MASTER OF MEDICAL SCIENCESIn Principles in Genetic Counsellingand Genetic Counselling

DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY, DEPARTMENT OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY ANDDEPARTMENT OF PAEDIATRICS AND ADOLESCENT MEDICINE

2020-2021

Genetics and genomic testing have allowed clinicians to better understand rare diseases, particularly

in paediatrics, prenatal diagnosis and oncology. Genetics is becoming a standard of care for risk

assessment, prevention, and therapeutic management. Knowledge of genetics tests results, genetic

counselling and subsequent management of affected patients and their families, and the implications

involved are now very much essential not only for clinicians, nurses and allied health workers, but also

for those in the pharmaceutical industry and healthcare management.

The is a new Specialised Field, which aims to equip students with practical knowledge and skills in

providing genetic counselling and understanding of how science works behind genetics for clinical

use in the three essential areas, i.e., paediatrics, prenatal diagnosis and oncology. The course is

designed with much flexibility to allow part-time study for full-time workers.

Our part-time 2-year course consists of 12 credit units of

core courses, including the compulsory one, Principles to

Genetic Counselling (3 credit units), followed by 18 credit

units of Specialised Field of Study in Genetic Counselling,

which are required for the qualification of MMedSc in

Genetic Counselling.

The Core course, Principle to Genetic Counselling introduces the basis of

human genetics and provides an overview of the duties of a genetic

counsellor. It covers the development of basic knowledge and clinical skills

to present relevant genetic information to patients and their families, as well

as the ethical, legal and policy issues related to genetics and genomic

testing that has developed.

The SPECIALSIED FIELD OF STUDY(SURG7100 Genetic Counselling) aims to give a more in-depth study of genetic counselling in prenatal, paediatrics and cancer genetics setting. It consists of 3 credit units of each of the following areas:

Risk calculation and effective communication in genetic counselling

Advancements in Genomics

Genetics in medicine 1 (Prenatal)

Genetics in medicine 2 (Paediatrics)

Genetics in medicine 3 (Cancer)

Clinical Attachments

SURG7101

SURG7102

SURG7103

SURG7104

SURG7105

SURG7106

Programme directors and Co-directors

Overseas Advisors

Learning outcomes

Mode of teaching

Who should apply

On completion of these courses, students will be able to

demonstrate in-depth understanding of genetic disorders,risks and management; and communicate information to patients and families in prenatal, paediatrics and cancer genetics setting.handle the emotional and psychosocial needs of patients and their families with genetic diseases.conduct genetic counselling sessions.acquire the latest genetic and genomic knowledge and technologies.conduct basic research in genetic counselling or related fields.

Face to Face lectures and workshops mainly to be taken place during weekends, some of which will be in evenings.Focus on online and e-learning to allow flexibility for those who have a full time job.The second year is mainly designated for the dissertation preparation and therefore course completion can be earlier than two years.Clinical attachments for the relevant specialties.

Clinicians, nurses, laboratory researchers, scientists, technicians, psychologists, social workers, health care management administratorsand those in the pharmaceutical industry or seeking to develop a career in genetic counselling.

The Full Module allows the gaining of MMedSc in Genetic Counselling - giving an unique education option to be one step ahead for career opportunities in this area which is developing in Asia.

Eligibility for entry to MMedSc in Genetic Counselling, admission requirements and further details: https://www.med.hku.hk/images/document/03edu/taught/mmedsc/admission.html.The new specialized field : https://www.med.hku.hk/images/document/03edu/taught/mmedsc/curriculum/sm_surgery.html#SURG7100The compulsory core course : https://www.med.hku.hk/images/document/03edu/taught/mmedsc/curriculum/cm_systems.html#PAED7100Other MMedSc programmes, individual courses and further details: http://www.med.hku.hk/programme/mmedsc.MMedSc Application Form for Admission:http://www.med.hku.hk/images/document/03edu/taught/mmedscapp6.pdf

James M FordProfessor, Medicine (Oncology), Pediatrics (Medical Genetics) and Genetics Director, Stanford Clinical Cancer Genomics ProgramStanford University School of Medicine

Kelly E Ormond, MS, CGC, LGCProfessor, Department of GeneticsCo-Director, MS Human Genetics and Genetic Counseling, Stanford Center for Biomedical Ethics (SCBE)Stanford University

Christian Singer Professor Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Medical University of Vienna

Allison W. Kurian, M.D., M.Sc.Medical oncologist, Breast specialist, Cancer geneticistAssociate Professor, Medicine (Oncology) and Health Research and PolicyStanford University Medical Center

Professor Ava KwongDaniel C K Yu Professor in Breast Cancer ResearchDepartment of SurgeryThe University of Hong Kong Tel : +852 2255 4773Fax : +852 2817 2291email : avakwong@hku.hk (Programme Director: Ava Kwong) jlolf5@hku.hk (Course administrator: Jessica Lo) kakai@hku.hk (Assistant: Candy Tsoi )

Enquiry for the Specialised Field of Studies (Genetic Counseling):

General Enquiries:MMedSc Office, Medical Faculty tel : 3917 9155Fax : 28184913email : mmedscoffice@hku.hk

Professor Ava KwongDepartment of Surgery LKS Faculty of MedicineThe University of Hong Kong

Dr Brian Hon-Yin ChungClinical Associate ProfessorDepartment of Paediatrics and Adolescent MedicineLKS Faculty of MedicineThe University of Hong Kong

Dr. Mary H.Y. TangDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynaecology LKS Faculty of MedicineThe University of Hong Kong

Deadline for registration NOW extended to 12pm,15th June 2020