Clinical Cytogenetics Fellowship

Program Training Director: Jacquelyn Roberson MD, FACMG
Laboratory Training Director: Susan Michalowski, PhD, FACMG
Program Coordinator: Pamala D. Johnson

Direct inquires to: Dr. Roberson 1-800-999-4340 (toll free) extension 163188
Out of state: 1-800-434-8834

The Department of Medical Genetics offers 2 positions annually for our 2-year Clinical Cytogenetics Fellowship Program supported by Henry Ford Health, one of the largest and most respected integrated health care delivery systems in the country. Our fellows utilize the latest technology and train from a highly skilled clinical staff at Henry Ford Hospital, a nationally renowned specialty care, teaching and research institution that is the flagship of Henry Ford Health.

Fellows benefit from being exposed to a wide spectrum and large quantity of patients, as our hospital serves the metropolitan population of Detroit as well as the surrounding suburbs. This provides an exceptional environment for learning because of the multiple populations we serve and the breadth of experience they provide.

The Cytogenetics Fellowship Program at Henry Ford instills the basic knowledge, technical and interpretive skills required for directing a clinical cytogenetics laboratory. Our training objectives are to develop the following general proficiencies; cytogenetic laboratory methods, G-banding analysis through the microscope, problem solving for both technical issues and cytogenetic analysis, interpretation of cytogenetic results; and communication of all of these to other geneticists, other clinicians, and to patients and their families.

Graduates of our program are competent consultants in the management of patients and families referred for chromosomal testing, including those with constitutional or acquired cytogenetic abnormalities. Candidates are eligible if they have graduated from an accredited medical school or have a Ph.D. in genetics, human genetics or a related specialty as determined by the American Board of Medical Genetics. Fellows are also required to take two semesters of genetics classes at a participating University during their fellowship.

We offer a wealth of clinical experience including didactic sessions and participation in the general genetics, prenatal and specialty genetics clinics. Laboratory experience includes blood and bone marrow cytogenetics, prenatal diagnosis, and long-term tissue culture cytogenetics, including cancer cytogenetics. Methods include classical and molecular cytogenetics.

A systematic research project with strong clinical emphasis is required. The Cytogenetics Laboratory currently processes approximately 600 amniotic fluid and chorion villus samples for prenatal diagnosis annually. It also processes approximately 3,000 peripheral bloods, bone marrow, solid tumor and other specimens.

One of the greatest strengths of our program is our staff's commitment to excellence. Each staff member works solely in medical genetics, providing our trainees with a team of focused and experienced health care professionals from whom to learn. Our staff includes 6 ABMG certified geneticists: two Pediatric Geneticists (one also board certified in Clinical Biochemical Genetics), an Obstetrical Reproductive Geneticist, an Internal Medicine Geneticist, a Clinical Molecular Geneticist (who is also board certified in PhD Medical Genetics) and a Clinical Cytogeneticist (who is also board certified in Clinical Molecular Genetics). In addition, we have several certified genetic counselors and genetic nurse associates in the Department. Our staff is committed to ensuring that our graduates have an exceptional, well-rounded training experience.

Learning from some of the most talented and committed physicians in all of health care ensures that graduates of our program become exceptional, well-rounded physicians.

In short, fellowship training at Henry Ford allows you to learn from some of the very best minds in medicine.