A Local Community Outreach Educational Program on Genetic Testing: A Pilot Study

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Education
• Genetics Outreach
• Science Communication

Background:

• Genetic testing education is crucial for public understanding.
• Community engagement programs can enhance science literacy.
• Bridging the gap between medical schools and local communities is vital.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and implement a pilot educational program on genetic testing.
• To utilize a public engagement approach through a junior-high school outreach program.
• To train medical students as instructors for genetic testing education.

Main Methods:

• Seven medical students received 2 weeks of training on genetic testing basics and laboratory procedures.
• A one-day course for junior-high students included lectures and hands-on experiments.
• The UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 1A1 gene (UGT1A1) variation was the selected teaching topic, using a leukemia cell line for DNA analysis.

Main Results:

• Medical students successfully completed their training.
• Students effectively taught polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction enzyme experiments.
• Junior-high students were educated on the principles and implications of genetic testing results.

Conclusions:

• A pilot educational program on genetic testing was successfully developed and implemented.
• The community outreach model proved effective for genetic testing education.
• The program demonstrated a successful collaboration between a medical school and a local junior-high school.