Medical Genetics Residency Program

Training Program Overview

The American Board of Medical Genetics (ABMG) Medical Genetics Residency Program is accredited by the Residency Review Committee of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. We are currently approved for a total of 6 residents.

Two-year Medical Genetics Residency
Currently, we are not offering the two year program but choose to focus on the Four Year Combined Pediatrics/Medical Genetics training program (see below).

Four-year Combined Pediatrics/Medical Genetics Residency
Applicants must use ERAS for entry. Applications are accepted through ERAS. We use the NRMP Match to fill positions.  Download the MG Pedi 4 Year Block Schedule .

Application and Selection Process

  1. Applications for PGY-1 resident positions are accepted only through the Electronic Residency Application System (“ERAS”).
  2. The only accepted training Visa is the J-1. The University of Texas at Houston does not support the H1-B Visa.
  3. International Medical Graduates must be ECFMG certified PRIOR to applying to our program via ERAS.
  4. Applications will be reviewed and evaluated on the basis of educational background, academic performance, United States Medical Licensing Exam (“USMLE”) scores, extracurricular activities, research experience, personal characteristics as evidenced by their personal statement, 3 letters of recommendation, Dean’s letter, and their interviews. Letters of recommendation are your choice.
  5. We do not require applicants to have U.S. experience in order to apply.
  6. While we do not have a hard cut off score, we prefer an USMLE Step 1 & 2 score of 220 or better or a COMLEX score of 500 on your first attempt.
  7. We require that you have graduated from medical school within the last three years.
  8. A personal interview is required to be considered for a residency position. Interviews take place between October and December for the next year’s class.
  9. Applicants are ranked and the rank list is sent to the National Residency Matching Program (“NRMP”).  Residents at a PGY-1 level are taken through the NRMP match process only.
  10. View this page

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants with one of the following qualifications are eligible for appointment to the Pediatric Residency Program:

  1. Graduates of medical schools in the United States and Canada accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (“LCME”).
  2. Graduates of colleges of osteopathic medicine in the United States accredited by the American Osteopathic Association (“AOA”).
  3. Graduates of medical schools outside the United States who have completed a Fifth Pathway program provided by an LCME-accredited medical school.
  4. Graduates of medical schools outside the United States and Canada who meet the qualifications detailed below:
  • Have a currently valid certificate from the Educational Council for Foreign Medical Graduates (“ECFMG”).
  • Have notarized copies of all documents required by the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners (“TSBME”) for an Institutional Permit.

Medical Genetics Residency Rotations Descriptions

Resident Eligibility, Selection, Evaluation and Promotion

Eligibility and Selection

Eligibility of residents will be determined in accordance with ACGME General Essentials and Institutional Requirements, as well as with Foundation, McGovern Medical School and departmental policies and procedures.

Applicants must meet one of the following qualifications to be eligible for appointment:

  1. Graduate of a medical school in the United States or Canada accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education.
  2. Graduate of a college of osteopathic medicine in the United States accredited by the American Osteopathic Association.
  3. Graduate of a medical school outside the United States or Canada who meets one of the following qualifications:
    1. Has received a currently valid certificate from the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates
    2. Has a full and unrestricted license to practice medicine in the U.S. licensing jurisdiction.
  4. Graduate of a medical school outside the United States who has completed a Fifth Pathway program provided by a LCME-accredited medical school.

The training program will select from among eligible applicants based on the applicant’s:

  1. Preparedness
  2. Ability
  3. Aptitude
  4. Academic Credentials
  5. Communication Skills
  6. Motivation
  7. Integrity

The program will not discriminate with regard to sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, disability or veteran status.

Evaluation

Residents are evaluated at the end of each clinic rotation by faculty supervising the rotation. The information will be reviewed with the resident. During research rotations, the resident’s mentor will review progress with the resident on a weekly basis. It is the responsibility of the resident to follow up with any questions that he or she may have regarding an evaluation.

Promotion

To progress in the program and to successfully complete the program, a resident must demonstrate his or her ability to assume increased responsibility for patient care. Advancement to higher levels of responsibility will be on the basis of an evaluation of his or her readiness for advancement. This determination is the responsibility of the Director of the Medical Genetics Residency Training Program together with input from members of the teaching staff.

Dismissal

Resident disciplinary actions, including dismissal are carried out in accordance with the policies outlined in The University of Texas System Medical Foundation/McGovern Medical School Graduate Medical Education Resident Handbook, pages 12–16.

Resident Duty Hours

Regular working hours for the residents will be during scheduled office hours 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Residents will be expected to take calls after hours for emergency consultations (usually involves lethal trisomies or metabolic emergencies). Residents are expected to see consults on weekends when requested. Faculty will staff all patient consultations with the resident. The resident will be on call approximately two weekends per month. Residents will take calls from home on weeknights during the 18 months of clinical rotations. The number of consults at night or on weekends varies but averages 2–3 times/month. Vacation time for residents is 21 days per year.