- 1). Complete the standard program of training for doctors. This includes a four-year bachelor's degree and an additional four years or longer in medical school, along with a period of two years as a supervised intern.
- 2). Apply for entrance into a graduate program in genetics at an accredited university. Research the human genetics field to make sure that it is the specialty that most appeals to you. Geneticists spend a great deal more time in laboratory work than most clinicians. Some also spend intensive time caring for patients who have fallen victim to genetic diseases, such as cystic fibrosis.
- 3). Complete the program satisfactorily. Many of these specialized programs require the doctor to spend time as an intern, conduct laboratory research and write a thesis on the topic of genetics. The clinical laboratory at such a program will train a prospective geneticist in identifying diseases based on fetal tissue samples and determining risks of the development of serious genetic illnesses from adult tissues as well. In terms of patient care, geneticists are taught about both major and rare genetic diseases and how best to approach their treatment. Medical geneticists are often expected to work closely with other specialists in different medical fields, such as pediatricians. These specialty graduate programs usually take between two and four years to complete.
- 4). Gain accreditation through the American Board of Medical Genetics.
- 5). Find employment as a doctor specializing in genetics. Pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, research non-profits and others all have a high demand for doctors with this specialty.
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