COURSE WORK

Educational training in the Michigan program prepares students to face the current and future demands of the rapidly evolving fields of genetic counseling, human genetics and genomics.

Coursework provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the medical, scientific, counseling and ethical aspects of human genetics. Our core curriculum takes full advantage of our affiliation with a basic science department; genetic counseling students receive the same training as the PhD students in the foundations of genetics and have multiple opportunities to learn from and work with faculty involved in cutting edge research in genetics and genomic medicine.

Genetic counseling classroom training covers both applied and theoretical aspects of genetic counseling practice and is taught by experienced clinicians. Classroom teaching is highly interactive and utilizes multimedia approaches that include role-plays with peers and professional actors and supervision groups that are led by both peers and senior genetic counselors. Our small class sizes allow individual attention to each student’s needs and support a nurturing academic environment.

In every semester, students also have the opportunity to consider ethical dimensions of clinical practice and the intersections between the clinical and public faces of genetic counseling and genetics including the translation of research into health care services, policy initiatives and public health genetics.

Lastly, electives provide students with the opportunity to train in a wide variety of complementary disciplines (public health, psychology, social work, and nursing).

REQUIRED COURSES BY SEMESTER

SEMESTER I (fall)

• Gene Structure and Regulation
• Basic Concepts in Population and Statistical Genetics
• Anatomy
• Genetic Counseling: Clinical Skills 1
• Peer Supervision Group
• Reproductive Genetics
• Research Skills
• Student Seminar

SEMESTER II (winter)

• Molecular Basis of Human Genetic Disease
• Medical Embryology
• Genetic Counseling: Clinical Skills 2
• Peer Supervision Group
• Interdisciplinary Care
• Cancer Genetics
• Applied Clinical Genetics
• Clinical Internship
• Research Skills
• Student Seminar
• Elective

SEMESTER III (summer)

* No course work and no tuition. Students complete two seven-week full time rotations.

SEMESTER IV (fall)

• Medical Genetics
• Genetic Counseling: Advanced Counseling Skills
• Peer Supervision Group
• Death, Loss & Grief
• Clinical Internship
• Research
• Student Seminar
• Elective

SEMSTER V (winter)

• Medical Genetics
• Genetic Counseling: Professional Development
• Peer Supervision Group
• Clinical Internship
• Research
• Student Seminar
• Electives

CLINICAL TRAINING

One on one supervision by highly experienced genetic counselors ensures that our students are ready to take on clinical responsibilities with competence and confidence.

Clinical training is an integral part of the Michigan curriculum and is structured to provide students with increasing counseling responsibilities in a variety of genetics and multidisciplinary clinics. With over 20 permanent clinical training sites, our clinical training covers the entire current scope of practice of genetic medicine. In 1941 the first genetics clinic in the world was founded at The University of Michigan. Since that time there has been incredible growth in our clinical genetics programs, which now include nationally respected genetics clinics in pediatrics, adult medicine, cancer, prenatal, neurology, cardiovascular, biochemical, and ophthalmic disciplines. In addition, students can train at a variety of innovative subspecialty clinics that include: neurogenetics, cystic fibrosis, and hereditary hearing loss. Students are also prepared for the expanded mainstream of genetic counseling and genomic medicine with rotations that include clinical laboratories and public health genetics.

Clinical training starts in the first semester and continues throughout the entire program. The opportunity to take on clinical responsibilities early in training enables our students to rapidly develop independence and confidence as clinicians and to gain expertise in multiple clinical settings.

One-on-one clinical mentoring is an essential component of our clinical training and is provided in a wide range of settings. Senior genetic counseling clinical supervisors are an important part of our training model and students have the opportunity to work closely with highly experienced genetic counselors and genetic physicians. In addition, an individualized clinical training plan is developed for each student. Students regularly meet with senior program faculty to evaluate their progress.

Our small class size affords all of our students with multiple opportunities to work in-depth with patients and families with a wide variety of genetic conditions. As a result our students are able to develop a rich clinical logbook that demonstrates comprehensive training.

CLINICAL TRAINING SITES AND SUPERVISORS

RESEARCH

Our research program is driven by the interests of the individual student and takes advantage of the wide variety of genetics initiatives on the University of Michigan campus and within the state of Michigan.

Students have the opportunity to develop an individualized scholarly project in collaboration with a member of our faculty. This research project allows students to develop skills that will enhance their intellectual development and critical thinking skills. Each student’s research project grows out of their own interests and, therefore, each student’s research experience and “lessons learned” are unique.

RECENT GENETIC COUNSELING STUDENT RESEARCH PROJECTS

SUPPLEMENTAL ACTIVITIES

A variety of educational and clinical opportunities are integral to the genetic counselor training program at Michigan. These include:

• Departmental Retreat: In the fall of each year, all faculty and students in the Department of Human Genetics participate in a weekend retreat. This annual event brings together the research and clinical arms of our department and features a variety of events supporting both professional and personal development.


• Laboratory Rotations: In the second year of training, students complete rotations in the cytogenetics and molecular diagnostics laboratories.


• Multicultural Book Club: Each semester, the genetic counseling faculty and students read and discuss books that address issues related to health care and cultural diversity.


• Professional Meetings: Students attend short courses sponsored by the National Society of Genetic Counselors during their first year of training and the annual meetings of the National Society of Genetic Counselors and typically either the American Society of Human Genetics or American College of Medical Genetics during their second year.


• Reproductive Loss Series: This is a monthly series led by an adjunct Clinical Instructor in Psychology and Adjunct Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology and addresses a number of issues related to reproductive loss.


• Teaching Opportunities: Students are afforded a variety of teaching opportunities. These include the active participation of second year students in the Reproductive Genetics class to the first year students, mentoring in the student seminar program and in case conference, and community-based out-reach activities in local school systems.

A variety of lectures, conferences, and seminars by faculty and visiting lecturers occur on a regular basis in the medical center, department of human genetics and affiliated departments.

The following web sites can give you some insights into our campus wide activities:

• http://www.med.umich.edu
• http://www.medicineatmichigan.org/magazine/default.asp
• http://www.med.umich.edu/medschool/enews
• http://www.med.umich.edu/prmc/applause!
• http://www2.med.umich.edu/prmc/bulletin/index.cfm
• http://www.med.umich.edu/insideview/
• http://www.lsi.umich.edu/

FACULTY

EXECUTIVE FACULTY

Beverly M. Yashar, M.S., Ph.D., Program Director obtained her PhD in genetics from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and her MS in genetic counseling from the University of Michigan. She has worked in a wide variety of genetics settings including basic research labs, clinical genetics clinics and a family studies core. Her research interests include the genetics of aging and common complex diseases. She is involved in curriculum development, teaches multiple classes and seminars, oversees student supervision during clinical rotations and directs the research program. Beverly is also a co-editor of the 2nd edition of A Guide to Genetic Counseling and is a current Board Member of the American Board of Genetic Counseling. Phone: (734) 763-2933, email: yashar@umich.edu

Catherine (Katy) Keegan, M.D., Ph.D., Medical Director obtained her M.D. degree and completed her genetics fellowship at the University of Michigan. Dr. Keegan is certified in pediatrics and clinical genetics. Her research interests include the role of telomere maintenance during development, the mechanisms by which telomere dysfunction causes distinct phenotypes in mice and humans, and the mechanisms that lead to birth defects affecting caudal structures in humans. Dr. Keegan teaches in multiple classes taken by our students and supervises students during clinical rotations. Phone: (734) 647-8237, email: keeganc@med.umich.edu

Monica Marvin, M.S., Assistant Program Director obtained her Masters Degree in genetic counseling from the University of Michigan in 1994. Prior to returning to the University of Michigan in 2005, she worked in a variety of clinical settings including prenatal, pediatrics, and adult genetics at New Jersey Medical School and Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids, MI. Monica coordinates clinical rotations, teaches classes, supervises students, and is involved in curriculum development. She is the immediate Past President of the Michigan Association of Genetic Counselors and is the 2011 Chair of the National Society of Genetic Counselors Access and Service Delivery Committee. Phone: (734) 647-7399, email: monicama@umich.edu

Jane Schuette, M.S., Clinical Instructor, graduated from Sarah Lawrence College in 1980 and worked at Mt. Sinai Medical Center and Long Island Jewish Hospital in the New York area before joining the University of Michigan faculty in 1991. Jane is a co-editor of the first and second editions of A Guide to Genetic Counseling, the first textbook on the principles and practice of genetic counseling. Jane teaches Interdisciplinary Care, mentors case conference and supervises students during clinical rotations. Phone: (734) 764-0579, email: janesc@umich.edu

Wendy Uhlmann, M.S., Assistant Professor graduated from the University of Michigan Genetic Counseling Program in 1987 and worked in reproductive genetics at Wayne State University in Detroit before joining the faculty at Michigan in 1993. Wendy is a past president of the National Society of Genetic Counselors, and is active nationally in genetic policy issues as a member of the Secretary's Advisory Committee on Genetic Testing (SACGT) Work Group on Informed Consent and the American Society of Human Genetics Social Issues Committee. Wendy teaches and supervises students during clinical rotations. Wendy is also co-editor of the first and second editions of A Guide to Genetic Counseling. Phone: (734) 763-2532, email: wuhlmann@umich.edu

Carrie Couyoumjian, M.S., Genetic Counselor earned her Masters Degree in Genetic Counseling from Indiana University in 2003. She received her undergraduate degree in biology and a minor in Spanish from Wayne State University. Carrie has been counseling at the University of Michigan since 2003. Her clinical interests include ultrasound imaging and the prenatal diagnosis of genetic syndromes, as well as the cultural differences in patients' response to genetic counseling. Carrie co-teaches in Reproductive Genetics and supervises students in the Perinatal Assessment Center. Phone: (734) 763-7605, email: ccouyoum@umich.edu

AFFILIATED FACULTY

University of Michigan

CURRENT STUDENTS

	Brittany Batte (Class of 2012)
	Walkerton, ON, Canada B.S. McMaster University
	Brittany graduated from McMaster University in Ontario with a B.Sc. in Biology and a minor in Psychology. As part of her undergraduate training she studied a family with 22q11.2 microdeletion and microduplication. Her advocacy work includes volunteering for a Multicultural Council, involving peer education and counseling to help new students integrate into their school community.

	Katya Brossart (Class of 2012)
	Urbana, IL B.S. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
	Katya earned her B.S. in Psychology from the University of Illinois in 2010 as a returning student. While at Illinois, she worked as a research assistant on a longitudinal psychology study of the impact of early relationship experiences. She also volunteered for the Champaign County Mental Health Center crisis hot-line.

	Heidi Dreyfuss (Class of 2012)
	Bloomfield Hills, MI B.S. University of Michigan
	Heidi earned a B.S. in Education from the University of Michigan. Heidi has been an intern for the cancer genetic counselors at William Beaumont Hospital and worked with them on a C.D.C. research project. In addition, Heidi volunteered at a crisis pregnancy center for her advocacy work.

	Lesli Kiedrowski (Class of 2012)
	Madison, WI B.S. University of Wisconsin at Madison
	Lesli received her B.S. in Genetics from the University of Wisconsin in 2009. Since then, Lesli has worked as a cytogenetics laboratory technician and cared for autistic and developmentally delayed children. She also volunteered with a family support services program and was a parent advocate on the Parent Stressline.

	Andrie Klass (Class of 2012)
	Palo Alto, CA B.S. University of Wisconsin at Madison
	Andrie graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 2005 with a B.S. in Horticulture. She research RNA binding proteins in yeast at Stanford University and completed a genetic counseling internship at the University of California - San Fransisco. Additionally, she volunteered as a sexual assault counselor.

	Michelle Kluge (Class of 2012)
	Watertown, MN B.A. Gustavus Adolphus College
	Michelle received her B.A. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Gustavus Adolphus College. She worked as a Collegiate Fellow / Resident Assistant for Gustavus Residential Life and also volunteered at a therapeutic riding center for children and adults.

	Jillian Tietjen (Class of 2011)
	Lansing, Michigan B.A. & B.S. Michigan State University
	Jillian received her B.S. and B.A. in Zoology and International Relations, respectively, from Michigan State University. She interned with the Clinical Cytogenetics Lab at Oakwood Hospital. Additionally, she served as an on-site domestic violence crisis intervention volunteer. She is pursuing a dual degree in the Genetic Counseling Program and the School of Public Health.

Master of Human Genetics (M.S.) with a Specialty in Genetic Counseling/Master of Public Health (M.P.H.)

Purpose: The M.P.H./M.S. dual-degree program provides students with an innovative learning experience that includes academic training, research skill development, and clinical instruction focused on addressing issues that occur at the intersection of the fields of Health Behavior & Health Education and Genetic Counseling. Given that the genetic basis of common disease (e.g., diabetes, heart disease, cancer) has expanded the reach of genetics to include the entire population, there are great opportunities and complex challenges for genetic counseling, medical genetics and public health. Graduates of the M.P.H./M.S. dual-degree program will have a sophisticated understanding of these issues.

The University of Michigan (UM) program is available through the Department of Health Behavior and Health Education (HBHE) in the School of Public Health (SPH) and the Genetic Counseling Program (GCP), Department of Human Genetics (DHG) in the Medical School. It unites the following goals:

This program unites the following goals:

• Promote health, prevent disease, and manage chronic illness.
• Understand the genetic basis of common complex diseases.
• Help individuals and families understand and adapt to the medical, psychological and familial implications of genetic contributions to disease.
• Understand the impact of genetics on health.
• Guide the evolving practice of genomic medicine and public health genomics.

Career Opportunities: The M.P.H./M.S. dual-degree is a novel interdisciplinary training program unique to UM. It is anticipated that graduates of this program will become “cross-trained” leaders in their professions who are able to work as both clinicians and public health professionals in academic, community, and industry settings.

Curriculum: A 3-year course of study provides students with academic, research, and clinical training. Students will have some flexibility in the sequencing of their program, which will be designed in consultation with the program directors. They will typically spend the 1st and 2nd year completing one year of training toward their public health degree and one year toward their genetic counseling degree. In the 3rd year, they combine training in genetic counseling and public health. Students will be able to develop a strong sense of community in both schools. The program includes academic coursework, an individual research project, and practical experience in genetic counseling and public health. Students are required to complete the following course work in each discipline.

Toward the M.P.H. degree:

• A total of 48 credit hours, at least 24 of which need to come from courses within HBHE
• Breadth, Integration, and Capstone requirements in Public Health (BIC) to ensure a broad exposure to public health topics in the areas of (a) biostatistics, (b) epidemiology, (c) health management and policy, and (d) environmental health sciences.
• Three core HBHE courses including HBHE 600: Psychosocial Factors in Health-Related Behavior, HBHE 651: Program Development in Health Education, and a research methods course
• Two public health genetics courses (HMP 517: Issues in Public Health Genetics and HBHE 669: Genetics, Health Behavior, and Health Education).
• Summer field placement (which can be used for a reduction of 3-6 credit hours required for graduation).
• Capstone project.

Toward the M.S. degree

• 46 hours of graduate study coursework with a cumulative grade point average of B (5.0) in all graduate courses applied toward the M.S. degree.
• Six clinical internships.
• Presentation of two student seminars.
• An individualized, genetic counseling research project in collaboration with a faculty member.

The curriculum fulfills degree requirements, as mandated by the accrediting bodies, for genetic counseling (American Board of Genetic Counseling) and public health (Council on Education for Public Health).

Applying: Prospective students interested in the M.P.H./M.S. dual-degree program will be required to meet each school’s entry requirements and standards of admission. Prospective students must apply separately to both the HBHE and GC programs, and be accepted into both in order to enroll in the M.P.H./M.S. dual-degree program. Acceptance in one program does not guarantee acceptance in the other.

Timeline for application (with admission for the Fall term):

• Admission to the M.P.H. is available through SOPHAS, with a deadline of January 15. Check the HBHE application deadline for more details.
• Admission to the GCP is available through Rackham Graduate School, with a deadline of January 15.

Financial Plan: At present, many students in HBHE-SPH receive financial support in the form of quarter, half and full scholarships, and students in GCP-DHG receive limited financial support (including health care coverage for all students and tuition stipends to non-Michigan residents). These forms of support will also be available to M.P.H./M.S.students.

Additional Information: Those wishing additional information on the M.P.H./M.S. dual-degree program should contact the program’s co-directors: Scott Roberts, Ph.D. (Assistant Professor in Health Behavior & Health Education) at jscottr@umich.edu and/or Beverly Yashar, M.S., Ph.D. (Clinical Associate Professor in Human Genetics) at yashar@umich.edu.

FUNDING YOUR EDUCATION

A variety of resources are available to help our students support their educational training at Michigan. Resources include:

More specific fellowships are listed at the Fellowships office of the Rackham Graduate School and the Center for Education for Women. applicants should also consider exploring scholarship directories available at their local libraries and campus career services offices.

To be considered for all possible forms of aid for which you may qualify, a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form must be completed between January 1 and February 15, prior to admission to the program. Contact the Financial Aid Office for more information about the FAFSA application.

Prospective applicants should feel free to contact the Program Director Beverly Yashar or the Assistant Program Director Monica Marvin if they have specific questions.

LIVING IN ANN ARBOR

Ann Arbor is a unique community that offers the vitality and amenities of a much larger city, in part due to the drawing power of the University of Michigan. it is a beautiful city as well, and the name Ann Arbor aptly evokes the city's tree-lined streets and many natural areas.

Ann Arbor, located along the scenic Huron River valley, is a residential town with a permanent population of about 110,000 and a student population which includes approximately 34,550 University of Michigan students. The U-M was established at its Ann Arbor location in 1837 where it has enjoyed a long and rich history. The University possesses dozens of libraries, museums, and learning and computing centers. The U-M Medical Center is one of the largest and most progressive health care facilities in the country. The city and the campus are geographically intertwined with pockets of shops, restaurants, and businesses located between the various campuses. University and community recreational, concert, theater, dance, art, film societies, and seasonal events are plentiful.

Our faculty, staff, and students are quick to praise Ann Arbor and its exceptional array of cultural and educational offerings, sporting events, and inviting spaces for outdoors and fitness activities. Those with families will find a friendly city with good schools, and extensive park system, and a wide variety of family-oriented events.

Parks and outdoors: Many Ann Arbor residents name Gallup Park and the Arboretum - just two of the numerous park areas in the city - as their favorite spots. You can canoe or row on the Huron River, jog along the river in Gallup Park, or join any number of adult recreational leagues, from hockey to soccer.

Sports: It's hard to beat the excitement of Big Ten sports, and odds are, in any given year, at least one University of Michigan team is in the running for a championship. Saturdays in "The Big House" - as the football stadium is known to its many fans - offers great football and many colorful pre and post-game events. Those who follow professional sports have the chance to participate in cheering some of the nation's best teams. Within an hour's drive of Ann Arbor, you can find Michigan's premiere professional sports teams the Tigers, Pistons, Red Wings, and Lions.

Travel to and from Ann Arbor: Ann Arbor is 40 miles west of metropolitan Detroit, and just a 35 minute drive to the Detroit Metropolitan Airport. In addition to having easy access to Detroit, residents can travel to Chicago by train in just under four hours. Trains depart for Toronto from Windsor, just across the river from Detroit.

Arts and culture: Ann Arbor has earned a national reputation for excellence in the performing arts; it also offers an eclectic array of attractions, including film festivals, fine museums, and jazz clubs. As just one example, the University Musical Society brings internationally renowned musicians, dance companies, and theater programs to the historic and beautifully renovated Hill Auditorium. The city also has a great selection of art galleries and smaller concert and theater venues, some associated with the U of M, others with the Ann Arbor Community.

During the summer the city hosts two outstanding arts events: the Ann Arbor Summer Festival presents music, classic movies, and food in an outdoor "top of the park" setting. In July the Ann Arbor Art Fair, which has earned its own national reputation, attracts over 1,000 artists and approximately 500,000 visitors to the city.

Food and ambience: Downtown Ann Arbor sidewalks are lined with cafes for outdoor dining in warm weather, with a great selection of ethnic foods, and restaurants in all price ranges. On any night at any time of the year, you'll find many people downtown, dining, chatting at a coffee house, or browsing through bookstores and art galleries.

Click on the links below to learn more about A^2!

• Ann Arbor Living
• Welcome to Ann Arbor, MI!
• The City of Ann Arbor
• Uniquely Michigan
• ArborWeb
• Michigan Live: Ann Arbor Edition
• Ann Arbor Live!
• Ann Arbor Parks
• Music On Campus
• Summer Festival
• Ann Arbor Art Fair
• University of Michigan Athletics
• A^2 Public Schools