Courses and Admissions

OBJECTIVES

In this course main emphasis is laid on practical training in genetic counseling of diverse conditions like mental retardation, metabolic disorders, neurological disorders etc.; as well as basic training in Cytogenetics. The core objective is to; inspire the students to explore the new world of genetics; to instill in them intellectual and technical tools for a career in clinical genetics; and to emphasize that learning of genetics is a lifelong process.

• The objectives of the course are that the students should have a basic understanding and acquire specific knowledge in the role of Genetics in Medicine.
• Acquire specific skills such as eliciting a comprehensive family medical history, construct an appropriate pedigree and recognize patterns of inheritance. Evaluating cases of mental retardation, Dysmorphology, disorders of sexual development, short stature and other common genetic problems. Learning to record anthropometric measurements used in clinical genetics. Conducting a general and systemic physical examination for proper evaluation of patients with genetic disorders. Interview pregnant women to identify those at risk for abnormalities in the fetus and learn their management. Conduct genetic counseling sessions and infer from Dysmorphology databases.
• Learning laboratory techniques such as Karyotyping (chromosomal analysis - from blood and bone marrow) and Fluorescent in situ hybridization.
• At the end of the course, the students should have developed an understanding of the principles of Genetic counselling such as :
• An attitude to respect patients religious moral and ethical beliefs without any and bias, even if they differ from the students own beliefs
• Present all available options fairly, accurately and non-directively.
• Appreciate the importance of confidentiality and the difficulties that confidentiality poses when relatives are found to be at risk for a serious and potentially preventable disease.
• Apply appropriate techniques for conveying difficult genetic information. Recognize the importance of imparting information to patients who are anxious or unfamiliar with the concepts being presented.
• Make appropriate referral to other clinical departments and resources that can benefit the patients and their family.
• Respect the autonomy of all patients but also provide guidance with decision making when requested.
• Cope emotionally with patient responses.
• Recognize the limitations of their own skills and seek consultation when necessary.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR ADMISSION TO THE COURSE

• Any medical graduate with or without a post graduate degree.
• Non-medical graduates with M.Sc. in Genetics, Biomedical Genetics
• Selection of the candidates will be on a first cum first basis. 2 candidates for each duration of the course will be selected.
• Cost: Total: Rs.45, 000 (Can be paid in 2 installments)
• Candidates need to produce their original degree certificates for verification.
• Accommodation: Hostel facilities are available (Subject to availability) Additional fees excluding the course fees
• Duration of Course: 6 months

Every candidate admitted to the course shall pursue a regular course of study (on whole time basis) in the concerned recognized institution under the guidance of the faculty of Division of Molecular Biology and Genetics – St. John’s national Academy of Health Sciences for assigned period of the course.

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