By Colleen A. Campbell, PhD, MS, LGC
The Iowa Institute of Human Genetics (IIHG) is hosting several education outreach opportunities for students, recent graduates, and teachers wishing to learn more about careers in human genetics.
Careers in Human Genetics Information Day
http://www.medicine.uiowa.edu/humangenetics/careerday/
A full day event to expose students and educators interested in human genetics to the variety of careers necessary to deliver personalized medicine. Speakers will give 20-to-30-minute presentations over their education, training and descriptions of daily activities. Lunch is always provided; during lunch, a panel of experts will talk about the highs and lows of their career development.
IIHG Summer Internship in Genetic Counseling
https://medicine.uiowa.edu/humangenetics/education/undergraduate-education/internship-genetic-counselingIf This eight-week summer internship is designed to provide individuals wishing to pursue a career in genetic counseling hands-on experience. Prior human genetics experience is not required however applicants should have successfully completed undergraduate genetic coursework prior to the internship start date. Anyone interested in pursuing a career in genetic counseling is welcome to apply and is especially beneficial for students with limited access to human genetics opportunities at their home institution. Please note this is a competitive internship, therefore preference will be given to upper-level undergraduate students and recent college graduates.
IIHG Summer Internship in Bioinformatics
This 8-week summer internship is an excellent opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience in informatics. Individuals who have experience with computer science and biology and are interested in pursuing a career in informatics are encouraged to apply. Interns will work under the direction of a faculty member at the University of Iowa.
Topics in Genetic Counseling Webinar Series
The purpose of this series is to provide students with exposure to hot topics in the field and to assist in preparing you for a successful career in genetic counseling. Hosted over 8-weeks in the summer, this series is split into two parts. Part I consists of several pre-recorded lectures that cover many specialties in genetic counseling as well as some information sessions. Part II consists of webinar meetings for more discussion-based topics such as direct-to-consumer genetic testing. Participants are expected to engage in discussions during each session. Part II webinars are offered live in real time only – recordings are not made available.
The Future of Personalized Genomic Medicine: Applying to Genetic Counseling Graduate Programs
Spend an afternoon with genetic counselors from the State of Iowa! During this information session, a panel of genetic counselors will speak about their experience applying to genetic counseling graduate programs as well as their daily activities and role in personalized genomic medicine. After the panel discussion, you will participate in small breakout sessions to speak with the panelists in a small group setting. This opportunity is a great way for students to discuss the graduate school application process, job growth and ask questions in a small group setting.
Colleen A. Campbell, Associate Professor of Internal Medicine at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, is the President-Elect of the National Society of Genetic Counselors, a licensed Certified Genetic Counselor, and Assistant Director of the Iowa Institute of Human Genetics.
