Course Description

Increasing awareness of the role of genetics in laboratory testing has made molecular diagnostic pathology one of the fastest growing fields in pathology during the past two decades. The objective of an "introductory" molecular genetic course is to present the basic principles of medical genetics and their application to laboratory medicine. The intent of this course is to provide pathologists with a foundation in medical/laboratory genetics to include nomenclature, available techniques (in particular, specimen requirements, turn-around-times, and diagnostic/prognostic utility), and laboratory management/quality assurance. Furthermore, certain cases (diseases) will be presented to illustrate multiple aspects of medical genetics and serve as useful paradigms. Specific areas will be highlighted in which major advances can be expected and to which the basic principles learned can be applied. In summary, the goals of this course are to present basic genetic principles that allow one to keep up with rapid progress in the laboratory and the applications of genetics in clinical medicine. A CD-ROM of course materials will be distributed with the syllabus at the course.

AGENDA

Basic Principles and Applications of Cytogenetic Analysis - Julia A. Bridge, M.D., University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE

Introduction to Proteomics - Thomas J. Giordano, M.D., Ph.D., University of Michigan Health Systems, Ann Arbor, MI

Laboratory Management and Quality Assurance Issues for Molecular Diagnostic Testing - Wayne W. Grody, M.D., Ph.D., UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA

Molecular Cytogenetic Techniques; FISH, CGH and SKY - Robert B. Jenkins, M.D., Ph.D., Mayo Clinic, Rochester, NY

Genetic Rearrangements as Markers for Molecular Diagnosis; Introduction to Proteomics - Marc Ladanyi, M.D., Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY

Microarray Analyses - Potential Applications for Pathology - Deborah Schofield, M.D., University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA

Molecular Options for Infectious Disease Testing: What? When? Why? And Where? - Margie A. Scott, M.D., University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, Little Rock, AR

Human Identification Using Molecular Methods - James Wisecarver, M.D., Ph.D., University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE