Iowa City is 220 miles directly west of Chicago on Interstate 80. It's also within a 4-5 hour drive to Minneapolis, Omaha, Kansas City and St. Louis. It has the cultural, educational, social and political opportunities of a bigger city with the values and ambiance of a Midwestern town. Its clean, safe, nothing is farther than a 15 min car ride, it has a great city bus system (with bike racks!), wonderful parks, sports, schools and even sailing. Those who have lived here and left, frequently return because what they were looking for was in their own back yard.
Medical Genetics and Genomics Residency
About the Program
The Medical Genetics and Genomics Residency Program at University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics (UIHC) will train clinical medical geneticists to provide comprehensive diagnostic, management and genetic counseling services for patients and families with genetic disorders and birth defects. Each trainee in the Medical Genetics and Genomics Residency Program will acquire an understanding of basic genetic principles and familiarity with all of the major subdisciplines of the field.
These include:
- a detailed knowledge regarding the basic science of genetics, knowledge of genetic diseases in humans as well as related diseases which might be genetic or have a genetic component.
- familiarity with the tests used in evaluation of genetic disorders.
- the ability to apply these to the evaluation of patients suspected to have a genetic disease.
In addition, trainees will be able to obtain relevant family and medical histories, perform a physical examination, develop a differential diagnosis, select and interpret appropriate laboratory tests, discuss the prognosis of most common genetic disorders, provide clinical management of these disorders, interact with other health-care professionals in the provision of services for patients with genetically influenced disorders and provide accurate medical and genetic counseling to patients and families.
This training will require extensive experience in clinical evaluation of patients, information gathering relevant to the specialty of medical genetics, genetic counseling and preparing lectures and seminars to many different groups. In addition, trainees will learn how to conduct clinical or laboratory-based research and write manuscripts and research grants. A broad spectrum of clinical cases, coursework, conferences and readings will cover general medical genetics, dysmorphology and teratology, prenatal diagnosis and screening, metabolism, cancer genetics, neurogenetics and metabolic, molecular and cytogenetic laboratory technology.
FAQ
How ethnically diverse are your patients?
Like a lot of university towns, we have a large international community. Growing cultural diversity is another reason Iowa City is an interesting place to live. Diversity is embraced and celebrated with city and university events, festivals, clubs and programs. The University works hard to recruit and retain minorities with its affirmative action policies. About 13% of Iowa citizens are non-white as are almost 13% of the patients seen in our pediatric clinic.
What's the weather like in Iowa City?
It depends on what you like. Our weather was a lot better than the east coast this year! For about 2 weeks every winter it's very cold and windy and for 2 weeks every summer it's really hot and humid. The rest of the time it's pretty nice. We have a lot of sunny days even in winter-166 per year. Our average snowfall is 28", average rainfall is 35", average temperature in the summer is 72.6 and in the winter, 23.7. We consider our weather character building.
What is there to do in Iowa City when you're not working?
There are 15 different festivals and art fairs, plus concerts and race events. There are many music venues, sports events and neighborhood street fairs and garden walks. We also have a really big mall and several smaller ones, 41 parks, 9 golf courses, 6 public tennis courts, 6 public pools, some lakes and a reservoir with trails, camping & boating. There are bike trails, some famous bookstores, a ton of galleries and excellent museums. There are half a dozen or more performing arts venues including Hancher Auditorium. There's always something going on.
What's Iowa City like for kids and families?
There's ice skating, bowling, organized sports, 50 public parks, miniature golf, a great public library, a toy library, fun centers, swimming pools and 3 beaches, 9 museums including a children's museum, dance companies and public recreation centers that feature many activities for kids and families at little or no cost. We also have 20 movie screens and 50-licensed daycare providers. The Iowa City schools are perennially ranked among the top schools in the nation. Iowa City is unique in the facilities and services available for individuals with disabilities. Many families who have a family member with a disability are reluctant to leave Iowa City because they cannot duplicate those services in another location.
Are there any job opportunities for my spouse/significant other?
Yes, in 2017, Iowa City had an average of 3.7% unemployment.
Do you have a freestanding children's hospital?
Yes. The University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital opened in 2017.
Plans include expanding existing programs and developing new services on-site and throughout Iowa to meet the current and future needs of Iowa's children. The guiding principle of the UI Stead Family Children's Hospital project is to create a system of care for Iowa's children - bringing together services and resources as part of a comprehensive network.
Our goal is to help families be safe and healthy at home, in school, and in the community.
Location: South of, and connected to, the existing hospital.
Size: 480,000 square feet in new construction plus 56,250 square feet of renovated existing space.
Number of floors: Approximately 14 floors (12 above ground, 2 below ground).
How are the adult months determined?
The adult rotations will be spread out over the course of the two years of training.
Quick Facts
First-year salary: $63,400
Benefits include: All costs of health and dental care for resident and beneficiaries. See our benefits section for more information about our benefits.
Vacation each year: 3 weeks
Location: Most rotations are done at University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital in Iowa City. The biochemical rotation is conducted at the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene at the University of Wisconsin - Madison.
Number of faculty who train residents: 6 clinical, 3 lab
For more information, visit our division pages.
Honors/Recognition
University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital is the only children’s hospital in Iowa nationally ranked for pediatric care by U.S. News and World Report. Read June 15, 2021 press release.
- Neonatology (#25)
- Orthopedics (#35)
- Diabetes and Endocrinology (#41)
- Nephrology (#42)
- Neurology and Neurosurgery (#50)
The 15th annual Best Children’s Hospitals rankings recognize the top 50 pediatric facilities across the U.S. in 10 pediatric specialties: cancer, cardiology and heart surgery, diabetes and endocrinology, gastroenterology and gastrointestinal surgery, neonatology, nephrology, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopedics, pulmonology and lung surgery, and urology.
UI Stead Family Children's Hospital and the UI Stead Family Department of Pediatrics are recognized nationally for a number of achievements.
Pediatric researchers at the University of Iowa have a long history of breakthrough discoveries in both the clinical and laboratory setting. Meet members of our research team:
Schedule
This 2-year Medical Genetics and Genomics Residency Program is comprised of 18 months of broad-based general clinical genetics training and 6 months of clinical or laboratory-based research activity, as mandated by the Residency Review Committee for Medical Genetics (RRC). The residents will also attend a continuity genetics clinic once per week during the 6 months of research.
The clinical genetics component of the program will consist of rotations in a variety of general and subspecialty genetics outpatient clinics, inpatient consultation service and in each of the appropriate genetic testing laboratories. While the program will include enough flexibility to accommodate individual interests, a typical residency will be weighted toward general clinical genetics and research. All residents must keep a detailed patient log that includes all the information required by the ABMGG in their application for certification in Clinical Genetics. This logbook will be reviewed with the Program Director at regular intervals to ensure that the resident gains depth and breadth of experience in all areas of clinical genetics, including adult and cancer genetics. Based upon review of the primary diagnoses seen in prior years in our program, the resident will be able to meet and exceed the ABMGG required number of cases for the primary genetic competencies. There will be an option for a 3rd year that can be spent primarily in clinical or laboratory-based research activity.
Sample schedule
| Year | Block | Rotation | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | General Genetics 1 | Division of Medical Genetics & Genomics |
| 2 | General Genetics 2 | Division of Medical Genetics & Genomics | |
| 3 | Metabolic Genetics 1 | Division of Medical Genetics & Genomics | |
| 4 | Biochem Lab SIMD NAMA | **University of Wisconsin at Madison Biochemical Genetics Laboratory | |
| 5 | General Genetics 3 | Division of Medical Genetics & Genomics | |
| 6 | *General Genetics 4 | Division of Medical Genetics & Genomics | |
| 7 | Metabolic Genetics 2 | Division of Medical Genetics & Genomics | |
| 8 | *Cytogenetics Laboratory | Shivanand R. Patil Cytogenetics and Molecular Genetics Laboratory | |
| 9 | Cancer Genetics 1 | Herman Cancer Center | |
| 10 | General Genetics 5 | Division of Medical Genetics & Genomics | |
| 11 | Clinical or Research Elective 1 | Based on Elective | |
| 12 | Prenatal Genetics 1 | Women's Health Center | |
| 13 | Vacation | ||
| 2 | 1 | *Clinical Molecular Genetics/MoPath | Molecular Pathology Laboratory |
| 2 | *Clinical or Research Elective 2 | Based on Elective | |
| 3 | Prenatal Genetics 2 | Women's Health Center | |
| 4 | General Genetics 6 | Division of Medical Genetics & Genomics | |
| 5 | *Elective/Research | Based on resident | |
| 6 | *Elective/Research | Based on resident | |
| 7 | *Elective/Research | Based on resident | |
| 8 | General Genetics 7 | Division of Medical Genetics & Genomics | |
| 9 | Cancer Genetics 2 | Herman Cancer Center | |
| 10 | General Genetics 8 | Division of Medical Genetics & Genomics | |
| 11 | *Clinical or Research Elective | Based on Elective | |
| 12 | General Genetics 9 | Division of Medical Genetics & Genomics | |
| 13 | Vacation |
*Can request for vacation.
**This is a 7-day course that rotates to different locations each year.
Clinical Electives
UI Stead Family Children's Hospital/UI Hospitals & Clinics Neuromuscular Clinic
The multi-disciplinary Neuromuscular Clinic is held on Tuesdays in the Pediatric Specialty Clinic at UIHC. This clinic is staffed by Katherine Mathews, MD, and Christina Trout, RN, MSN. A physical therapist also attends the clinic. Dr. Mathews is the director of the Division of Neurology in the Department of Pediatrics, and completed a genetics fellowship following her child neurology training. Ms. Trout has a Master’s degree in nursing, with special expertise in genetics and genetic counseling. Approximately 8-10 patients are seen in an average half-day clinic. Patients are a mixture of new and returns, and approximately 1/3 of the patients are adults. The majority of the patients have some form of muscular dystrophy, inherited neuropathy or myopathy, ataxia, or other disorder of the neuromuscular system.
Duration: One month rotation
UI Hospitals & Clinics Craniofacial Clinic - Elective
The Craniofacial Clinic is a multidisciplinary clinic with Pediatric Genetics, Pediatric Otolaryngology, and Pediatric Neurosurgery to provide diagnostic evaluations, ongoing care and genetic counseling for pediatric patients with craniofacial disorders, including cleft lip and cleft palate, craniosynostosis syndromes.
Duration: One month rotation
UI Hospitals & Clinics Hereditary Hearing Loss Clinic - Elective
The Hereditary Hearing Loss Clinic is coordinated through the Department of Otolaryngology at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics. This clinic provides diagnostic evaluations, ongoing care and genetic counseling for pediatric patients with hereditary deafness, including autosomal dominant and autosomal recessive nonsyndromic types of deafness, as well as various syndromic forms of deafness. Dr. Richard Smith began this clinic because of his clinical and research interest in hereditary deafness. The clinic is a national referral center for hereditary deafness, with referrals coming from both local and distant states.
Duration: Two-month rotations; Mondays only
UI Hospitals & Clinics Retina Clinic/Inherited Eye Disease Clinic - Elective
The retina clinic is a full day clinic that meets each Tuesday in the Department of Ophthalmology. This clinic is staffed by Edwin Stone, MD, PhD. There are an average of 30 patients scheduled for clinic. The typical types of disorders seen in this clinic include: inherited eye diseases, diabetes mellitus, age related macular degeneration, as well as various infections/inflammatory retinal disorders. The retina clinic is an integral component of the Center for Macular Degeneration that also encompasses treatment/medical and surgical therapy, low vision rehabilitation and counseling, molecular and cellular biology and numerous research initiatives.
Duration: One-month rotation
Education/Conferences
Pediatric Fellows Core Curriculum
This is a weekly meeting offered to all pediatric subspecialty fellows and residents. By participating in this activity, the participant should be able learn skills regarding fellowship survival, teaching, reflective practices, leadership, as well as critical literature review and responsible conduct in research.
Genetics Journal Club
This is a weekly meeting. By participating in this activity, the participant should be able to identify new diagnostic methodologies and strategies in clinical genetics. The participant should have an awareness of the way in which the application of these to our patient population can be facilitated.
Clinical and Molecular Genetics Case Review Conference
This is a weekly meeting. By participating in this activity, the participant should be able to describe and review roundtable discussion of the current inpatient / outpatient cases in the areas of cancer, connective tissue, general genetics and metabolic genetics, as well as reviewing current cytogenetic cases.
Resident Lecture Series
Sample Medical Genetics & Genomics Residency Lecture Series
| No. | Topic |
|---|---|
| 1 | Dysmorphology |
| 2 | Review of Mendelian Principles |
| 3 | Genetic Counseling and Pedigree Construction |
| 4 | Chromosomal basis of genetic disorders 1 |
| 5 | Chromosomal basis of genetic disorders 2 |
| 6 | Basics of Molecular Laboratory Testing |
| 7 | Non-mendelian Inheritance |
| 8 | Population Genetics 1 |
| 9 | Population Genetics 2 |
| 10 | History of Human Genetics |
| 11 | Metabolic Genetics 1 |
| 12 | Metabolic Genetics 2 |
| 13 | Human Genome |
| 14 | Hemoglobinopathies |
| 15 | CFTR-related disorders and newborn screening |
| 16 | Lysosomal Storage Disorders |
| 17 | Immunological disorders |
| 18 | Prenatal Genetics - Teratogens |
| 19 | Craniofacial Disorders |
| 20 | Prenatal Genetics - screening and diagnosis |
| 21 | Cancer Genetics 1 |
| 22 | Cancer Genetics 2 |
| 23 | Molecular Cytogenetic Technologies |
| 24 | Genetic Eye Diseases in Children |
| 25 | Disorders of the skin, including phakomatoses |
| 26 | Neuromuscular Disorders |
| 27 | Connective Tissue Disorders |
| 28 | Normal and delayed development |
| 29 | Genetics of Endocrine Disorders |
| 30 | Connective Tissue Disorders |
| 31 | PKU |
| 32 | Bardet-Biedl Syndrome and related disorders |
Research
The Medical Genetics and Genomics Residency Program takes place in an extremely strong research environment. The University of Iowa is a leader in medical genetics research with strong programs including ophthalmologic genetics, genetics of hearing loss, genetics of craniofacial development, genetics of connective tissue disorders and the genetics of complex diseases, Genomics and Bioinformatics.
Opportunities for Residents
The faculty of the Division of Medical Genetics and Genomics, as well as faculty from other Pediatric Divisions and Departments with expertise in genetics, are experienced educators and committed to providing a high quality, well-rounded educational experience for the medical genetics resident(s). Access to numerous patients requiring genetic services through the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics General Genetics Clinics, Tuberous Sclerosis Clinics, the Genetics Outreach Program, Metabolic Genetics Clinics, Connective Tissue Disorders Clinics, Neurofibromatosis Clinics, Cancer Clinics, Neuromuscular Disease Clinics, Craniofacial Clinics, Ophthalmologic Genetics Clinic, and an active inpatient consultation service all housed at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, is one of the major strengths of the program.
Our clinical laboratory includes the Shivanand R. Patil Cytogenetics & Molecular Laboratory. Clinical cytogenetics and clinical molecular genetics through the UIHC is another major strength of our training program. It is recognized as a top clinical laboratory in the country.
Research opportunities offered by the program are also outstanding, and are available in laboratory facilities including the Eckstein Medical Research Building (EMRB) and Medical Education Research Facility (MERF). Laboratory research is extremely well funded within the Division of Medical Genetics and Genomics, the Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, and the College of Medicine as a whole, with major sources of funding including The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI). The Medical Genetics and Genomics Residency Program takes place in an extremely strong research environment. The University of Iowa is a leader in medical genetics research with strong programs including ophthalmologic genetics, genetics of hearing loss, genetics of craniofacial development, genetics of connective tissue disorders, and genetics of complex diseases, Genomics, and Bioinformatics. Clinical research opportunities also include, but would not be limited to, resources such as the IRCID, and other listed registries.
All of these resources at University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics will provide an excellent training environment for the resident in our Medical Genetics and Genomics Residency Program.
How to Apply
If you are interested in applying to the Medical Genetics and Genomics Residency Program, applications are accepted through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS).
If you need additional information, please contact Lisa Neff-Letts at lisa-neff-letts@uiowa.edu.
Applications must be received by September 8, 2023.
Priority Deadline
Applications must be received by September 9, 2022.
Priority for interviews will be given to applicants with full applications received by September 9, 2022.
Interviews will be scheduled in the months of August and September.
The NRMP Match Day for Medical Genetics is October 26, 2022!
The Interview
We will interview candidates for one position every year in the months of August and September.
Interviews will be held virtually this year.
Criteria for Candidacy
U.S. Allopathic Medical School Graduates
- Passing USMLE scores with no more than one previous failure.
- At least 3 letters of recommendation, Dean’s letter, medical school transcript, personal statement and photograph sent through ERAS. Letters from pediatric supervisors are preferable if possible. We do not require a “Chairman’s Letter.”
- There are no specific requirements for the personal statement but in general it should explain why you are interested in a pediatric residency and argue for why you would be a good candidate.
- Appropriate medical education to train in a large U.S. teaching hospital.
- History of and commitment to treating and/or advocating for and/or conducting research for children and/or adolescents.
Osteopathic Medical School Graduates
- COMLEX Step and Step 2 scores of at least 500 or USMLE Step 1 score of at least 200 on the first attempt.
- At least 3 letters of recommendation, Dean’s letter, medical school transcript, personal statement and photograph sent through ERAS. Letters from pediatric supervisors are preferable if possible. We do not require a “Chairman’s Letter.”
- There are no specific requirements for the personal statement but in general it should explain why you are interested in a pediatric residency and argue for why you would be a good candidate.
- Appropriate medical education to train in a large US teaching hospital.
- History of and commitment to treating and/or advocating for and/or conducting research for children and/or adolescents.
International Medical School Graduates
- USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 scores of at least 225 on first attempt. Both scores must be available before you can be considered for an interview.
- Passing grade on the CSA or USMLE Step 2 CS on the first attempt.
- Medical school graduation date of 2008 or later.
- Previous pediatric residency experiences, observership or clinical experience in the US is strongly preferred.
- Previous degree in U.S., i.e. MPH is also desirable.
- At least 3 letters of recommendation, Dean’s letter, medical school transcript, personal statement and photograph sent through ERAS. Letters from pediatric supervisors are preferable if possible. We do not require a “Chairman’s Letter”.
- There are no specific requirements for the personal statement but in general it should explain why you are interested in a pediatric residency and argue for why you would be a good candidate.
- Appropriate medical education to train in a large U.S. teaching hospital.
- History of and commitment to treating and/or advocating for and/or conducting research for children and/or adolescents.
- We sponsor J-1 Visas.
Accrediting Board
The Medical Genetics and Genomics Residency Program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME).
Our People
It takes a special person to dedicate his or her life to the care and healing of people.
At Iowa, you will be exposed to some of the best clinicians, researchers and teachers in our profession. Through formal mentoring programs as well as an open-door philosophy, we provide high-powered opportunities for you to learn career-long lessons from these dedicated professionals.
Additionally, classmates in your class will share in the support and encouragement that will help you excel.
Current resident
Dylan Todd, MD, PhD
Medical School: University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
Graduate School: University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
Past residents
Bharatendu Chandra, MBBS, MRCP(UK), FAMS
Medical School
The Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education & Research (JIPMER), Puducherry, India, 2002-2008
Residency
Internal Medicine, Ministry of Health Holdings and Joint Committee on Specialist Training, Singapore, 2009-2012
Fellowship
Neurology, Ministry of Health Holdings and Joint Committee on Specialist Training, Singapore, 2014-2017
Research Interests
Stroke Genetics
Genetic Arteriopathies
Neurodegenerative Disorders
Complex Neurological Disorders
Ataxias
Other Interests
Travel, music, reading
Moon Ley Tung, MBBS, MRCP(UK), FRCPath (UK)
Medical School
University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
Residency
Internal Medicine, Ministry of Health Holdings and Joint Committee on Specialist Training, Singapore, 2008-2011
Fellowship
- Hematology, Joint Committee on Specialist Training, Singapore, 2011-2014
- Medical Genetics, University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, 2020-present
Research Interests
Inherited Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes
Short Telomere Syndromes
Hemoglobinopathies
Cancer Genetics
Gene Therapies
Other Interests
Travel, reading, pottery
Evelyn Rawcliffe-Kimbrell, DO
Medical School
Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Des Moines, Iowa 2002-2006
Residency
Family Medicine - Spartanburg Regional Medical Center, Spartanburg, SC 2006-2009
Fellowship
Medical Genetics - University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics Iowa City, Iowa 2014-2016
Research Interests
Autism
Developmental delay
Intellectual disability
Psychiatric disorders
Other Interests
Reading
Cross stitching
Travel
Cooking
Nathan Noble, DO
Medical School
Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Des Moines, Iowa
Residency
Blank Children's Hospital, Des Moines, Iowa
Fellowship
Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics
Medical Genetics, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa
Research Interests
Developmental Behavioral phenotypes in genetic disorders
Jason L. Picconi, MD, PhD
Medical School
Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, Nebraska 1998-2006
Graduate School
Ph.D. Biomedical Sciences, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, Nebraska 1998-2006
Residency
Obstetrics and Gynecology - Wayne State University / Detroit Medical Center, Detroit, Michigan 2006-2010
Fellowship
Maternal Fetal Medicine / Medical Genetics – University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa 2010-2014
Research Interests
- The use of Doppler sonography in the evaluation of the fetal ductus venosus in severely premature growth-restricted fetuses
- In-utero genetic therapies
- Trisomy X
Welcome to the Stead Family Department of Pediatrics
Alexander G. Bassuk, MD, PhD
Chair and Department Executive Officer
Welcome to the University of Iowa's Stead Family Children's Hospital. We are proud to showcase our extraordinary clinical care, dedication to the education of students and young physicians, and our world-class research programs.
Our comprehensive medical, surgical, and nursing services span the full spectrum of pediatric care. The consistently high rankings we receive on national and international benchmarks attest to the exceptional quality of care we provide. With more than 127,000 annual outpatient visits and more than 10,000 admissions to the 165 beds at University of Iowa's Stead Family Children's Hospital, we draw patients regionally, nationally, and internationally. Our commitment to family-centered care and our outstanding facilities have been praised for their innovative and patient-friendly design.
We are dedicated to excellence in the education of medical students, residents, and fellows, as reflected by a competency-based curriculum that is designed to provide practitioners with comprehensive knowledge and outstanding skills. The clinical and research efforts of trainees are closely mentored and nurtured. Our graduates move on to successful careers in clinical practice and academic pediatrics.
From genomics to cancer biology, from clinical trials to outcomes research, the department consistently ranks among the top National Institutes of Health (NIH) funded Pediatric Departments nationally. Our faculty and staff are engaged in cutting edge basic science and patient-oriented research in our unwavering quest to improve the health and well-being of all children.
Meet our Division and Faculty
We have a diverse faculty with wide-ranging clinical and research interests. Many are internationally known and have been in the department for many years. We also have bright young faculty who bring new interests and enthusiasm to the practice and teaching of neurology. All clinical faculty participate in resident training, clinical practice, and research.
Contact Us
Department Contact
Lisa Neff-Letts
Program Coordinator
Medical Genetics and Genomics Residency Program
University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics
200 Hawkins Drive
W133 GH
lisa-neff-letts@uiowa.edu
