How to become a Geneticist- best answer will be given-

Question

I'm a college student who plans on being a doctor but i've discoverd the field of geneticist and it really fascinate me. how do you become a geneticist ? do you still have to go to med school and if so what steps to have have to take after graduating med-school to become a geneticist. -BEST ANSWER WILL BE GIVEN- please only answer if you really know no "i think"

Answer 1

There are many subfields in genetics, and each has its own requirements.

Research Geneticist:

The modern science of genetics is built on the natural sciences. A student desiring to become a geneticist working in basic research should study math, chemistry and physics in high school and college in addition to biology. While the most common college major for future geneticists is biological sciences, students majoring in any one of the physical sciences with appropriate courses in biology could also enter graduate school in genetics. After college, students would typically enter a Ph.D. program in genetics during which time they would usually be supported by fellowships that cover tuition and living expenses. During the first and possibly second year of Ph.D. training, students take advanced courses in genetics and begin a research project. For the remaining two to four years of training students carry out original research under the direction of a faculty member. After obtaining the Ph.D. degree, most graduates do research as postdoctoral fellows for two to four years, during which time they are supported by fellowships or research training stipends. Individuals would then be qualified to assume faculty positions at academic institutions or join the staffs of research institutes or biotechnology firms.

Laboratory Geneticists:

Application of modern genetic technology to agriculture, legal or police work, pharmaceutical development, and clinical medicine requires the services of sophisticated laboratories. These laboratories are staffed by scientists trained in molecular biology, cytogenetics, biochemical genetics, immunogenetics, and related disciplines. Genetic laboratory directors usually hold Ph.D. degrees or M.D. degrees with specialization in laboratory medicine. Most individuals becoming genetic laboratory technologists have four to six years of university education. Some genetic laboratories require their staff to have specific training and certification in cytogenetic or medical technology. Other genetic laboratories hire people with any relevant B.S. or M.S. degree as long as they can show an aptitude for the detailed technical and clinically important work being performed. The career of a laboratory geneticist offers the opportunity to apply genetics "hands on" to a variety of important problems.



Genetic Counselors:



Genetic counselors are health professionals with specialized graduate degrees and experience in the areas of medical genetics and counseling. Counselors enter the field from a variety of disciplines, including biology, genetics, nursing, psychology, public health and social work. Genetic counselors work as members of a health care team, providing information and support to families who have members with birth defects or genetic disorders and to families and individuals who may be at risk for a variety of inherited conditions. They identify families at risk, investigate the problem, interpret information about the disorder, analyze inheritance patterns and risks of recurrence, and review available options with the family or individual. As the human genome is unveiled, the variety of positions available to counselors expands, including specialization in areas such as prenatal genetics or cancer genetics. Genetic counselors also provide supportive counseling, serve as patient advocates and refer individuals and families to community or state support services. They serve as educators and resource people for other health care professionals and for the general public. Some counselors also work in administrative capacities. Many engage in research activities related to the field of medical genetics and genetic counseling.



Clinical Geneticists:

Clinical geneticists are physicians (or other credentialed clinician). Therefore, undergraduates would need to satisfy the requirements for medical school admission. A major in the biological or physical sciences may be desirable, although not necessary, provided the admission requirements are fulfilled. After successful completion of medical school, graduates may become qualified to sit for board certification with the completion of a four- year residency in Medical Genetics. Alternatively, a residency in pediatrics, obstetrics-gynecology, internal medicine or other medical specialty should be completed, followed by a fellowship in clinical genetics. Currently, most residency programs are three to five years; fellowships are an additional two or three years. Individuals would then be qualified to take the board examinations and seek positions in research centers, hospitals or medical centers. If the clinician has also obtained credentials as a researcher, with a research degree, fellowship, or practical training, a career that includes both research and clinical practice is possible.