title: Surveying the current landscape of clinical genetics residency training.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Further knowledge about medical genetics residency training structure and function could help advance this educational process.
  
  
  METHODS
  Medical genetics residency program directors were surveyed about their trainees' backgrounds and skills as well as the recruitment and matching process.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Previous resident training was predominantly in pediatrics (49%). Average ratings of residents' beginning clinical knowledge (scale of 1-10, minimal to superior) were: dysmorphology - 3.5, inborn errors of metabolism - 2.5, prenatal genetics - 2.6, and cancer genetics - 2.8. On average, four months of research were required for categorical residency and fifteen months for combined residency. For the 2011 transition to ERAS/NRMP, 69% of program directors were extremely or somewhat prepared; however, 21% felt unprepared. The number of trainees at most institutions remained unchanged. 36% of respondents reported that ERAS/NRMP has had no impact on recruitment of trainees, and 26% felt it has had a slightly positive impact. Continued utilization was recommended by 71% while 5% disagreed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Genetics residents come from diverse training backgrounds. Their education can be directed toward specific areas of perceived initial weakness. ERAS/NRMP has not drastically increased entrance into the field. Further discussions are merited regarding enhancement of medical genetics residency recruitment and training.
authors.affiliation: Spectrum Health, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA.
authors.forename: Caleb P
authors.initials: CP
authors.lastname: Bupp
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA.
authors.forename: Laurie A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Demmer
authors.affiliation: Children's Hospital, Greenville Health System, Greenville, South Carolina, USA.
authors.forename: Robert A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Saul
mesh_terms: D002170:Canada; D002983:Clinical Competence; D005826:Genetics, Medical / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors