Focus Internship
The focus internship is a unique part of the Emory Genetic Counseling Training Program intended to provide the students with a rich and in-depth experience encompassing non-traditional and expanded roles. This focus internship also provides the foundation for the required capstone project designed to develop research, grant writing and publication skills.
The focus internship will last for the duration of the program and involve one of four general areas:
- Public Health Genetics
- Clinical Genetics Research
- Clinical Genetics Laboratory Counseling and Practice
- Expanded Clinical Practice and Service Delivery
Students will work under the guidance of a mentor on an identified project(s) in one of the above areas, spending ½-1 day per week at their focus site during the fall and spring semesters of their 1st and 2nd years and the equivalent of 4 days/week for 8 weeks during the interim summer.
The introductory summer course HGC710 will provide the foundation for students to select their area and project of interests for their focus internship. Presentations will be given by genetics and other professionals practicing in these settings. Students will tour related facilities, meet for one-on-one interviews with the professionals involved, shadow individuals on the job, and explore possible focus projects and capstone topics with designated mentors. Student assignments will be based on interest, availability, and mentor preferences.
