Out-of-school genomics program for young women demystifies genomics and fosters interest in biomedical sciences

Pharmacogenomics (PGx) plays a critical role in personalized medicine; however, most healthcare practitioners lack the training and confidence in PGx required to fully utilize its potential. Although continuing education and inclusion of PGx into the professional curricula will begin to address this deficiency, PGx education at the secondary and postsecondary levels would demystify PGx and pique interest at an academic stage that is key to funneling PGx curious students into the science and healthcare pipeline earlier.

This article describes the development and evaluation of a genomics outreach program targeted at young women in high school with the ultimate goal of recruiting students into an undergraduate PGx program and school of pharmacy.

This program increased participants' genomics knowledge, influenced their careers interests, and imparted positive feelings towards a genomics-based and/or biomedical career.

Genomics-based educational outreach programs geared towards secondary school students can increase interest in and confidence to pursue a PGx-centric degree/career. Original submitted 3 July 2013; Revision submitted 6 January 2014.