout each of the laboratory and clinical rotations, the fellow is expected to accomplish rotation-specific goals and objectives, including acquisition of pertinent technical and clinical knowledge, provision of professional patient care, and active contribution to the specific field of biochemical genetics diagnostics through clinical service provision, correspondence with clinical and laboratory colleagues, and related scholarly activities.

Program Design

The CBG fellowship program is structured to include didactic, clinical, and laboratory experiences in the following areas:

  • General principles and medical knowledge of  biochemical genetics diagnostics
  • Clinical application of biochemical genetic pathology diagnostics, including:
    • Appropriate use and interpretation of biochemical assays
    • Performance and trouble-shooting of biochemical assays
    • Hands-on practical and sign-out experience in other genetics laboratories: Molecular genetics and cytogenetics
    • Genetics counseling and nutrition management
  • Laboratory administration
    • Quality control and quality improvement projects
    • New assay development, validation and implementation
    • Personnel management
    • Regulatory and fiscal issues
  • Other scholarly and didactic activities
    • Research project(s), as possible
    • Quality Improvement project
    • Didactic seminar experiences
    • Board review and grand rounds
    • Journal club

First Year Curriculum

Months 1 2 3 4 5 6
Site 1 1 1 1 1 1
Rotation Time CBG Lab CBG Lab CBG Lab CBG Lab CBG Lab CBG Lab
% Outpatient 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%
% Research 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%
Block 7 8 9 10 11 12
Site 1 1 1 1 1  
Rotation CBG Lab CBG Lab CBG Lab CBG Lab Clinic Elect/Vac
% Outpatient 0% 0% 0% 0% 90%  
% Research 10% 10% 10% 10% 10%  

Site 1 = Nicklaus Children’s Hospital main campus
CBG Lab = Clinical Biochemical Genetics Lab
CMG Lab = Clinical Molecular Genetics Lab
CCG = Clinical Cytogenetic Lab
Elec/Vac =Elective/ Vacation (2 weeks each)

Second Year Curriculum

Months 1 2 3 4 5 6
Site 1 1 1 1 1 1
Rotation Time CBG Lab CBG Lab CBG Lab CBG Lab CBG Lab CBG Lab
% Outpatient 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%
% Research 10% 10% 10% 0% 10% 10%
Block 7 8 9 10 11 12
Site 1 1 1 1 1  
Rotation CBG Lab CBG Lab CBG Lab CBG Lab Clinic Elect/Vac
% Outpatient 0% 0% 0% 0% 90%  
% Research 10% 0% 10% 10% 10%  

Site 1 = Nicklaus Children’s Hospital main campus
CBG Lab = Clinical Biochemical Genetics Lab
CMG Lab = Clinical Molecular Genetics Lab
CCG = Clinical Cytogenetic Lab
Elec/Vac =Elective/ Vacation (2 weeks each)

How to Apply

Length of fellowship:  2 years
Number of fellowship positions available every year:  1

Prerequisites:

  • Doctor of Medicine (MD or DO) degree or PhD (or equivalent) degree in either genetics or a related field
  • Fulfillment of qualifications for Florida state license (passed USMLE Steps 1 and 2) for medical school graduates
  • International medical graduates: A valid ECFMG Certificate is required for international medical graduates. NCH offers J-1 Visas sponsored by ECFMG. Any other visas currently held will be discussed on a case-by-case basis with the GMEC.

Documents required for submission:

  1. Application Form
  2. Recent curriculum vitae (must include months and years)
  3. Personal statement
  4. Three (3) letters of recommendation (one written by the director of your residency program if applicable or chair of your department)
Download Application Form (PDF)
Application and letters of recommendation should be addressed to:
Dr. Parul Jayakar
Division of Genetics & Metabolism
Nicklaus Children’s Hospital
3100 SW 62nd Avenue

PS: All documents (Including letters of recommendation) and inquiries/ questions may be emailed to Ms. Ana Otero, C-TAGME Fellowship Coordinator.