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Teaching non-genetics specialty trainees

This section is for those who provide genetics education to specialty trainees in all specialties except genetics and general practice.

Core genetics learning outcomes for non-genetics specialty trainees have been identified following an educational needs assessment involving a national sample of consultants from cardiology, dermatology, neurology and genetics.

There are six broad learning outcomes with more specific outcomes listed under each. These learning outcomes build on genetics learning outcomes for medical students. The broad learning outcomes are shown below, for the more specific outcomes download the learning outcomes in genetics for non speciality registrars in non-genetics specialties.

  1. Be able to identify patients with, or at risk of, a genetic condition
  2. Describe the mechanisms that underpin human inheritance and the role of genetic factors in disease
  3. Appreciate the heterogeneity in genetic diseases and understand the principles of assessing genetic risk
  4. Be able to manage genetic aspects of a condition including referring patients to genetic services where appropriate
  5. Be able to obtain and communicate up-to-date information about genetics in an understandable, comprehensible, non-directive way
  6. Be able to use genetic testing appropriately, recognising its uses and limitations

These core genetics learning outcomes have been discussed and agreed at a national level with representatives from a number of specialties and are designed to complement the genetics content of existing specialty curricula.

To emphasise the clinical relevance of the learning outcomes, genetics concepts can be illustrated through the use of speciality specific examples. For example, autosomal dominant inheritance could be taught using the example of Marfan syndrome for cardiology trainees, tuberous sclerosis for dermatology trainees and Huntington disease for neurology trainees. Lists of specialty-specific conditions are being prepared for cardiology, dermatology and neurology.

 

Last updated: 13 October 2011

Teaching Genetics