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Office of Genomics and Disease Prevention  
Office of Genomics and Disease Prevention

 

 Program

Career Development Opportunity in Genetics and Disease Prevention
CDC/ATSDR/ATPM Cooperative Agreement Project No. TH02.2

Introduction
The Career Development Opportunity (CDO) in Genetics and Disease Prevention is a distinct program (Component Two) within the Career Development in Public Health Research and Practice Program (TH02-16/16) under the CDC/ATSDR/Association of Teachers of Preventive Medicine (ATPM) Cooperative Agreement.

Background and Purpose
The purpose of the CDO in Genetics and Disease Prevention is to support professional development in genetics and disease prevention in an environment that links academic scholarship and public health practice. The general eligibility criteria, funding levels, and application procedures are stated in the document, Guidelines - CDC/ATSDR/ATPM Career Development in Public Health Research and Practice Program.  The Office of Genomics and Disease Prevention (OGDP) coordinates and provides oversight of the CDO in Genetics and Disease Prevention program at CDC.

The Office of Genomics and Disease Prevention was established in 1997 to provide an agency-wide coordination of genetics and disease prevention efforts.  This charge involves ensuring that genetic information is used appropriately and effectively in public health practice to reduce the risk for disease and injury among people because of their genetic makeup. In June 2000, the entire human genome was sequenced and more than 10,000 of our estimated 50,000 human genes have been discovered and more than 700 DNA tests are available in practice. Genes discovered included those associated with chronic diseases (cancer, cardiovascular disease), infectious diseases (HIV, malaria), and environmentally-related conditions. Gene variants, such as those associated with breast cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and hereditary hemochromatosis, impact large segments of the population.

Project Description and Areas of Focus
The CDO in Genetics and Disease Prevention is a 2 to 3 year opportunity for career individuals to become proficient in the application of genetic discoveries in disease prevention and public health. Each CDO will be located in a Center, Institute, or Office (CIO) of CDC. The program is multi-disciplinary and includes the biomedical, behavioral, and environmental aspects of disease prevention from a national perspective and as practiced at the state and local levels. 

Areas of focus for the CDO can be general or disease-specific and may include:
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Collecting genetic-related data to assess the genetic contribution to disease and disability in different communities,

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Conducting population-based studies on gene-environment interactions to determine modifiable risk factors,

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Evaluating data on clinical validity and utility of genetic tests to recommend appropriate use of genetic information,

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Evaluating the quality of the genetic testing process and determining laboratory performance standards,

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Participating in demonstration projects that use genetic information in disease prevention efforts in communities,

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Evaluating policies and legislation to ensure the effective and ethical use of genetic information,

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Educating health professionals in the application of genetics in disease prevention and public health programs,

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Conducting communication research with the general public to develop targeted messages for using genetics to improve health,

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Evaluating the impact of public health genetics programs in reducing the burden of disease and disability, and

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Conducting prevention-effectiveness analysis on using genetic information in public health programs.

Additional Applicant Qualifications
In addition to the basic eligibility criteria stated in Guidelines - CDC/ATSDR/ATPM Career Development in Public Health Research & Practice Program, applicants for the CDO in Genetics and Disease Prevention must have experience in one or more of the following fields: human or medical genetics, epidemiology, health policy, economics, social and behavioral sciences. Applicants must have a basic understanding of the nation's public health system and the role of state and local health departments.  Desirable skills and knowledge may vary for each project.

Additional Educational Opportunities
Once selected, Career Development Awardees (CDA) in Genetics and Disease Prevention will have the opportunity to utilize numerous data systems and information resources available to CDC.

CDAs are expected to:
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Attend a group orientation conducted by OGDP and participate in a yearly project briefing;

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Enroll in appropriate OGDP-sponsored courses in Genetics and Disease Prevention;

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Attend courses in "Genetic Epidemiology" or in "Human and Molecular Genetics" (at Emory University), if needed;

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Enroll in other CDC courses, according to the CDA's background and project needs, to augment career development (e.g. epidemiology, surveillance, statistics, prevention effectiveness, molecular biology, program evaluation, health communications, public health policy);

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Present and participate in the monthly Genetic Epi Journal Club to discuss selected literature or works in progress;

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Attend the monthly Genetics Distinguished Speaker Series on national-level issues;

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Participate in the National Genetics and Disease Prevention Meeting;

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Contribute to at least one scientific publication and one Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) article;

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Produce one or more Human Genome Epidemiology (HuGE) Reviews and Fact Sheets describing gene-environment interactions;

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Present at least one abstract at a national scientific meeting;

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Serve as lecturer or lead discussion groups in OGDP-sponsored courses; and

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Participate in activities for enhancing electronic and Web-based communication and training.

Application Procedures
Each year various projects are available for the CDO in Genetics and Disease Prevention. Visit the OGDP web site for a description of available projects, related tasks, and special qualifications.   Applicant information and materials for the CDC/ATSDR/ATPM Career Development in Public Health Research & Practice Program may be found at ATPM's web site.

To apply, contact:
Vera Schomer, MPH
Association for Teachers of Preventive Medicine
1660 L Street NW, Suite 208, Washington, D.C. 20036
(202) 463-0550  toll free (866) 474-ATPM  vsc@atpm.org

For additional information about available projects contact:
Office of Genomics and Disease Prevention
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Mailstop K-89
4770 Buford Highway NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30341-3724
(770) 488-8510
genetics@cdc.gov


The CDC maintains a smoke-free environment. All applicants receive equal consideration without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, political affiliation, age, or any other non-merit factor.


Last Updated October 25, 2004