This document summarizes a study that assessed the knowledge and attitudes of medical residents and fellows in the United States regarding genetic testing for disease biomarkers and precision medicine. A survey of over 3,800 residents found that only about 10% answered genetics questions correctly. While most residents were interested in learning more about precision medicine and genetics testing, over 90% reported that they had not received adequate training. The study concludes that additional training in genetic testing and precision medicine should be incorporated into medical education.

1. Knowledge and attitudes of medical residents and fellows
working in various hospitals of the United States of America,
on genetic testing for disease specific biomarkers and
knowledge of Precision Medicine
By: Shima Ghavimi, MD
PGY- 2 Internal Medicine
Associate Clinical Researcher
Howard University Hospital
Washington, DC

2. Conflict of Interest / Relationship to disclose
I have nothing to declare.
I have no conflict of interest.

3. Objectives:
The aim of the study was to assess knowledge and attitudes of medical
residents and fellows working in various hospitals of the United States
of America.
- On the knowledge of genetic testing for disease specific biomarkers
and,
- Knowledge of Precision Medicine.

4. Method:
We distributed self-administered questionnaire to the residents and
fellows either through email or by being in contact with them with
phone.
Statistical evaluation of the determinants of knowledge and attitudes
towards their knowledge of Genetics and Precision Medicine.
Followed phone calls was made to all who wanted follow phone calls or
whom called us.

5. Questions:
Regarding:
APC – Colorectal Cancer
MSH3-MSH2-MSH6 – Mismatch repair system
BCRA1 – Breast Cancer
Diabetes, Vitiligo, RA, NAFLD and Auto Immune diseases.

6. Results:
3835 residents and fellows answered the survey questions.
Male – (48%) 1842/3835
Female – (52%) 1993/3835
Age range – 24 to 44 years, Median age 31

7. Distribution of Resident Field
Internal Medicine (31%)
Pediatrics residents (28%)
OBGYN Resident (14%)
Family Medicine (12%)
Pathology (7%)
Surgery (3%)
Other fields (5%) – (Derm, IM/PED combined, Neurology)
Excluded (Genetic Based Residency and Training..MED-GEN, PED-GEN..)
~10% [ Overall] answered correctly the questions on regarding the genes involved in developing genetic
disorders.

8. Involved in Scholarly activity
No 12%
Yes 88%
Exposure to cancer genetic testing during graduate
training
No 95%
Yes 5%
Postgraduate training courses in epidemiology and
EBM
No 18%
Yes 82%
Knowledge of Genetics and Biomarkers
Low 35%
Intermediate 40%
Good 15%
Excellent 10%

9. Hours per week dedicated for continuing medical education
<1 30%
1–5 57%
6–10 11%
>10 2%
Patient request for any type of genetic tests during training
No 94%
Yes 6%
Personal or family having done a Genetics test
No 97%
Yes 3%
Having a Molecular Pathology Board in the hospital
No 95%
Yes 5%
Promotional material about Cancer screening during training
No 98%
Yes 2%
Conference on Precision or Personalized Medicine
No 98%
Yes 2%

10. 91% 3486 Recommended Classes on Precision Medicine
Wanted to learn how to incorporate precision
medicine and Genetics knowledge for their
patients for the continuity of care
31% 1200 Requested Genetic testing class
65% 2487
Wanted to learn how to interpret Genetics
tests
72% 2780
willing to have 2 weeks of year dedicated to
Genetics and Precision medicine

11. Conclusion:
The knowledge of Genetic testing for disease specific biomarkers and
Precision Medicine among residents and fellows who answered the
questionnaire appears to be insufficient.
There is a need for additional training in this field.
We suggest ACGME to incorporate at least one month of Genetic testing
training for disease specific biomarkers
Further Continuing medical education on Genetic testing and Precision
Medicine.

12. Acknowledgement - Special Thanks to
Dr. Hamed Azimi, MD
Dr. Peter Sealy, MD