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The University of British Columbia
Faculty of MedicineDepartment of Medical Genetics
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  • Genomic Certificate
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      • Genomic Testing and Clinical Bioinformatics (MEDG 580)
      • Applied Variant Interpretation (MEDG 585)
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  • May 2025 – Congrats to Dr. Steven Jones who was recently elected as a Fellow of the Learned Society of Wales.

    This esteemed recognition is a testament to Dr. Jones’s outstanding and widely influential contributions to the fields of genomics and bioinformatics, particularly in cancer research, evidenced by his extensive publication record, and leadership roles. As a native of Wales, Dr. Jones is dedicated to leveraging his Fellowship to promote Welsh academic achievements globally and foster […] Read More

  • Congrats to Dr. Marco Marra on being awarded the 2025 Killam Prize in Health Sciences

    Among Canada’s most prestigious research awards, the Killam Prizes recognize Canadian scholars who have distinguished themselves through sustained research excellence and impact in their respective fields.  Read More

  • Congratulations to Dr. Alison Elliott on being one of the 2024/25 UBC Killam Teaching Prize recipients.

    Dr. Elliott is recognized for her significant contributions in advancing formal training in genetic counselling and developing a PhD subspecialization in Genetic and Genomic Counselling in the Department of Medical Genetics. Read More

  • Celebrations in March

    Dr. J9 Austin, MEDG’s current Head, thanked our Interim Heads, Drs. Matt Lorincz and Jan Friedman, at a recent social. The Heads also celebrated Dr. Marco Marra’s University Killam Professorship at a reception hosted by the UBC President at the historic Norman MacKenzie House. Read More

  • Grant Recipients:

    Canada launches $200M genomics data initiative to drive precision health and economic growth. Genome Canada announced the launch of the Canadian Precision Health Initiative (CPHI) and it will build Canada’s largest-ever collection of human genomic data. Among the new Genome Canada grants awarded were: Enhanced Population Cancer Care through Mainstream Genome Sequencing and Parent-of-Origin Detection […] Read More

  • King Charles III Coronation Medal:

    Dr. Suzanne Lewis, Clinical Professor, was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal for her impactful research on the characterization of novel clinical genomic syndromes contributing to autism spectrum and related neurodevelopmental disorders, and her advocacy for autism precision medicine. Dr. Lewis is among more than 10 UBC faculty members who have received this honour. Read More

  • Dr. Jehannine (J9) Austin – Get to know the Medical Genetics Department Head

    Read More

  • Dr. Marco Marra has been appointed as a University Killam Professor. Dr. Marco Marra appointed to UBC’s highest faculty honour: University Killam Professor – UBC Faculty of Medicine

    January 2025 – Congratulations to Dr. Marco Marra who was recently appointed as a University Killam Professor – the highest honour UBC can confer on a faculty member. The University Killam Professorship recognizes exceptional teachers and researchers who are leaders in their fields, and who have received international recognition for their talents and achievements. Read More

A message from the Medical Genetics Department Head

Please review a message from Dr. Jehannine (J9) Austin, Head of the Medical Genetics Department.

Medical Genetics Graduate Program

The Department of Medical Genetics offers research-focused, thesis-based MSc and PhD degree programs.

  • Students train under the supervision of renowned research scientists, under a broad range of research disciplines.
  • Research is highly interactive, involving local, national, and international collaborations – providing an enriching and opportunistic research environment.
  • With world-class labs utilising state-of-the-art equipment, infrastructure, and facilities, students get to experience and conduct cutting-edge research ongoing at the forefront of their fields.
  • Applicants to our competitive Medical Genetics Program for the September intake will be considered for our first year Rotation Program in our Medical Genetics-affiliated labs.

Interested? Read about admission to the Medical Genetics Graduate Program.

Genetic Counselling Program

UBC’s two-year MSc in Genetic Counselling Program — the largest of the 5 programs in Canada — is dedicated to equipping the next generation of genetic counsellors with the skills, knowledge and mindset to flourish as part of an interdisciplinary team and work across a broad range of health care settings and specialties.

Find out more here.

Medical Genetics Residency Program

Our Medical Genetics Residency Program is interdisciplinary and spent at a number of tertiary level Vancouver teaching hospitals and laboratories, all with large patient loads derived from the entire province. The program integrates basic and clinical genetics, with residents completing coursework within the UBC Medical Genetics Graduate Program. The clinical training is within a busy, provincial service that sees approximately 3000 families per year as outpatient, inpatient and outreach consultations. Patients are seen with a wide variety of prenatal, paediatric, and adult conditions. There is close affiliation with both diagnostic and research laboratories.

Find out more here.

  • Arun Kumar

    Find out about Arun’s experience here: Read More

  • Khair Mufti

    Find out about Khair’s experience: Read More

  • Sharri Cyrus

    Find out about Sharri’s experience here: Read More

  • Pardis Kazemian

    Find out about Pardis’s experience: Read More

  • Samantha Schaffner

    Find out about Samantha’s experience: Read More

  • Amy Inkster

    Find out about Amy’s experience: Read More


Mission and Vision

The Mission of the UBC Department of Medical Genetics is to pursue basic and clinical research for diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of genetic disease. Our goal is to be a world leader in the research, clinical practice, and teaching of Genetic Medicine. The Department is an inspiring and productive community of scholars, dedicated to providing compassionate care for our patients as well as generating and disseminating knowledge and technical expertise in the field of genetics and genomics. We are a respected source of information and advice to society. While focusing on key areas of genetic medicine, we view diversity of approach and techniques to be an essential strength of our Department.


Faculty of Medicine’s Commitment to Transforming Culture

Learn more about the Faculty’s commitment and actions towards creating respectful and inclusive learning and work environments.


Medical Genetics Graduate Program
Phone: 604-822-5312
Email: medical.genetics@ubc.ca
⠀⠀MSc Genetic Counselling Program
Phone: 604-875-3486
Email: medgeneducation@cw.bc.ca
⠀⠀Graduate Certificate in
Genomic Counselling and Variant
Interpretation
Phone: 604-875-3486
Email: genomiccounselling.info@ubc.ca
UBC Department of Medical Genetics
Vancouver, BC Canada
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