The combined Pediatrics/Medical Genetics track is intended to train physicians who are interested in the spectrum of genetic illnesses, with a special focus on those diseases that affect the pediatric population. This 5-year program is co-administered by the Departments of Genetics and Pediatrics, and upon completion trainees are board-eligible in both Pediatrics and Medical Genetics. Graduates will have many career options. In their clinical practice they can serve as pediatric geneticists, providing general care for patients with a variety genetic conditions.  They may pursue  additional subspecialty training in a medical fellowship (e.g., pediatric cardiology) or laboratory fellowship (e.g., cytogenetics). This path is also ideal for candidates interested in academic careers, who want to undertake research in genetic diseases, including birth defects, developmental disorders, and clinical epidemiology.

The combined Pediatrics/Medical Genetics track offers the opportunity to explore a brand new field in an era of novel gene discoveries and genomic medicine. This track is designed to train pioneers in basic, translational or clinical research, eager to bring this new technology to the practice of pediatrics. This program is flexible, and can be oriented towards the resident’s goals, with significant training in general pediatrics and medical genetics activities, electives, clinical laboratory experiences, and a full year of research that can be complemented with a sixth year in a researcher’s lab. Clinical activities are extensive and exceptional faculty is available in both the pediatrics and medical genetics departments. Due to the flexibility and novelty of the program, the ideal candidate has to be very enthusiastic, responsible and goal-oriented. This is a five year program and commitment to the above-mentioned goals is a must. Graduates from this program will be highly sought after in academic settings, and will also have a unique clinical background that will be a plus in both private and academic environments.

 

We only accept applications via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS).  To apply for the Pediatrics/Medical Genetics Combined Program, you need to apply first for the UAB Pediatric Residency Training Program.  Once you are contacted for interview, it is important to let the coordinator know that you are applying for the Pediatrics/Medical Genetics Combined Program.

1. The resident is board eligible for Pediatrics at the conclusion of year 4, and for clinical genetics at the conclusion of year 5.
2. There are 4 weeks of vacation in each year. In years 2-4 vacation is taken equally between genetics and pediatrics time.
3. During pediatric rotations the resident will have ½ day per month genetics follow up clinic as well as a ½ day per week pediatric continuity clinic; during genetics months the resident will have 2 ½ day per months of pediatric continuity clinic in addition to ½ day per month genetics follow-up clinic. There is no continuity pediatric clinic in year 5 (genetic research year).