Department of Genetic Medicine

Established in 1999 as the McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, the Department of Genetic Medicine (DGM) was renamed in 2019. The DGM serves as a center for patient care, as well as basic, translational, and clinical research and education in human genetics and genomics at Johns Hopkins. The department is a national and international leader in genetic medicine—the integration of rapidly expanding knowledge of genetics and genomics into medical practice. The goal of genetic medicine is to individualize prevention, diagnosis, and treatment for each patient. To support this goal, the DGM promotes collaboration between physicians and scientists with diverse expertise to advance the application of genetic discoveries and public education. Many faculty members hold joint appointments across the School of Medicine, helping integrate genetics throughout the University. Their expertise includes genomics, developmental and biochemical genetics, population genetics, computational biology, and complex disease research. The department aims to maintain Hopkins Medicine’s leadership in advancing individualized and preventive care.

The Johns Hopkins medical genetics residency programs provide ACGME-accredited clinical residency and comprehensive research training in medical genetics. The program includes a categorical training program and four combined training programs with pediatrics, internal medicine, maternal fetal medicine, and reproductive endocrinology. Upon successful completion, trainees are eligible to sit for the board certification exam offered by the American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ABMGG). Residents and fellows in combined programs are also eligible to sit for board certification exams in their respective specialties.

Categorical Medical Genetics Residency Program:
This is a two-year program designed to train physicians to provide diagnostic, management, and counseling services for inherited diseases and genetic factors. The program also emphasizes research in medical genetics, and trainees are encouraged to pursue additional mentored research.

Combined Pediatrics & Medical Genetics Residency:
This 4-year curriculum meets the requirements of the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) and ABMGG. Trainees are encouraged to complete additional mentored research training in medical genetics.

Combined Internal Medicine & Medical Genetics Residency:
This 4-year curriculum follows the requirements of the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) and ABMGG. Trainees are encouraged to complete additional mentored research training in medical genetics.

Combined Maternal Fetal Medicine Fellowship & Medical Genetics Residency:
This 4-year curriculum is designed for physicians who have completed an accredited residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology and wish to integrate Maternal and Fetal Medicine (MFM) fellowship training with medical genetics residency training.

Combined Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Fellowship & Medical Genetics Residency:
This 4-year curriculum is designed for physicians who have completed an accredited residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology and wish to integrate Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI) fellowship training with medical genetics residency training.

Medical Genetics Clinical and Research Fellowship:
This 1-year program provides mentored research opportunities in a wide range of topics in medical genetics.

Medical Biochemical Genetics Fellowship:
This 1-year program is designed for physicians who have completed an accredited residency in medical genetics and want to further develop expertise in diagnosing and treating biochemical genetic disorders.

Clinical Biochemical Genetics Fellowship:
This 2-year program prepares MD and/or PhD candidates to direct diagnostic laboratories and interpret biochemical analyses related to genetic diseases.

Laboratory Genetics and Genomics (LGG) Fellowship:
This 2-year program prepares MD and/or PhD candidates to direct laboratories in molecular genetics and cytogenetics and to interpret analyses relevant to diagnosing human genetic diseases. These individuals also serve as consultants for a wide range of molecular and chromosomal disorders.