A structured genetics rotation for pediatric residents: an important educational opportunity

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Medicine
• Clinical Genetics

Background:

• Genetics plays a crucial role in health and disease.
• Pediatricians need to integrate genetic principles into patient care.
• Residency training can enhance genetic knowledge for future pediatricians.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of a structured clinical genetics rotation on pediatric interns.
• To evaluate the improvement in clinical genetics knowledge and skills among residents.

Main Methods:

• A one-week immersive clinical genetics rotation was offered to pediatric interns.
• Pre- and post-tests measured knowledge gain.
• Interns participated in a scavenger hunt for genetic resources and completed a patient logbook.
• Rotation evaluations were collected.

Main Results:

• 50 interns participated since July 2016.
• Average pretest score (2.5/5) significantly improved to post-test score (4.3/5) (p < 0.0001).
• Interns saw an average of 10 patients with 4 different diagnoses and rated the rotation 4.4/5.

Conclusions:

• A structured genetics rotation effectively enhances pediatric interns' basic clinical genetics knowledge and skills.
• This rotation provides exposure to patients and conditions not typically encountered during residency.
• Such training better equips pediatricians to address the growing importance of genetics in healthcare.