NHGRI is launching a new three year medical genetics residency program, one of only 10 accredited genetics residency programs in the United States. In addition to the Clinical Center, NHGRI training sites include the Children's National Medical Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, and Walter Reed Medical Center.

Trainees will receive broad clinical experience in metabolic diseases, molecular genetics, and cytogenetics, with an emphasis on the role of genetics in cancer, eye diseases, obstetrics, dermatology, and pediatrics.

Max Muenke

The first year is dedicated to seeing patients with rare and common genetic disorders; during the second year, residents select a laboratory to affiliate with and begin designing their own basic or clinical research project. The final year is largely spent conducting research, with minimal clinical responsibilities.

At completion, trainees will qualify for board certification in one or more of four areas of expertise: 1) clinical genetics, 2) cytogenetics, 3) biochemical genetics, or 4) molecular genetics. The program is geared to MDs and MD/PhDs who have completed their residency training, as well as PhDs seeking postdoctoral genetics training.

Although most residents start their training in July, program director Max Muenke emphasizes that there is some flexibility, and some residents may be able to start at other times of the year. The Genetics Residency program has four available spots per year-and one remains to be filled in 1998. The program is administered by an executive committee including representatives from NHGRI, NICHD, NIAMS, NCI, and affiliated training sites.

Applicants should write to Maximilian Muenke, NIH, MSC 1852, Building 10, Room 10-101, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892-1852. E-mail: <mmuenke@nhgri.nih.gov.>