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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Rachel N. Grob, MA, PhD, Caroline Lieber, MS, CGC, Fredricka Wolman, MD, MPH, and Siobhan Dolan, MD, MPH. Graduate Studies, Sarah Lawrence College, 1 Mead Way, Bronxville, NY 10708, 914 395 2371, rgrob@slc.edu

Clinical and public health challenges of the 21st century, and improvements in genome sequencing and information technology, are converging to make it possible for genetic and genomic information to inform fundamental public health practices. For this promise to become a reality, however, the workforce must have interdisciplinary training in genetics and public health. Sarah Lawrence College home of the first master's program in Human Genetics, is developing a program in response to needs identified through surveys of applicants, students, and alumni of the genetic counseling program. Among those inquiring about the genetic counseling program who did not ultimately apply (n=92), 56.5% said the genetics field would be more appealing if it prepared them explicitly for jobs in public health, and 40.3% said it would be more appealing if it prepared them for jobs in research. Among students enrolled in master-level genetic counseling programs (n=93), 79.6% said they would be interested in courses/programs that would prepare them for career options outside the traditional genetic counseling role. 57% were “very interested” and 40% “interested” in genetics and public health. Among alumni of the human genetics program (n=49), 58% were “very interested” or “interested” in a certificate program in public health genomics. Sarah Lawrence College is responding by developing a low-residency advanced certificate program that explores concepts and practice of public health genomics through topic-based modules, including genetic screening and testing, common complex disease, how to promote and protect patients' rights in the age of genomic medicine, and gene/environment interactions.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of the session, participants will
• • Understand the need for graduate and professional training in public health genetics/genomics, and the content of Sarah Lawrence College’s new initiative in this area
• • Comprehend the diverse workforce opportunities in genetics and public health that are emerging as these two fields become increasingly entwined, and the relationship between public health practice and the protection of patients’ rights in health care settings
• • Enhance their own work performance as a result of improved understanding of how genetics/genomics influences public health, and their own ability to seek out meaningful continuing education experiences for themselves.

Keywords: Certificate Program, Genetics

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered