Certificate in Genetic Counseling acquaints doctors with the core concepts of Human Genetics and understanding of the psychological basis of counseling; so that they can continue their practice with comprehensive knowledge of Genetics; duly prescribing Genetic Tests and interpreting related reports or practice as Genetic Counselors.

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Course At A Glance

Course: Certificate Course in Genetic Counselling
Total Duration: 24 weeks
Hours per week: 3 – 4 hours per week
Medium of instruction: English
Fee is US $ 600

About the Course

The last few decades have witnessed an exponential growth in knowledge, catapulting genetics from obscurity to a pre eminent place in health-care. New information about causative genes, disease diagnosis and available treatment options for several single gene and complex genetic disorders as well as several birth defects, are now known making disease diagnosis and treatment easier. It is critical that clinicians learn about these developments and incorporate this knowledge into their practice.

Each and every patient should be able to benefit from individualized therapy based on their unique genetic makeup; however, this can become a reality only when clinicians are able to comprehend the genetics behind the diseases and syndromes. More importantly the implications of these must be explained to the patients and relatives in a professional and compassionate manner. Such education and counseling accompanying genetic testing is provided by Genetic Counselors in all developed countries; this kind of professional training is being given for the first time in India for clinicians.

Career Prospects

The doctors could practice as genetic counselors or continue their practice with comprehensive knowledge of genetics, duly prescribing genetic tests and interpreting related reports. The course will also give them an understanding of the psychological basis of counseling.

Course Eligibility

MBBS/MBchB/MD doctors with medical registration in their respective country Medical Council.

Course Syllabus

Clusters 1 - 4

Cluster 1

Introduction to Human Genetics
Genetics & Inheritance
Understanding Genetics at a Molecular Level
Psychology & Medical Ethics

Cluster 2

Biochemical Basis of Genetics
Microbiology and Genetics
Physiology & Genetics
Contact Program 1

Cluster 3

Understanding Applications of Genetics
Genetics & Haematology
Cancer Genetics

Cluster 4

Cyto-genetic Tests & Advanced Molecular Techniques
Clinical Genetics
Mock Counseling Sessions
Contact Program 2

Course Delivery Format

The course is a hybrid mix of self-paced learning using pre-recorded lectures that can be accessed online or offline.
There are scheduled Active learning sessions with a Subject Matter Expert.
This course requires contact sessions in hospitals equipped with Genetic Labs.

Panel of Instructors

Dr. Q (Annie) Hasan

Senior Consultant & Head
Department of Genetics & Molecular Medicine
Kamineni Hospital, L.B. Nagar, Hyderabad,India

Dr Y R Ahuja

Director Research
Dept of Genetics & Molecular Medicine
Vasavi Medical & Research Centre, Hyderabad,India

Dr Deena Patil

Consultant Dermatologist
Columbia Asia Hospital, Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore,India

Dr Vijayalakshmi Kodati

Medical Superintendent
Durgabai Deshmukh Hospital, Vidyanagar, Hyderabad
Consultant Gynecologist & Research Coordinator,
Vasavi Medical & Research Centre, Hyderabad,India