Career Project – Clinical Geneticist
General Description
Clinical Geneticists deal with the care and treatment of patient with genetic diseases. They are tasked with testing a patient’s likeliness of developing an inherited illness. They work in labs, research institutions, and pharmaceutical companies. This job can be very hands on, and clinical geneticists are often working in labs with specialized equipment and tools. This can also be working one on one with patients to treat their illnesses. In labs, people in this field work with technicians to diagnose and create treatment for patients.
History
The history of clinical genetics really begins in 1665 with scientist Robert Hooke, who first noted the cell, the basic building block of the human body and the foundation for this field. In 1842, Karl Wilhelm von Nägeli discovered chromosomes, which continued to pave the way for the area of genetics. However, the first time genetics were shown to link to disease was 1959, when it was discovered that Down’s syndrome was consistent with having an extra copy of the 21st chromosome. Since this time, scientists have made many discoveries that have helped people around the world suffering from genetically inherited or caused diseases.
Working Conditions
Hours can be long and vary across the field. For instance, being a research clinical geneticist would require long hours in a lab, whereas working in a practice may have more regular hours, such as 9-5. This would be a full time job. Clinical geneticists are not part of a union in Canada, but are all affiliated with the Canadian College of Medical Genetics (CCMG). Holidays for practicing geneticists are provincial/national statutory holidays, and if they are in a private practice, can often be set from doctor to doctor. Benefits often include full dental and health coverage and some company contributions to retirement plans. Benefits could also include paid vacation and sick days. If a geneticist was employed by their own practice, they can set their own benefits. Earnings can range between $50,000 and $120,000 depending on the company.
Future outlook
This career is expected to grow exponentially for the next few years. Due to the advances in technology, the need for clinical geneticists to research more and more into genetics and treating the diseases caused by it will grow.
Related careers
Doctor – Doctors work with people in all areas to treat with illnesses
Surgeon – Surgeons perform surgery on people in hospitals or practices
Genetics Counsellor – Counsels people about possible diseases they might inherit
Osteopathic Doctor – Works on preventative care for patients
Cytotechnologist – Identifies cancer by examining cells under a microscope
Bioethicist – Deals with the ethics of medical procedures and issues
Lab Technician – Works in labs alongside scientists
Nurse – Completes tasks around practices and hospitals
Medical researcher – Studies medical issues and looks for ways to fix them
Cardiothoracic Surgeon – Surgeon that deals with issues in the chest
Possible Post-Secondary Institutions
SFU Biological Sciences, Kinesiology
University of Toronto Biology
University of Ottawa Cell Biology
McGill Pediatrics
Program Courses (SFU Biological Sciences, BSc)
Year One:
BISC 101 – General Biology (4)
BISC 102 – General Biology (4)
CHEM 121 – General Chemistry and Laboratory I (4)
CHEM 122 – General Chemistry II (2)
MATH 150 – Calculus I with Review (4)
MATH 155 – Calculus for the Biological Sciences (3)
PHYS 120 – Mechanics and Modern Physics (3)
PHYS 121 – Optics, Electricity, and Magnetism (3)
Year Two:
BISC 202 – Genetics (3)
BISC 204 – Introduction to Ecology (3)
CHEM 281 – Organic Chemistry I (4)
MBB 222 – Molecular Biology and Biochemistry (3)
MBB 231 – Cellular Biology and Biochemistry (3)
STAT 201 – Statistics for the Life Sciences (3)
CHEM 282 – Organic Chemistry II (2)
CHEM 283 – Organic Chemistry IIb (3)
(12 courses required over upper division)
Year Three:
BISC 300 – Evolution (3)
BISC 333 – Developmental Biology (3)
BISC 303 – Microbiology (4)
BISC 302W – Genetic Analysis (3)
BISC 357 – Gene Cloning (3)
BISC 303 – Microbiology (4)
Year Four:
BISC 405 – Neurobiology (3)
BISC 457 – Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (3)
BISC 471 – Special Topics in Cells, Molecules, and Physiology (3)
BISC 497W – Undergraduate Research: Writing Intensive (3)
BISC 498 – Undergraduate Research I (3)
BISC 499 – Undergraduate Research II (3)
After obtaining a BSc, I would need to get my MD at a medical school (for instance, U of T Medical Program), and subsequently complete 3 years of residency. After residency training, I would need to be certified by the Canadian College of Medical Geneticists (CCMG) at McMaster University, and become a fully licensed medical geneticist.
Bibliography:
https://www.genome.gov/genomiccareers/career.cfm?id=26
http://study.com/articles/Clinical_Geneticist_Job_Description_Duties_and_Requirements.html
http://fhs.mcmaster.ca/pathology/education/ccmg.html
https://www2.careercruising.com/careers/earnings/617