Public Health Genetics Fellowship

Sponsored by:

The American Society of Human Genetics

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Title: Integrating Genetics and Genomics into Public Health Practice

ID#: 04059

Availability: 1 position

Primary Location: Atlanta, GA

Program Description

The objectives of this co-sponsored Fellowship are to enhance the CDC’s current activities and develop new approaches in integrating genetics and genomics into public health policy and programs at the national, state, and local levels. A wide range of challenges and opportunities for health policy makers and program staff associated with the integration of genetics and genomics are emerging within these health agencies.
Key issues of planning, workforce training, expansion of surveillance systems, health policy development and changes in disease prevention programs are important program activities.

The Fellow is expected to work independently and in conjunction with epidemiologists, geneticists, public health specialists, and communications specialists across CDC. Activities may include:

• Planning and development of current and future projects in genetics and genomics with CDC

• Providing technical assistance to CDC programs, and collaboratively with CDC programs, providing assistance to state and local health agencies on the integration of genomics into policy and practice around specific diseases.

• Collaborating with national public health organizations and professional organizations, including ASHG, in the planning and development of national public health strategies associated with genomics and disease prevention.

• Participating in ASHG activities related to the work at CDC to promote timely transfer of information about policy and program development.
  Participating in writing reports about the impact of genomics and public health policy and practice.

• Enhancing awareness about the importance of genomics in public health by providing content for the ASHG website and materials for the Mentor network.

• Assisting with the development and delivery of training and educational activities related to genomics and public health.

Required and/or Desired Skills and Knowledge:
Successful applicants must have either an MD or PhD degree or a master’s degree in genetics, genetic counseling or a related field, with experience or interest in public health genetics. Each applicant must qualify as early career (3 years experience) or mid-career professionals.

Expected Benefits:
This career development opportunity will offer a broad experience in the emerging role of genomics in public health practice. The Fellow will learn strategies for and practical skills in integrating genomics into specific health policies and programs associated with disease prevention and health promotion. Benefits include access to and cooperation of genetics and public health professionals to enhance collaboration between the fields. The Fellow will work closely with CDC staff and state and local health agencies to assess and develop the role of genomics in public health activities. The Fellow will gain insight and expertise through the training of, and with, public health professionals as well as development and delivery of workshops and case studies appropriate for a variety of audiences.

Period of assignment:
The length of the fellowship is two years for early career candidates and one year for mid-career candidates. The start date for the Fellow is July.

ASHG/CDC Fellows:
Ridgely Fisk Green (2004)
Julie Robitaille (2006)
Diane Smelser (2006)
Katrina Goddard (2006)
Jodi Jackson (2008)
Cecelia Bellcross (2008)

Carolyn Neal (2010)