Subspecialties

• Molecular Genetic Pathology
   

• Medical Biochemical Genetics

Molecular Genetic Pathology

Certification in molecular genetic pathology is a joint and equal function of the American Board of Pathology (ABP) and the ABMG. Such function relates to qualifications of applicants, standards of examination, and the form of the certificate. Each individual applying for certification must be a physician and hold a currently valid, full, and unrestricted license to practice medicine or osteopathy in the United States or Canada.

1. Prerequisites

   The ABP and ABMG will qualify applicants for examination for certification in molecular genetic pathology who:

    

   1. Are certified by the ABP or the ABMG
       

   2. Are physicians certified by the ABP (anatomic pathology, clinical pathology, or combined anatomic pathology and clinical pathology) or the ABMG (clinical genetics only) and have completed at least 1 year of training in molecular genetic pathology in a program accredited for such training by the ACGME.
       

      NOTE: the by experience pathway for molecular genetic pathology has ended with the 2007 subspecialty examination.

       

2. Training
   Training programs in molecular genetic pathology are a joint and equal function of departments of pathology and medical genetics. The pathologist applicant must gain an understanding of the principles involved in the diagnosis, management, and treatment of genetic disorders and of counseling the patient and the family.
   
   To find information regarding examination dates, deadlines for filing, fees, requirements for certification, and other general information, visit the ABP website and click on Booklet of Information Index on the home page and then click on the title that you wish to explore.

Contact information for the subspecialty of Molecular Genetic Pathology:

Medical Biochemical Genetics

The first certification examination for the subspecialty of Medical Biochemical Genetics will be offered in August 2009 along with the certification examination.

Medical Biochemical Genetics A medical biochemical geneticist demonstrates competence in the diagnosis and medical management of individuals with inborn errors of metabolism. He/She provides direct and consultative care for individuals of all ages who are diagnosed with biochemical disorders.

Medical Biochemical Genetics

Programs leading to certification in Medical Biochemical Genetics are designed to train physicians in the diagnosis and care of individuals with metabolic disorders. The one-year training program includes intensive interactions with children and adults with inborn errors of metabolism. This subspecialty differs from the primary specialty of Clinical Biochemical Genetics in that Medical Biochemical Genetics training does not provide the educational experience necessary for an individual to become a director of a biochemical genetics laboratory.

MDs who have been previously certified in the primary specialty of Clinical Biochemical Genetics and who treat patients are, and will continue to be, equally qualified for providing patient care as those certified in the subspecialty of Medical Biochemical Genetics. However, individuals certified in the subspecialty of Medical Biochemical Genetics will not qualify to direct a biochemical genetics laboratory.

1. Prerequisites

    

   1. Each individual applying for certification must be a physician and hold a currently valid, full, and unrestricted license to practice medicine in the United States or Canada.
       

   2. Each individual applying for certification must be certified by the ABMG in the primary specialty of Clinical Genetics, or be certified by an appropriate ABMS member board in a primary specialty.

       

2. Training

    

   1. Training programs in Medical Biochemical Genetics must be accredited by the ACGME.
       

   2. For ABMG certified clinical geneticists, a minimum of one year training in an ACGME-accredited MBG program is required.
       

   3. For diplomates of another ABMS member board, additional training in the areas of genetics is required. Arrangements must be made with the ACGME accredited subspecialty training program for this additional year of training. The applicant should contact the ABMG for approval of the proposed additional training program . In most cases, the total requirement will be satisfied by 2 years of full time training, or the equivalent.

       

3. Certification

    

   1. ABMG diplomates must complete the required one-year subspecialty training program. During that time they must complete a logbook of 150 cases. Specific logbook requirements can be found in the Bulletin of Information.
       

   2. Diplomates of other ABMS member boards must complete the one-year training program plus the additional educational requirements. During that time they must accumulate a logbook of 150 cases. Specific logbook requirements can be found in the Bulletin of Information.
       

   3. ABMG diplomates who are physicians and diplomates of other ABMS boards who wish to be grandfathered during the first 3 cycles of the certification examination (2009, 2011, and 2013) must submit a logbook of 150 cases. Specific logbook requirements can be found in the Bulletin of Information. Such diplomats must be able to document that they have been active in the management of patients with inborn errors of metabolism at least 25% time in the 2 years prior to submitting the application. For diplomates of ABMS specialties other than ABMG, a letter of recommendation from an ABMG diplomate in Clinical Genetics or Clinical Biochemical Genetics (or when available, Medical Biochemical Genetics) is required.

For information regarding examination dates, deadlines for filing, fees, requirements for certification, logbook requirements, and other general information, click here.