Course Description and Schedule

The Cancer Genomics Education Program of City of Hope's Division of Clinical Cancer Genomics offers a CME/CEU-accredited multimodal Cancer Genomics Intensive Course to address the need for professional training in clinical cancer genetics and research collaboration for community-based clinicians.

The Intensive Course in Cancer Risk Assessment gives you a foundational understanding of the field of cancer genetics, genomics and personalized medicine.

Participation in the intensive course confers membership to the Clinical Cancer Genetics Community of Practice, an online community that brings cancer genetics practitioners from diverse practice settings together for professional learning, patient-centered support, research collaborations, and to promote quality care and improved patient outcomes across the U.S. and internationally.

Track 1 and Track 2

We currently offer two tracks: 

  • Track 1: Distance Learning Plus Live Online Workshops
  • Track 2: Distance Learning Only

Core course structure for both tracks:

  • 13-week distance learning, online program. Each week, there are two to four online lecture videos, assignments and quizzes.
  • We meet virtually via web conferencing for the course orientation, didactic sessions and workshops.
  • Attendance is required for live Friday sessions each week, via web conference from 8:30 to 10 a.m. PDT. During each Friday session, the discussion is centered on reviewing module questions, faculty content updates and teaching cases.
  • Participants must participate in a minimum of five (live or recorded) web-based GCRA Case Conference sessions.
    Live Case Conferences are available on Wednesdays, 10 to 11 a.m. PDT, Tuesdays, 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. PDT, and Tuesdays, 10 to 11 a.m. PDT
  • Participants must participate in a minimum of one (live or recorded) Topics in Cancer Genetics Research webinar.
    Live webinar sessions are available on Fridays, 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. PDT.
  • Coursework consists of weekly quizzes, course surveys and practical assignments.

Track 1 Workshops

  • Track 1 of the course includes all the above web-based sessions, as well as five days of virtual interactive workshops to review and practice course content and GCRA competencies. 

Course Schedule And Commitment

Time Commitment

  • Time commitment for the intensive course is four to six hours a week, consisting of live Zoom sessions for 1.5 hours each Friday, GCRA Case Conferences, assignments and viewing course modules.

Prerequisites

  • Clinical participants must have a foundational understanding of oncology and genetics as the course is a comprehensive learning experience designed to expand upon these concepts. 

Dates for Track 1 and Track 2: 

  • Orientation: October 20, 2023
  • Distance Learning (13 weeks): November 1, 2023 to February 9, 2024
  • Workshops (Track 1 Only): February 19 to 23, 2024
    • Workshops run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST
  • Thanksgiving Holiday: November 19 to 25, 2023 - No web sessions
  • Winter Holiday: December 23-31, 2023 - No web sessions

Post Course Requirements 

Twelve months of self-directed continuing professional development and practice-centered support via web-based Case Conference, TOPICS and postcourse surveys.

Participation in the Intensive Course confers membership to the Clinical Cancer Genetics Community of Practice, an online community for clinical practice support, research collaborations and professional networking with other GCRA providers across the U.S. and internationally.

Testimonials
Jill Folkert
"This course far exceeded my expectations. So much information was jammed into these few months, but done with thought and intention. Love it!"

Jill Folkert, MSN, ACNP-BC, AOCNP
Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Texas Oncology San Antonio, Intensive Course 2018 Alumnus

Katherine D'Antonio
"This course was very well done. It was jam packed with information. I feel energized and motivated coming out with a much stronger foundation to practice cancer risk assessment."

Katherine D'Antonio, Ph.D., PA-C
Senior Physician Assistant UPMC Magee Women’s Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Intensive Course 2021 Alumnus

Lorena Gonzalez
"Thank you for what has until now been one of the most rewarding post-doc learning opportunities of my career."

Lorena Gonzalez, MD, FACS
Breast Surgical Oncologist City of Hope National Medical Center, Torrance, CA Intensive Course 2021 Alumnus

Marsha Nelson
"I really enjoyed the course very much and will recommend it to my colleagues interested in genetic risk assessment. I think that as a surgeon there is a great opportunity to do GCRA and I am excited to expand my practice after taking this course."

Marsha Nelson, MD, MPH, FACS
General/Breast/Trauma Surgeon Cape Fear Valley Medical Center in Fayetteville, NC Intensive Course 2021 Alumnus