Genetic epidemiology is a unique interdisciplinary field concerned with examining how genes and environments act together in causing disease or risk factors for disease.

D.C. Rao, Ph.D.

"One cannot study genes except as they are expressed in people living in certain environments, and it is important to study environmental factors as they affect people who have certain genotypes," said D.C. Rao, Ph.D., professor of biostatistics, genetics and psychiatry, and director of the Division of Biostatistics, all in the School of Medicine.

Complex human diseases such as coronary heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, cancer, and psychiatric disorders have been the recent focal point of genetic epidemiological studies. It is commonly thought that an understanding of the genetic underpinnings of such diseases will revolutionize medicine in the 21st century, enabling better preventive measures, diagnosis, prognosis and novel treatments.

"The new educational offering developed by Professor Rao and his colleagues in the School of Medicine stems from impressive growth in the body of knowledge in genetics, epidemiology, statistics and computer science -- areas of great importance to advancing human health," Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton said. "Our GEMS degree is an important new offering."

The program, which is sponsored by the Division of Biostatistics and co-sponsored by the departments of Genetics and of Psychiatry, will draw on the broad expertise of faculty from several departments.

The success of the human genome project and the explosive growth of the biotechnology industry over the past decade have created a tremendous demand for people trained in this new branch of medicine, Rao said.

"I'm grateful for the University's support in responding to this overwhelming need," said Rao, who will direct the two-year program.

Knowledge and expertise in genetic epidemiology also will be useful for those entering the emerging field of pharmacogenetics, the study of how genes influence the effectiveness and tolerance of medicines. The School of Medicine has a large pharmacogenetics program, and faculty from that specialty also will contribute to the GEMS program.

In addition to the required coursework, GEMS students will have an opportunity to pursue an independent research study or an apprenticeship at a sponsoring company and will receive customiz-ed training in specific problem areas or areas of interest and strength.