Molecular Genetic Pathology Fellowship
Cutting-edge technology and experienced faculty come together to help you become a competent molecular geneticist.
About us
Our one-year, ACGME-accredited, Molecular Genetic Pathology (MGP) fellowship program gives you in-depth training in the principles, theory and technologies of molecular biology and molecular genetics. Training emphasizes the utilization and evaluation of clinical molecular diagnostic assays – especially next-generation sequencing (NGS).
To prepare you for competency, our dedicated faculty team includes 5 subspecialized molecular pathologists who give you intensive training with:
- Cutting-edge molecular testing techniques, state-of-the-art equipment and CLIA-certified, CAP-accredited facilities at our pathology lab.
- High volume and high complexity molecular testing (>15,000 cases/year, including 75 cases of NGS per week) with a collection of interesting cases.
- Geisinger MyCode data of whole-exome sequencing available for >100,000 individuals, as well as genetic counseling.
- Immersive Medical Genetics and Genomics rotation with Clinical/Medical Genetics and Genomics (MGG) residency program and Laboratory Genetics and Genomics (LGG) fellowship program at the University of Pittsburgh.
Upon completion of your training, you’ll also be able to:
- Design and validate assays.
- Perform quality assurance.
- Communicate effectively in a system-based and multidisciplinary practice environment.
The program is designed to prepare you to pass the MGP board exam. You’ll have a variety of research options to choose from, and we’ll support you throughout the process. Career mentoring is also available.
Onsite rotations are done at the Department of Pathology at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, Pa.
Two positions are offered per year.
This program is accredited by the Accredited Council of Graduate Medical Education (ACGME code: 1904113002 - Geisinger Health System Program).
Program overview
Your clinical rotation will take place at two institutes: 11 blocks (4 weeks/block) of rotations on molecular pathology at the Department of Pathology at Geisinger (site #1) and one block (4 weeks) of medical genetic pathology rotation with the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC, site #2).
The curriculum is designed to provide you with:
- A general introduction to the field of molecular genetic pathology
- A more specific focus on applications of NGS in oncology and hematology
- Understanding of the methods used in the molecular genetics, cytogenetics and molecular pathology laboratories such as: • DNA extraction
- Participation in quality control and quality assessment activities.
• PCR
• Sequencing
• Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis
• Molecular genetic pathology online tools/databases
• Data analysis and interpretation
Fellows in the MGP program have no on-call duties.
Teaching methods:
- Clinical case review and signout
- Didactic lectures
- Tumor boards, conferences
- CAP inspection/self-inspection, assay validation
- Teaching activities
- Journal clubs, literature/guideline review
- Genetic counseling
- Self-study and reading assignments
- Research activities
About Geisinger
Geisinger Health System (GHS) serves more than 1 million people in central and northeast Pennsylvania. We’ve been nationally recognized for innovative practices in quality, delivery models such as ProvenCare® and the use of an award-winning electronic medical record, Epic®. Our physician-led system has about 24,000 employees, including nearly 1,700 physicians, 10 hospital campuses, two research centers and a health plan with more than half a million members, all of which boost our hometown economies by $7.1 billion annually.
About Danville
The GHS main hospital campus, Geisinger Medical Center, is located in Danville, a charming, historic riverside town with opportunities for outdoor recreation, including kayaking, cross-country skiing and cycling. We’re also close to major urban centers. It’s easy to reach New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, D.C. We offer the best of both worlds — affordable, relaxing small-town life and access to big cities' excitement and cultural experiences.
