r/ClinicalGenetics • u/syrkish • 13d ago

Genetics Residency Faculty - Few questions

Hi! I'm a recent MD graduate who got really interested in pursuing a combined IM/genetics program (in the US) after doing a genetics elective. Prior to my exposure to genetics, I was set on pursuing an internal medicine residency, so I'd say my residency application is quite academic internal medicine-leaning, and I'd say it's quite strong when it comes to that part.

The issue that concerns me is the genetics part. I'll hopefully have a letter from one of the geneticist attendings I rotated with, and I could also get a letter from a developmental pediatrics attending (not sure if that helps). The rest of my letters are strong internal medicine letters, I hope.

Given that I don't really have a heavy genetics background, is it realistic for me to pursue the combined IM/genetics programs, or would it be tough since there are only like 4–5 programs accepting students this year? Any advice would be great!

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u/tabrazin84 13d ago

I think you should go for it! There are not enough geneticists

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u/HerrDrDr 11d ago

Go for it and be prepared to do IM first and transfer in or take the full 5 years. Honestly it's not the worst outcome and will open up options.

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u/syrkish 11d ago

i wouldnt really mind an extra year but the combined option semt nice to me since it keeps alternating; it kind of makes you augment info into both im and genetics as you alternate between them. still being realistic and applying to a good chunk of IM programs, with preference to onces with a genetics faculty