Training Program in Genomic Medicine

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ABSTRACT The T32 Genomic Medicine Training Program at the University of Utah prepares pre- and postdoctoral trainees to be well-rounded, collaborative leaders in genomic medicine. Building on a strong institutional record of training in genomics and the unique training environment of the multidisciplinary Center for Genomic Medicine at University of Utah Health, the two-year basic research track training program consists of coursework, a mentored research experience, experiential learning activities, extensive interactions with a broad community of genomic medicine researchers, and career development activities. Core courses cover the ethical, legal and social implications of genomic medicine, grant writing techniques, and practical skills for applying computational tools for disease-gene discovery and patient genome interpretation. A mentored genomic medicine research experience in a team science environment is the heart of the training program. Each trainee will have a multidisciplinary mentoring committee, drawn from a mentor pool of 34 MD and PhD genomic medicine researchers. This highly collaborative mentor community possesses expertise in the many disciplines that underpin genomic medicine, including human genetics, bioinformatics, epidemiology, statistics, molecular diagnostics, and pharmacogenomics. Trainees will benefit from several unique resources and collaborators in the Center for Genomic Medicine: the Utah Genome Project, an independently funded research project in which thousands of members of large Utah disease pedigrees are undergoing whole-genome sequencing; the Utah Center for Genetic Discovery, the University’s computational genomics engine and hub for development of software tools and algorithms for genome interpretation; ARUP Laboratories, the University’s national reference lab and a leader in developing genomics-based clinical diagnostic tests; the Penelope Program, the University’s clinic for rare and undiagnosed disease, which is part of the Undiagnosed Disease Network; the Utah NeoSeq Project, an initiative to bring rapid whole genome sequencing to the neonatal intensive care unit; and the Huntsman Cancer Institute, a National Cancer Institute Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center and home to extensive cancer genomics and precision oncology projects. Each of these will provide immersion opportunities in genomic medicine. The overall goals of the T32 program are: to teach trainees to apply cutting-edge bioinformatics and computational tools to analyze genomic datasets; to work productively with interdisciplinary teams in the clinical application of genomic data; to protect and communicate effectively with research participants; and to advance an independent research career in genomic medicine. At steady state, the training program will include five predoctoral and four postdoctoral trainees each year. In the past funding period, nine postdoctoral trainees were appointed, advancing their careers in genomic medicine. Trainee outcomes data are tracked, and best practices and course materials will be disseminated across the NHGRI training network.