Percepción estudiantil del proceso enseñanza-aprendizaje de la Genética Médica en una facultad de medicina / Student Perception about the Teaching-Learning Process of Medical Genetics at a Medical School

Introducción: El colectivo de profesores de la Facultad de Ciencias Médicas Manuel Fajardo trazó una estrategia de perfeccionamiento del proceso docente educativo para el curso 2022-2023. Se trabajó en las esencialidades de la asignatura Genética Médica, caracterizada por el desarrollo de métodos activos de enseñanza y un entorno virtual de aprendizaje, y el uso de un libro de texto de la autoría de uno de los profesores del colectivo de asignatura. Objetivo: Explorar la percepción estudiantil del proceso enseñanza aprendizaje de la Genética Médica en la Facultad de Medicina Manuel Fajardo durante el curso académico 2022-2023. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo transversal. Se aplicó un cuestionario, cuyo contenido previamente se validó a través del Coeficiente V de Aikem a 115 estudiantes del segundo año de la carrera de medicina, que ofrecieron su consentimiento informado. Se caracterizaron 13 variables. Resultados: Los mayores porcentajes de satisfacción se agruparon en el nivel de conocimientos impartidos (100 por ciento), la utilización de los medios audio visuales (94,7 por ciento), y la personalización de las consultas docentes (94,6 por ciento). Los mayores porcentajes de insatisfacción estudiantil estuvieron relacionados con la dinámica grupal en la integración del conocimiento (30,1 por ciento), los métodos de evaluación (27,0 por ciento) y utilización de casos clínicos para el aprendizaje (27,0 por ciento). Conclusiones: Existe una buena percepción estudiantil del proceso docente de la asignatura Genética Médica en la Facultad de Medicina Manuel Fajardo durante el curso académico 2022-2023 influido, entre otros factores, por la utilidad práctica del contenido recibido y por el desarrollo de las consultas docentes personalizadas(AU)

Introduction: The faculty of Facultad de Ciencias Médicas Manuel Fajardo outlined a strategy for improving the educational teaching process for the 2022-2023 academic year. Work was done on the essentials of the subject Medical Genetics, characterized by the development of active teaching methods and a virtual learning environment, as well as by the use of a textbook authored by one of the professors of the subject faculty. Objective: To explore the student perception about the teaching-learning process of Medical Genetics at Facultad de Ciencias Médicas Manuel Fajardo during the 2022-2023 academic year. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive observational study was carried out. A questionnaire, whose content was previously validated through Aikem's V Coefficient, was applied to 115 second-year medical students, who offered their informed consent. Thirteen variables were characterized. Results: The highest percentages of satisfaction were grouped in the level of imparted knowledge (100 percent), the use of audiovisual media (94.7 percent), and the personalization of teaching consultations (94.6 percent). The highest percentages of student dissatisfaction were related to group dynamics in knowledge integration (30.1 percent), the evaluation methods (27.0 percent), and the use of clinical cases for learning (27.0 percent). Conclusions: There is good student perception about the teaching process of the subject Medical Genetics at Facultad de Medicina Manuel Fajardo during the 2022-2023 academic year due to the influence of, among other factors, the practical usefulness of the received content and the development of personalized teaching consultations(AU)

Análisis crítico del programa de la asignatura Genética Médica de la disciplina Investigaciones Diagnósticas / A Critical Analysis of the Syllabus for the Subject Medical Genetics of the Discipline Diagnostic Research

Introducción: El programa de estudio es una formulación hipotética de los aprendizajes que se pretenden lograr en el educando. Constituye una herramienta fundamental de trabajo docente. Objetivo: Exponer un análisis crítico del programa de estudio de la asignatura Genética Médica en la carrera de medicina, a partir de lo normado en el reglamento vigente para el trabajo docente-metodológico. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica para desarrollar un análisis crítico del programa de la asignatura genética médica, en la que se consideraron artículos publicados entre 2012 y 2022. La búsqueda fue realizada en Google académico, Dialnet, SciELO y Redalyc en septiembre de 2022. Las palabras clave utilizadas fueron: programas, genética, asignatura, disciplina y proceso docente-educativo. Dentro de este marco se incluyeron todos los artículos cubanos publicados; no hubo restricción en cuanto al idioma. Se consultaron 50 artículos, de estos 11 fueron seleccionados. Se excluyeron aquellos no relacionados con la educación médica superior. Resultados: Se orientó metodológicamente la inclusión de aspectos encaminados a la promoción de salud; fomentar las habilidades comunicativas; reformular los objetivos, incluyendo en su estructura los elementos esenciales; realizar un cambio en el orden de impartir el contenido, con modificaciones, además, en el nivel de profundidad y con aporte de un enfoque preventive; y declarar adecuadamente los valores, la rectificación de la cantidad de horas del fondo de tiempo y la actualización de la bibliografía. Conclusiones: Las insuficiencias encontradas en el análisis efectuado identificaron las áreas vulnerables hacia donde deben dirigirse las principales acciones encaminadas a aumentar la calidad del proceso docente educativo y reflejaron la necesidad de su reevaluación(AU)

Introduction: The syllabus is a hypothetical formulation of the learning aspects intended to be achieved in the student. It is a fundamental tool for teaching. Objective: To present a critical analysis of the syllabus for subject Medical Genetics in the medical major, based on the current regulations for the teaching-methodological work. Methods: A literature review was carried out to develop a critical analysis of the syllabus of the subject Medical Genetics, considering articles published between 2012 and 2022. The search was performed in Google Scholar, Dialnet, SciELO and Redalyc in September 2022. The keywords used were programas [syllabuses], genética [genetics], asignatura [subject], disciplina [discipline] and proceso docente-educativo [teaching-educational process]. This framework included all published Cuban articles; there were not any language-related restrictions. Fifty articles were consulted, 11 of which were selected. Those not related to higher medical education were excluded. Results: The methodological orientation was to include aspects aimed at health promotion, to encourage communicative skills, to reformulate the objectives (including the essential elements in their structure), to make a change in the order of teaching (with modifications also in the level of depth and contributing with a preventive approach), as well as to state the values adequately, to rectify the number of hours within the available time fund, to update the bibliography. Conclusions: The insufficiencies found through the performed analysis permitted to identify the vulnerable areas towards the main actions should be directed if aimed at increasing the quality of the educational teaching process, apart from reflecting their need to be reassessed(AU)

Estrategia para la enseñanza de la Bioestadística en investigaciones científicas de la maestría en genética médica / Estrategia para la enseñanza de la Bioestadística en investigaciones científicas de la maestría en genética médica

Introducción: La bioestadística en las investigaciones científicas constituye el curso ocho de la maestría de genética médica. La experiencia empírica alcanzada demuestra que los cursistas no logran las competencias y habilidades necesarias para adquirir soberanía estadística y enfrentar los desafíos investigativos de la especialidad. Objetivo: Exponer la efectividad de una estrategia didáctica basada en métodos activos para la enseñanza de la Bioestadística en las investigaciones científicas en la maestría de genética médica en la edición del período lectivo 2022-2023. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio cuasiexperimental de estrategia longitudinal de mediciones antes-después. Se aplicó un cuestionario validado por un comité de expertos a 19 maestrandos que consintieron en participar en la investigación. La estrategia docente se basó en la enseñanza por proyectos, y aplicó un paquete estadístico, cuyo programa analítico se contextualizó a los intereses y móviles profesionales. Resultados: El 52,6 por ciento de los maestrandos emplearon los métodos estadísticos; el 57,9 por ciento, las estadísticas descriptivas; y una minoría (21,1 por ciento), la estadística inferencial. El 26,3 por ciento de los casos utilizaron un paquete estadístico y un porcentaje aún más bajo (15,8 por ciento) poseyó autonomía en los análisis estadísticos. Al inicio del curso predominó en la totalidad de los ítems el nivel bajo de conocimientos; y, después de la intervención, el nivel alto y moderado. Conclusiones: Se demostró la efectividad de la estrategia didáctica empleada para la enseñanza de la Bioestadística en las investigaciones científicas en la maestría de genética médica en la edición desarrollada durante el curso 2022-2023(AU)

Introduction: Biostatistics in scientific research is course number eight within the master's degree program in medical genetics. The current empirical experience shows that the students do not achieve the necessary competences and skills to acquire statistical sovereignty or face the research challenges of the specialty. Objective: To expose the effectiveness of a didactic strategy based on active methods for teaching biostatistics in scientific research within the master's degree program in medical genetics during the 2022-2023 academic year. Methods: A quasiexperimental study with a longitudinal strategy of before-after measurements was carried out. A questionnaire validated by an expert committee was applied to nineteen master's degree students who consented to participate in the research. The teaching strategy used a project-based dynamics and applied a statistical package, whose analytical program was contextualized according to professional interests and motivations. Results: 52.6 percent of the students used statistical methods, 57.9 percent used descriptive statistics, and a minority (21.1 percent) used inferential statistics. A statistical package was used in 26.3 percent of the cases and an even lower percentage (15.8 percent ) had some statistical analysis autonomy. At the beginning of the course, the low level of knowledge predominated for all items; after the intervention, the high and moderate levels predominated. Conclusions: This research showed the effectiveness of the didactic strategy used for the teaching of biostatistics in scientific research as part of the master's degree program in medical genetics for the edition developed during the 2022-2023 academic year (AU)

Entorno virtual de aprendizaje de Genética Médica en tiempos de la COVID-19 en la Facultad de medicina Finlay-Albarrán / Environment of Medical Genetics Learning during the Time of COVID-19 at the Finlay-Albarrán Faculty of Medicine

Introducción: el entorno virtual de aprendizaje como modalidad de educación a distancia, se ha convertido en una necesidad para las universidades pues aprovecha los avances de las tecnologías de la informática y las comunicaciones para garantizar un aprendizaje dinámico, en el cual el estudiante es un ente activo. Ante la contingencia epidemiológica de la COVID-19, cobra gran importancia para garantizar la continuidad del proceso docente. Objetivo: relatar la experiencia del entorno virtual de aprendizaje en la asignatura Genética médica, para estudiantes del cuarto semestre de la carrera de Medicina de la Facultad Finlay-Albarrán, durante el período de enfrentamiento a la pandemia de la COVID-19. Material y Métodos: se aplicó un diseño de paradigma cualitativo, del nivel investigativo exploratorio, en el que se realiza un estudio de caso. Resultados: en la primera etapa se utilizó la modalidad del aprendizaje mixto, previa creación del entorno virtual de aprendizaje en la plataforma Moodle. En ella se aplicaron la mayoría de sus herramientas informáticas como el foro de discusión, el chat, el examen tipo test, entre otros. En la segunda etapa, se aplicó la modalidad e-learning y se creó un grupo WhatsApp para darle continuidad al proceso. En la tercera etapa se re-estableció la modalidad presencial, haciendo énfasis en la integración de los conocimientos desde la perspectiva del tema 8. Conclusión: la educación a distancia virtual, garantizó la continuidad del proceso docente de la asignatura Genética médica durante el periodo de emergencia epidemiológica por la COVID-19(AU)

Introduction: the virtual learning environment as a distance education modality has become a necessity for universities, which takes advantage of advances in information technology and communications to guarantee dynamic learning, in which the student is an active entity. Given the epidemiological contingency of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is of great importance to guarantee the continuity of the teaching process. Objective: to report the experience of the virtual learning environment in the subject of Medical Genetics for the fourth semester students of the Medicine career at the Finlay-Albarrán Faculty that was developed during the period of confrontation with the COVID-19 pandemic. Material and Methods: a qualitative paradigm design of the exploratory research level was applied, in which a case study is carried out. Results: in the first stage, the blended learning modality was used, after creating the virtual learning environment on the Moodle platform; most of its computer tools were applied, such as the discussion forum, the chat, multiple choice exam, among others. In the second stage, the e-learning modality was applied and a WhatsApp group was created to give continuity to the process. In the third stage, the face-to-face modality was re-established, emphasizing the integration of knowledge from the perspective of topic 8. Conclusion: virtual distance education guaranteed the continuity of the teaching process of the subject of medical genetics during the period epidemiological emergency of COVID-19(AU)

Procedimiento de autoevaluación de la calidad del pregrado de Genética Médica / A quality self-evaluation procedure for undergraduate of Medical Genetics

RESUMEN Fundamento: Las universidades inciden directamente en el desarrollo socioeconómico de las naciones. Para cumplir este reto, necesitan gestionar su calidad, y así apoyar a la formación de profesionales competentes, que se adapten a los dinámicos entornos laborales. Objetivo: Implementar un procedimiento de autoevaluación de la calidad del proceso docente-educativo, en el pregrado de Genética Médica, para contribuir a la mejora de su desempeño. Metodología: Se realizó una investigación descriptiva, en la asignatura Genética Médica, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas "Salvador Allende", curso 2018-2019. Se utilizaron métodos teóricos, el histórico-lógico y el inductivo-deductivo. Se empleó la observación, la revisión de documentos, las encuestas, las entrevistas y la tormenta de ideas. Se propuso un procedimiento estructurado en las etapas del ciclo de Deming. Resultados: Se diagnosticó el desempeño del proceso, obteniéndose un 63 % de cumplimiento. Se ejecutó un análisis causa-efecto. Se confeccionó un programa de mejora de la calidad. Conclusiones: Se diseñó un procedimiento para autoevaluar la calidad del pregrado de Genética Médica; su aplicación posibilitó la elaboración de un programa, con acciones encaminadas a mitigar las causas de los problemas analizados, y así coadyuvar a la mejora del desempeño del proceso.

ABSTRACT Background: Universities directly influence on the socioeconomic development of nations. To reach this goal, they need to manage their quality, thus support the training of competent professionals, who adapt to dynamic work environments. Objective: To implement a quality self-assessment program of the educational teaching process, in the undergraduate of Medical Genetics, to contribute to their performance´s improvement. Methodology: A descriptive investigation was conducted in the Medical Genetics subject, at the Faculty of Medical Sciences "Salvador Allende", 2018-2019 academic course. Theoretical, logical historical and inductive deductive methods were used. Observation, document review, surveys, interviews, and brainstorming were also used. A structured program was suggested in the stages of the Deming cycle. Results: The process´s performance was diagnosed, obtaining 63 % compliance. A cause-effect analysis was done. A quality improvement program was developed. Conclusions: A quality self-assessment program was designed in the undergraduate degree in Medical Genetics; Its application made possible the development of some actions aimed at mitigating the causes of the considered problems, thus contributing to the improvement of the process´s performance.

Genetic education and practice considerations of non-genetic providers.

Germline testing for inherited prostate cancer is revolutionizing prostate cancer treatment for advanced and metastatic disease and is beginning to inform management for early-stage disease as well as prostate cancer screening discussions. Increasingly, non-genetic providers are performing genetic testing in their practices, necessitating focused efforts to address genetic education and working knowledge of genetic testing for responsible delivery of testing to men with or at risk for prostate cancer.

Cancer genetics program: Follow-up on clinical genetics and genomic medicine in Qatar.

This article presents an overview of the cancer genetics program in Qatar. In addition to summarizing clinical, research, educational, and other aspects, data related to testing outcomes (over the course of approximately 5.5 years) are presented.

Genetics and Genomics in Oncology Nursing: What Does Every Nurse Need to Know?

In addition to the need for basic education about genetics/genomics, other approaches are suggested to include awareness campaigns, continuing education courses, policy review, and onsite clinical development. These alternative learning strategies encourage oncology nurses across the continuum of care, from the bedside/seatside to oncology nurse research, to integrate genomics into all levels of practice and research in the specialty of oncology nursing. All nurses are warriors in the fight against cancer. The goal of this article is to identify genomic information that oncology nurses, at all levels of care, need to know and use as tools in the war against cancer.

Supporting genetics in primary care: investigating how theory can inform professional education.

Evidence indicates that many barriers exist to the integration of genetic case finding into primary care. We conducted an exploratory study of the determinants of three specific behaviours related to using breast cancer genetics referral guidelines effectively: 'taking a family history', 'making a risk assessment', and 'making a referral decision'. We developed vignettes of primary care consultations with hypothetical patients, representing a wide range of genetic risk for which different referral decisions would be appropriate. We used the Theory of Planned Behavior to develop a survey instrument to capture data on behavioural intention and its predictors (attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioural control) for each of the three behaviours and mailed it to a sample of Canadian family physicians. We used correlation and regression analyses to explore the relationships between predictor and dependent variables. The response rate was 96/125 (77%). The predictor variables explained 38-83% of the variance in intention across the three behaviours. Family physicians' intentions were lower for 'making a risk assessment' (perceived as the most difficult) than for the other two behaviours. We illustrate how understanding psychological factors salient to behaviour can be used to tailor professional educational interventions; for example, considering the approach of behavioural rehearsal to improve confidence in skills (perceived behavioural control), or vicarious reinforcement as where participants are sceptical that genetics is consistent with their role (subjective norm).

Genetic Counseling Outcome Scale (GCOS-24): adaptação cultural e validação para brasileiros em processo de aconselhamento genético / Genetic Counseling Outcome Scale (GCOS-24): cultural adaptation and validation to Brazilians in process of Genetic Counseling

Profissionais de saúde, atuantes em serviços que oferecem aconselhamento genético (AG), carecem de instrumentos objetivos para avaliar os desfechos do AG e para "dar voz" aos usuários desses serviços. O desconhecimento desses desfechos pode impactar diretamente na efetividade e nos benefícios do aconselhamento, na qualidade de vida, na promoção da saúde e no empoderamento dos aconselhados. Tais instrumentos são escassos na maioria dos países e inexistentes no Brasil. Nesse contexto, o presente estudo teve como objetivo adaptar culturalmente e validar a Genetic Counseling Outcome Scale/GCOS-24, originalmente elaborada no idioma inglês britânico. Após aprovação pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa das instituições participantes, conduzimos uma investigação metodológica, que incluiu 204 usuários (pacientes, acometidos ou em risco para doenças genéticas, ou um de seus familiares/cuidadores) do Serviço de Genética Médica de um hospital universitário do interior paulista, durante o período de outubro de 2014 a dezembro de 2015. O processo de adaptação e validação da GCOS-24 compreendeu as fases de tradução e retrotradução, comitê de especialistas, validação semântica, estudo piloto e estudo de campo, por meio de análise estatística apropriada. A validação semântica demonstrou que a GCOS-24 é composta por itens considerados relevantes para a condição de saúde dos participantes do estudo, os quais foram facilmente compreendidos pelos mesmos. A versão adaptada apresentou confiabilidade satisfatória (?Cronbach=0,71) e estabilidade moderada (ICC=0,52), mensuradas, respectivamente, pelo Coeficiente Alfa de Cronbach e Coeficiente de Correlação Intraclasse. O processo de adaptação e validação da GCOS-24 para brasileiros foi finalizado. O produto final deste trabalho, a EDAG-24 (Escala de Desfechos do Aconselhamento Genético/EDAG-24), foi considerada válida e fidedigna à sua versão original, com potencial para mensurar os desfechos do aconselhamento genético, realizado em serviços de genética clínica

Health professionals working in services that offer genetic counseling (GC) lack objective instruments to measure the GC outcomes and to give voice to the users of these services. The unawareness of these outcomes can directly impact the effectiveness and benefits of counseling, life quality, health promotion and the empowerment of the patients. Such instruments are scarce in most countries and nonexistent in Brazil. In this context, this paper aimed to culturally adapt and validate the Genetic Counseling Outcome Scale /GCOS-24, originally made in British English. After the approval of the Research Ethics Committee of the participating institutions, we conducted a methodological investigation, which included 204 users (patients, affected or at risk for genetic diseases, or one of their relatives/caregivers) from the Medical Genetics Service of a university hospital in the countryside of the state of Sao Paulo, during the period from October 2014 to December 2015. The process of adaptation and validation of the GCOS-24 comprehended the phases of translation and back-translation, committee of experts, semantic validation, pilot test and field study, through appropriate statistical analysis. The semantic validation revealed that GCOS-24 consists of items that were considered relevant to the health condition of the study participants, which were easily understood by them. The adapted version presented satisfactory reliability (?Cronbach=0,71) and moderate stability (ICC=0,52), measured, respectively, by the Cronbach's Alpha Coefficient and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient. The adaptation and validation process of the GCOS-24 to Brazilians was finalized. The final product of this paper, the EDAG-24 (Escala de Desfechos do Aconselhamento Genético/EDAG-24), was considered valid and reliable to its original version, with potential to measure the genetic counseling outcomes conducted in Clinical Genetics Services

[Clinical Personnel Training in Laboratory Medicine in Chiba University Hospital during the Past 15 Years].

During the past 15 years, various approaches have been adopted for medical personnel training in the Division of Laboratory Medicine, Chiba University Hospital. Medical personnel have been encouraged to enter the Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University. At present, 14 of them have successfully completed the Ph.D. program and 16 have been awarded a master's degree. In our unit, clinical proteomics is a principal research subject, and we have identified a number of biomarker candidates in collaboration with clinical units. In Chiba University Hospital, all clinical laboratory physicians are certified as medical geneticists and are in charge of the Division of Clinical Genetics as well. We have treated a total of 1,009 patients, including those with hereditary neuromuscular diseases, familial cancers, and prenatal diagnoses. We have also encouraged medical technologists to become certified as genetic counselors, which may be a promising subspecialty for medical technologists. Mass spectrometry (MS) is a powerful analytical tool used in an increasing number of clinical laboratories around the world. Liquid chromatography (LC) coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) has been used for newborn screening, toxicology, therapeutic drug monitoring endocrinology, and, more recently, for the measurement of targeted proteins and peptides. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) has proven to be a rapid and reliable tool for identifying microorganisms. The Japanese Society for Medical Mass Spectrometry has started to certify medical mass spectrometrists, which could be another promising subspecialty for medical technologists.

Effect of comprehensive oncogenetics training interventions for general practitioners, evaluated at multiple performance levels.

General practitioners (GPs) are increasingly called upon to identify patients at risk for hereditary cancers, and their genetic competencies need to be enhanced. This article gives an overview of a research project on how to build effective educational modules on genetics, assessed by randomized controlled trials (RCTs), reflecting the prioritized educational needs of primary care physicians. It also reports on an ongoing study to investigate long-term increase in genetic consultation skills (1-year follow-up) and interest in and satisfaction with a supportive website on genetics among GPs. Three oncogenetics modules were developed: an online Continuing Professional Development (G-eCPD) module, a live genetic CPD module, and a "GP and genetics" website (huisartsengenetica.nl) providing further genetics information applicable in daily practice. Three assessments to evaluate the effectiveness (1-year follow-up) of the oncogenetic modules were designed: 1.An online questionnaire on self-reported genetic competencies and changes in referral behaviour, 2.Referral rates from GPs to clinical genetics centres and 3.Satisfaction questionnaire and visitor count analytics of supportive genetics website. The setting was Primary care in the Netherlands and three groups of study participants were included in the reported studies:. Assessment 1. 168 GPs responded to an email invitation and were randomly assigned to an intervention or control group, evaluating the G-eCPD module (n = 80) or the live module (n = 88). Assessment 2. Referral rates by GPs were requested from the clinical genetics centres, in the northern and southern parts of the Netherlands (Amsterdam and Maastricht), for the two years before (2010 [n = 2510] and 2011 [n = 2940]) and the year after (2012 [n = 2875]) launch of the oncogenetics CPD modules and the website. Assessment 3. Participants of the website evaluation were all recruited online. When they visited the website during the month of February 2013, a pop-up invitation came up. Of the 1350 unique visitors that month, only 38 completed the online questionnaire. Main outcomes measure showed long-term (self-reported) genetic consultation skills (i.e. increased genetics awareness and referrals to clinical genetics centres) among GPs who participated in the oncogenetic training course, and interest in and satisfaction with the supportive website. 42 GPs (52%) who previously participated in the G-eCPD evaluation study and 50 GPs (57%) who participated in the live training programme responded to the online questionnaire on long-term effects of educational outcome. Previous RCTs showed that the genetics CPD modules achieved sustained improvement of oncogenetic knowledge and consultation skills (3-months follow-up). Participants of these RCTs reported being more aware of genetic problems long term; this was reported by 29 GPs (69%) and 46 GPs (92%) participating in the G-eCPD and live module evaluation studies, respectively (Chisquare test, p<0.005). One year later, 68% of the respondents attending the live training reported that they more frequently referred patients to the clinical genetics centres, compared to 29% of those who attended the online oncogenetics training (Chisquare test, p<0.0005). However, the clinical genetics centres reported no significant change in referral numbers one year after the training. Website visitor numbers increased, as did satisfaction, reflected in a 7.7 and 8.1 (out of 10) global rating of the website (by G-eCPD and live module participants, respectively). The page most often consulted was "family tree drawing". Self-perceived genetic consultation skills increased long-term and GPs were interested in and satisfied with the supportive website. Further studies are necessary to see whether the oncogenetics CPD modules result in more efficient referral. The results presented suggest we have provided a flexible and effective framework to meet the need for effective educational programmes for non-geneticist healthcare providers, enabling improvement of genetic medical care.

Resources to increase genetics and genomics capacity of oncology nurses.

Since the completion of the Human Genome Project (HGP) in 2003, the understanding of genetics and its influence on disease, particularly cancer, has increased dramatically. The initial focus after the completion of HGP was on identifying single-gene disorders, such as many hereditary cancer syndromes (e.g., BRCA1, BRCA2, HNPCC). As research continues, the major impact that genetics and genomics have across the healthcare continuum is only beginning to become clear.

An alternative laboratory designed to address ethical concerns associated with traditional TAS2R38 student genotyping.

The TAS2R38 alleles that code for the PAV/AVI T2R38 proteins have long been viewed as benign taste receptor variants. However, recent studies have demonstrated an expanding and medically relevant role for TAS2R38. The AVI variant of T2R38 is associated with an increased risk of both colorectal cancer and Pseudomonas aeruginosa-associated sinus infection and T2R38 variants have been implicated in off-target drug responses. To address ethical concerns associated with continued student TAS2R38 gene testing, we developed an alternative to the traditional laboratory genotyping exercise. Instead of determining their own genotype, introductory level students isolated plasmid DNA containing a section of the human TAS2R38 gene from Escherichia coli. Following PCR-mediated amplification of a section of the TAS2R38 gene spanning the SNP at position 785, students determined their assigned genotype by restriction enzyme digestion and agarose gel electrophoresis. Using the course wide genotype and phenotype data, students found that there was an association between TAS2R38 genotype and the age of persistent P. aeruginosa acquisition in cystic fibrosis "patients." Assessment data demonstrated that students taking part in this new TAS2R38 laboratory activity made clear learning gains.

[What Must the (Abdominal) Surgeon Know about Experimental Medicine (?) - Translational Research in General (Abdominal) Surgery(Viszeral-)Chirurg & experimentelle Medizin]. / Was muss der (Viszeral-)Chirurg von experimenteller Medizin wissen (?) - translationale Forschung in der (Viszeral-)Chirurgie.

Experimental medicine has evolved tremendously in the last few years. In particular, the introduction of novel techniques, in-vitro models, knock-out/transgenic animals and high-through put analytical methodologies have resulted in a deeper understanding of cellular pathophysiology and diseases. The daily clinical management has benefited by the introduction of biomarkers and targeted therapies. This development has been accompanied by increasing specialisation across all fields of research and medicine. Therefore, clinical-translational research requires a team of competent partners nowadays. The visceral surgeon can contribute significantly to these projects. The present review highlights several aspects of translational research and put chances and potential pitfalls into perspective in context with the work of the visceral surgeon.

Surveying the current landscape of clinical genetics residency training.

PURPOSE: Further knowledge about medical genetics residency training structure and function could help advance this educational process. METHODS: Medical genetics residency program directors were surveyed about their trainees' backgrounds and skills as well as the recruitment and matching process. RESULTS: Previous resident training was predominantly in pediatrics (49%). Average ratings of residents' beginning clinical knowledge (scale of 1-10, minimal to superior) were: dysmorphology - 3.5, inborn errors of metabolism - 2.5, prenatal genetics - 2.6, and cancer genetics - 2.8. On average, four months of research were required for categorical residency and fifteen months for combined residency. For the 2011 transition to ERAS/NRMP, 69% of program directors were extremely or somewhat prepared; however, 21% felt unprepared. The number of trainees at most institutions remained unchanged. 36% of respondents reported that ERAS/NRMP has had no impact on recruitment of trainees, and 26% felt it has had a slightly positive impact. Continued utilization was recommended by 71% while 5% disagreed. CONCLUSION: Genetics residents come from diverse training backgrounds. Their education can be directed toward specific areas of perceived initial weakness. ERAS/NRMP has not drastically increased entrance into the field. Further discussions are merited regarding enhancement of medical genetics residency recruitment and training.