Trainee Members

Q&A about AMP, molecular pathology and genomic medicine:

1. What is molecular pathology, molecular diagnostics and genomic medicine?
2. Why should I be interested in this medical area specialty? What training do I need? Are there jobs?
3. Who is the Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP)?
4. What are the benefits of membership?
5. When is AMP's Annual Meeting & Expo?
6. What opportunities do I have as a resident/fellow/student to participate in the Annual Meeting & Expo?
7. What is the Jeff A. Kant–AMP Education Fund?
8. Need more information after exploring the AMP website?

What is molecular pathology, molecular diagnostics and genomic medicine?

Molecular pathology is a discipline of pathology that specializes in nucleic acid testing for inherited disorders (molecular genetics), infectious diseases (molecular microbiology), cancer (molecular oncology) and pharmacogenetics.

Molecular diagnostics goes beyond nucleic acid testing to include protein-based assays and may involve other analytes.

Genomic pathology is a subset within molecular pathology that focuses on the design, validation and implementation of molecular diagnostics tools aiming to cover much larger components of the genome than traditional single gene assays. Examples of genomic pathology include cytogenomic arrays, expression arrays and next-generation sequencing.

Genomic pathology and the Information Age combine to form genomic medicine. Genomic medicine allows for diagnosis of multigenic disorders (such as cardiomyopathies) and provides disease-prediction data that empowers patients to alter their lifestyles prior to developing a disease state. Furthermore, genomic medicine allows practitioners to utilize the genetic profile of the individual, their microbiome, or the causative agent of an infectious disease to more accurately identify the optimal pharmaceutical, medical, or surgical intervention for a given clinical presentation. The predictive and preventive powers of genomic medicine promote a true personalized approach to medical care, and have the potential to positively impact health on both an individual and global scale.

Why should I be interested in this medical area specialty? What training do I need? Are there jobs?

Certification Routes in Molecular Pathology
Molecular Pathology Training Programs

What is the Association for Molecular Pathology?

As the leading international organization for molecular pathology/laboratory genomic medicine education, AMP is a not-for-profit scientific society that advances the clinical practice, science, and excellence of molecular and genomic laboratory medicine through education, innovation, and advocacy to enable highest quality health care.

What are the benefits of AMP membership?

We are proud to offer FREE membership for trainees (fellows, residents or students) as "associate members" (for the duration of training; maxium of 7 years)

Member benefits include:

• Reduced rates for our annual meeting
• Online access to The Journal of Molecular Diagnostics
• Online education and continuing education opportunities
• Access to CHAMP, AMP's online member community for discussions, networking, policy updates, and other member-generated content!
• Links to fellowship programs
• And much more!

When is AMP's Annual Meeting & Expo?

Visit the AMP Events Calendar for more information about upcoming meeting information and registration.

What opportunities do I have as a Resident/Fellow/Student to participate in the Annual Meeting & Expo?

• The opportunity to present your work as a poster! Abstract submissions will be accepted through late May. Notification of acceptance is in mid-July.
• Travel and poster awards for trainees are available.
• Young Investigator Awards for the three best posters submitted by AMP member trainees.
• Early Bird Sessions for trainee case study presentations in the scientific areas of genetics, hematopathology, infectious diseases, solid tumors or informatics. Solicitations begin in early June.

What is the Jeff A. Kant–AMP Education Fund?

The Jeffrey A. Kant–AMP Education Fund was established to honor Jeffrey A. Kant, M.D., Ph.D. Kant was one of AMP's founding members, its first president, the first recipient of the AMP Leadership Award, a chair of the AMP Economic Affairs Committee and held many other leadership roles. His tireless work in his profession and on behalf of AMP has a lasting legacy. As a mentor to many in the field of molecular diagnostics, he valued getting trainees into molecular diagnostics, involved in AMP, and facilitating community among AMP members.

Need more information after exploring the AMP website?

Contact: AMPEducation@amp.org

Learn more about joining AMP as an Associate (trainee) member