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

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, instruction of classes and seminars and student supervision in clinical rotations. Phone: (734) 763-2933, email: yashar@umich.edu

Elizabeth Petty, M.D., Medical Director, obtained her M.D. degree from the University of Wisconsin and completed her genetics fellowship at Yale University. Dr. Petty is certified in pediatrics, molecular genetics and clinical genetics. Her research interests include the identification of genes regulating cell division and malignant progression. She teaches and supervises students during clinical rotations. Phone: (734) 763-2532, email: epetty@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 currently the President of the Michigan Association of Genetic Counselors. 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, Wendy Uhlmann and Diane Baker (past director of the Michigan genetic counseling program) are co-editors of the book “A Guide to Genetic Counseling." Jane teaches Interdisciplinary Care, mentors case conferences and supervises students during clinical rotations. Phone: (734) 764-0579, email: janesc@umich.edu

Wendy Uhlmann, M.S., Clinical Instructor, graduated from the University of Michigan Genetic Counseling Program in 1987 and worked in reproductive genetics at Wayne State University 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). Wendy teaches and supervises students during clinical rotations. (734) 763-2532, email: wuhlmann@umich.edu

AFFILIATED FACULTY

University of Michigan

CURRENT STUDENTS

	Barbara Bentley (Class of 2011)
	Ann Arbor, Michigan B.S. University of Michigan
	Barbara Bentley graduated from the University of Michigan with a B.S. in Neuroscience. Her advocacy work includes volunteering through the Muscular Dystrophy Association and Art from the Heart, a program designed to help children grieve the loss of a loved one.

	Anna Cisler (Class of 2010)
	Madison, Wisconsin B.S. University of Wisconsin
	Anna graduated from the University of Wisconsin. Prior to graduate school, Anna worked as a molecular genetics research assistant and served as a crisis counselor for teens and their families. Anna has also written a children's book to help young children understand and come to terms with pregnancy losses. Anna is traveling to Wisconsin to complete a pediatric rotation at the Marshfield Institute this summer.

	Gina Cowling (Class of 2011)
	Innerkip, ON, Canada B.S. Queen's University
	Gina earned her B.S. in Biology from Queen's University in Ontario. Prior to entering the program, she was a peer educator of a health outreach program for Northern and Aboriginal communities and volunteered with a sexual assault crisis hotline.

	Diana Dlugash (Class of 2011)
	Larchmont, New York B.A. University of Pennsylvania
	Diana obtained her B.A. in Political Science from the University of Pennsylvania in 2004. Before pursuing genetics, she worked at several accounting and investment firms. Diana also volunteered with a program that helps people with emotional blocks obtain employment.

	Brittney Dye (Class of 2010)
	Springfield, Ohio B.S. Wittenberg University
	Brittney received her B.S. in Biology from Wittenburg University. Prior to entering graduate school, Brittney worked as a genetic counseling intern/research student at the Cleveland Clinic. Brittney has been an active volunteer with the American Cancer Society and Project Jericho. Brittney will complete off-site cancer genetics rotations with leaders in the field at Ohio State University.

	Michelle Finlon (Class of 2010)
	Decorah, Iowa B.S. Luther College
	Michelle is a graduate from Luther College in Iowa and is originally from Minnesota. In preparation for graduate school, Michelle completed a cancer genetic counseling internship at Hubert H. Humphrey Cancer Center and served as a crisis line counselor at Cornerstone Advocacy Society.

	Rebecca Frysinger (Class of 2011)
	Lansing, Michigan B.S. Michigan State University
	Rebecca received her B.S. in Biology from Michigan State University in 2007. Since then, Rebecca has worked with the Michigan Department of Community Health and in a behavioral neuroscience lab at MSU. She also volunteered at a crisis hotline.

	Alicia Giordimaina (Class of 2010)
	Ann Arbor, Michigan B.S. University of Michigan
	Alicia is a graduate from the University of Michigan, where she earned her B.S. in Cellular and Molecular Biology and Linguistics. She continues to work in Sally Camper's lab here at the U of M, where she is studying cochlear mutations. Alicia also served as a volunteer at the Safe House Center for domestic abuse. Alicia will be traveling to Virginia to complete prenatal rotations at the University of Virginia.

	Darcy Huisman (Class of 2011)
	Ames, Iowa B.S. University of Iowa-Science & Technology
	Darcy graduated from Iowa State University with a B.S. in Biology. She was a research assistant in several labs including those studying Parkinson's Disease and maize genetics. Additionally, she volunteered through a domestic violence crisis line.

	Maureen Mork (Class of 2010)
	Columbus, Ohio B.S. Ohio State University
	Maureen received her B.S. and B.A. in Biology and French, respectively, from Ohio State University. While at OSU, Maureen worked as a genetic counseling intern in Cancer Genetics. She also worked as an HIV Test Counselor at the Student Wellness Center. Maureen will be traveling to Utah to complete an off-site cancer genetics rotation at the Huntsman Cancer Institute.

	Jessica Ordonez (Class of 2011)
	Canton, Michigan B.S. University of Michigan
	Jessica earned her B.S. in Molecular Biology from the University of Michigan. She worked as a crisis counselor at a community center serving the homeless population. Fluent in Spanish, Jessica conducted research in Chile. She also completed an internship through the Michigan Genetic Counseling Program.

	Kailey Owens (Class of 2010)
	Ann Arbor, Michigan B.S. University of Michigan
	Kailey received her B.S. in Cellular and Molecular Biology and Psychology in 2007 from the University of Michigan. She continues to work as a laboratory technician at the U of M in Jeff Innis' lab. Kailey's advocacy experience includes work as a counselor at Ann Arbor's Ozone House. Kailey will also be traveling to Virginia to complete a prenatal rotation at the Riverside Medical Center.

	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.

	Barry Tong (Class of 2010)
	American Canyon, California B.S. Johns Hopkins University
	Barry received his B.A. in Natural Sciences from Johns Hopkins University. Barry's advocacy experience includes working as a Teen Hotline Counselor. He is currently a dual degree student in the Genetic Counseling Program and School of Public Health. Barry is traveling to California where he will complete an internship with the California Department of Public Health and also spend time with genetic counselors working with Cantonese speaking patients

DUAL DEGREE PROGRAMS

Starting in 2009, interested students may pursue a course of study leading to an MS in Genetic Counseling and an MPH in Public Health (Health Behavior and Health Education). This innovative training program will allow students to address emerging health care issues at the intersection of clinical and public health genetics. This training will require a 3-year course of study and interested students will need to apply to and be accepted by graduate programs in both schools.

If you are interested in learning more about this educational program, please contact the Program Directors for additional information: Beverly Yashar (yashar@umich.edu- 734.763.2933) in the Genetic Counseling Program or Scott Roberts (jscottr@umich.edu - 734.936.9854) in the School of Public Health.

In addition students may take advantage of the wide variety of academic programs on our campus and pursue additional academic interdisciplinary programs via a student initiated dual degree program. This will allow students to pursue a MS in Genetic Counseling and a second graduate degree in the student’s additional field of interest. Please speak directly with the Program Director if this is of interest to you.

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