Genomic medicine is revolutionizing care of the cancer patient. Next-generation and whole-genome sequencing techniques have allowed molecular prognostic stratification of patients, genotype-guided therapy and discovery of novel drug targets. Pathologists play a key role in cancer care through diagnosis of malignancy and provision of accurate, precise and validated molecular testing. As such, pathologists must understand the application of genomic medicine to oncology. Data from studies of genetics education in medical school as well as a survey of residency directors demonstrates that pathologists, similar to almost all health professionals, are not prepared for the genomic medicine era. Building on the work of a national committee dedicated to developing a pathology resident curriculum in genomic medicine including cancer genomics, the following specific aims will be accomplished: develop a pathology resident genomic medicine curriculum, with a major focus on cancer care, as well as tools for national implementation; evaluate the curriculum using a pre/post-test design at four pathology residency programs using validated assessment tools; promote curriculum implementation using the resources of major national pathology organizations so that >90% of pathology residency programs nationwide have high-quality training in cancer genomics by the end of the grant funding period; and assess the degree of nationwide implementation and efficacy of pathology curricula in genomic medicine using the pathology resident in-service exam (RISE).

Public Health Relevance

The use of advanced DNA techniques is revolutionizing oncology. Pathologists diagnose malignancies, stage tumors to guide treatment and manage the laboratories providing testing. As such, pathologists must understand these novel techniques to ensure the best possible care for cancer patients.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Type
Education Projects (R25)
Project #
3R25CA168544-04S1
Application #
9193150
Study Section
Subcommittee G - Education (NCI)
Program Officer
Korczak, Jeannette F
Project Start
2012-09-21
Project End
2017-08-31
Budget Start
2015-09-01
Budget End
2016-08-31
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
2016
Total Cost
$106,882
Indirect Cost
$7,369
Name
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Department
Type
DUNS #
071723621
City
Boston
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02215
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Haspel, Richard L; Ali, Asma M; Huang, Grace C et al. (2018) Teaching Genomic Pathology: Translating Team-Based Learning to a Virtual Environment Using Computer-Based Simulation. Arch Pathol Lab Med :
Haspel, Richard L; Ali, Asma M; Huang, Grace C (2016) Using a Team-Based Learning Approach at National Meetings to Teach Residents Genomic Pathology. J Grad Med Educ 8:80-4
Musunuru, Kiran; Haspel, Richard L; Innovative Approaches to Education Working Group of the Inter-Society Coordinating Committee for Practitioner Education in Genomics (2016) Improving Genomic Literacy Among Cardiovascular Practitioners via a Flipped-Classroom Workshop at a National Meeting. Circ Cardiovasc Genet 9:287-90
Haspel, Richard L; Saffitz, Jeffrey E (2014) Genomic oncology education: an urgent need, a new approach. Cancer J 20:91-5
Haspel, Richard L; Rinder, Henry M; Frank, Karen M et al. (2014) The current state of resident training in genomic pathology: a comprehensive analysis using the resident in-service examination. Am J Clin Pathol 142:445-51
Haspel, Richard L; Olsen, Randall J; Berry, Anna et al. (2014) Progress and potential: training in genomic pathology. Arch Pathol Lab Med 138:498-504
Haspel, Richard L (2013) Teaching residents genomic pathology: a novel approach for new technology. Adv Anat Pathol 20:125-9