Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 6, 2026

Assessment of Social Interaction Behaviors
Published on: February 26, 2011
Genetics Training in Canadian Psychiatry Residency Programs: a Survey of Residents and Program Directors
1Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Department of Psychiatry, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada. mark.colijn2@ucalgary.ca.
Canadian psychiatry residents receive minimal genetics training, despite its recognized clinical relevance. Enhancing genetics education in residency programs is crucial for future psychiatric practice.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatric Genetics
- Medical Education
Background:
- Genetic testing is increasingly relevant in psychiatry, yet its integration into residency training is understudied.
- Canadian psychiatry residency programs have not been specifically evaluated for genetics curriculum coverage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the extent of genetics training received by Canadian psychiatry residents.
- To explore residents' understanding of and opinions on genetics in psychiatric practice.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional anonymous survey was administered to Canadian psychiatry residents and program directors.
- Data collection occurred between October and November 2024 using Qualtrics.
Main Results:
- All surveyed program directors reported 1-3 hours of genetics teaching per program.
- Most residents lacked experience and confidence in ordering genetic tests.
- Both residents and program directors acknowledged the importance of genetics in psychiatry and the need for training.
Conclusions:
- Genetics education is a neglected area in Canadian psychiatry residency programs.
- A national initiative is recommended to develop and implement genetics curricula for residents.
More Related Videos
10:05Generation of Native Chromatin Immunoprecipitation Sequencing Libraries for Nucleosome Density Analysis
Published on: December 12, 2017
09:34Targeted Next-generation Sequencing and Bioinformatics Pipeline to Evaluate Genetic Determinants of Constitutional Disease
Published on: April 4, 2018
Related Concept Videos
What is Population Genetics?
Genomic Imprinting and Inheritance
The expression of some genes depends on which parent passed the gene to the offspring, through a phenomenon known as...
Incomplete Dominance
Genetic Screens
Forward genetic screens
Forward or “classical” genetic screens involve creating random mutations in an organism’s DNA using radiation, mutagens, or insertion of additional bases, which...
Human Genetics
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
Behavioral Genetics and Its Designs
The primary methodologies used in behavior genetics include family studies, twin studies, and adoption studies, each providing unique...