VGM: Vanderbilt Genomic Medicine Training Program

This application seeks to renew the Vanderbilt Genomic Medicine (VGM) training program at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC). VGM fellows are trained in data science, bioinformatics, laboratory science, and genomic discovery; the program also instructs fellows on the practice of genomic medicine. VGM builds on decades-long strengths in critical enabling resources and infrastructure within VUMC including: 1) BioVU, the largest biobank linking DNA samples to electronic medical records (EMRs) at a single academic institution (now >244,000 subjects), 2) Participation in three NHGRI-funded networks: the Electronic Medical Records and Genomics (eMERGE) network and eMERGE coordinating center, the Implementing Genomics in Practice (IGNITE) Network, and the Undiagnosed Disease Network (UDN), 3) the Pharmacogenomic Resource for Enhanced Decisions In Care and Treatment (PREDICT) project which embeds pharmacogenomic testing within electronic health records (EHRs) to guide drug and dosage choices 4) a Precision Oncology program that applies tumor genome sequencing to identify actionable mutations in cancers and to personalized target therapy, and 6) the largest Department of Biomedical Informatics in the country, with strong research, education, and support programs in clinical information technology. The program has 35 highly collaborative and well-funded faculty preceptors who team up to provide both basic and clinical research opportunities to Ph.D.-level and M.D.-level postdoctoral fellows. Fellows will participate in rotations, seminars, journal clubs, and retreats and interact with other clinical and research fellows and faculty. Under Vanderbilt’s Biomedical Research Education and Training (BRET) Office, the program will provide Responsible Conduct in Research (RCR) training, high-standard Individual Development Plans (IDP), and Career Development programs with the goal of developing fellows to be next-generation leaders in genomic medicine. A Scientific Advisory Committee and an External Advisory Committee provide valuable advice on VGM program development and enhancement. The program actively seeks candidates from different professional and research backgrounds. Our fundamental model is to enhance multidisciplinary training through a curriculum tailored for each trainee based on prior experience, coupled to paired mentoring with both clinical and methodological expertise.