Facts about MMI’s new fellowship programs

UNMC’s Munroe-Meyer Institute has launched a pair of fellowship programs to train clinical geneticists and clinical cytogeneticists to address shortages of professionals in both fields.

Below are some facts about the new programs.












Did you know?



MMI is home to the Human Genetics Laboratories where more than 76 staff members investigate lymphomas, solid tumors and blood disorders, birth defects and prenatal genetic problems.

In addition, clinical genetic assessment and genetic counseling are provided through clinics held in all hospitals in Omaha as well as across the state.




What do they do?

  • Clinical geneticists provide high quality clinical genetics services and act as consultants regarding laboratory and clinical diagnosis for a large group of genetic disorders.
  • Cytogeneticists detect chromosomal problems early to provide health care professionals an opportunity to establish a method of treatment.

When will the programs start?

On July 1, two physicians — Lois Starr, M.D., and Eric Rush, M.D. — started the fellowship program in clinical genetics, one of just 39 such programs in the country.

The clinical cytogeneticists fellowship will soon restart at UNMC. The program was discontinued 12 years ago because of limited staff and increased requirements. It will restart because of need and demand for services.

Who’s eligible?

The geneticist fellowship program is open to physicians who have completed their residencies. After the initial year, MMI will admit one clinical genetics fellow per year.

The cytogenetics fellowship will accept one applicant a year and be open to geneticists with a doctorate degree and to physicians who have completed a residency in:

  • Pediatrics;
  • Pathology;
  • Neurology;
  • Family practice; or
  • Obstetrics.

Both programs are certified by the American Board of Medical Geneticists, a branch of the American Medical Association.

Whom do I contact?

Contact Warren Sanger, Ph.D., at wgsanger@unmc.edu or Bruce Buehler, M.D., at bbuehler@unmc.edu for more information about the program.