Emory University

Medical Genetics

Student Symposium

Emory University, Department of Human Genetics

Oct. 21st 2023 • WhiteHead BioMedical Research Building, Auditorium and Plaza

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Learn More

The growing field of Medical Genetics has expanded its role in clinical practice, and new technologies are allowing the incorporation of genetic testing and treatment across many specialties in medicine. As part of a new initiative, the Emory School of Medicine Department of Human Genetics would like to host a state-wide Medical Genetics Student Symposium with the following objectives:


  1. Increase genetics literacy among medical, graduate and undergraduate students by addressing topics that may be overlooked in the traditional curriculum.
  2. Promote awareness of Medical Genetics as a career option and emphasize the importance of genetics in patient care across all specialties.
  3. Provide opportunities for presenting research and networking with peers, healthcare professionals, and researchers in the field of medical genetics.


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Symposium Schedule

Check-in / Welcome Reception - 8:30-9:00am


Genetics Professionals Panel - 9:00-10:30am

  • Brief Overview of Career Pathways
    • Jenna Mathwig, Meredith Fuchs
  • Panel Participants
    • Residency Program Directors: Dr. Michael Gambello (Emory), Dr. Anna Hurst (UAB)
    • Biochemical Medical Geneticists: Dr. Hong Li, Dr. Rossana Sanchez
    • Current Resident/Fellow Trainee: Dr. Rana Al-Jaberi
    • Laboratory Geneticist: Dr. Madhuri Hegde (PerkinElmer)
    • PhD Geneticist: Dr. Andrew Sobering (MCG/UGA)
    • Genetic Counselors: Lauren Lichten, MS CGC; Emalyn Cork, MS CGC


Case Presentation / Clinical Skills - Session I - 10:45am-12:15pm

  • Dysmorphic Syndrome Case: Dr. Rossana Sanchez and Dr. Anna Hurst
  • Reproductive / Prenatal Case: Chandler Purcell, MS CGC
  • Genetic Oncology Case: Dr. Jaime Vengoechea



Lunch - 12:30-1:45pm

  • Student Poster Presentations
  • Social Networking Hour


Case Presentation / Clinical Skills - Session II - 2:00-3:30pm

  • Clinical Research Case: Dr. Han Phan
  • Gene Therapy Case: Dr. Hong Li
  • Laboratory Genetics Case: Dr. Kathryn Garber


Advocacy and Resources - 3:45-4:30pm

  • Rare Disease Patient Advocacy: Eileen Barr, MS CGC
  • Student Involvement Resources: Led by students of the Medical Genetics Interest Group


Closing Remarks


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Student Registration

Medical, Graduate or Undergraduate students from across the Southeast are invited to attend this Symposium!


  • All events will be specifically tailored to students wishing to learn more about the field of Medical Genetics
  • Hybrid online attendance will be offered for all speaking events
  • Deadline for in-person attendance is October 13th 2023
  • Deadline for virtual attendance is October 20th 2023
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Student Poster Presentations

Students are highly encouraged to submit relevant research abstracts which will be considered for presentation to peers and professionals in this field!


  • Abstracts will be evaluated by Emory faculty based on their scientific quality, clarity, originality, and relevance to the symposium's theme. If approved, you will be contacted about presenting your research as a poster during the Symposium Networking Hour.
  • Abstracts should provide a concise summary of your research project. Include the purpose, methodology, key findings, and significance of your research. Preliminary research is also welcome for consideration!
  • Abstracts should be limited to 500 words. Include a title that accurately reflects the content of your research. List all contributing authors, with the presenting author's name underlined if applicable.
  • *The deadline for abstract submission has been extended to October 15, 2023.
  • **Due to a recent donation, an award of $200 will be given to the best poster presentation! All students with qualified abstract submissions will be contacted after October 15th with the criteria which will be used to judge their poster presentations.
  • Before submitting your abstract, please ensure you have officially registered for the Medical Genetics Student Symposium so that we may contact you appropriately

The deadline for abstact submission has closed.

Thank you for your submissions!

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Please refer any questions/concerns to our student or faculty coordinators listed below:

Contact

Meredith Fuchs, BS

Emory University School of Medicine, Class of 2026

Student Coordinator

meredith.fuchs@emory.edu

Dr. Hong Li, MD, PhD

Emory University School of Medicine, Department of Human Genetics

Faculty Coordinator

hong.li@emory.edu

Dr. Rossana Sanchez Russo, MD

Emory University School of Medicine, Department of Human Genetics

Faculty Coordinator

rossana.sanchez@emory.edu

Erkin Ozel, MD

Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Department of Neurology and Human Genetics

Student Coordinator

erkin.ozel@emory.edu

Wei-Hsuan Lee, BS

Emory University School of Medicine, MD/PhD Candidate

Student Coordinator

wei-hsuan.lee@emory.edu

Brandy Njai, BS

Emory University School of Medicine, Class of 2026

Student Coordinator

brandy.njai@emory.edu

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