Building an interdisciplinary PhD with DNA:

iPhD Healthcare Genetics

Rosanne Pruitt, PhD, RN, FNP, bcJulie Eggert, PhD, RNClemson University School of Nursing

Objectives1. Describe program genesis including

goals identified by collaborative partners

2. Discuss program implementation including barriers and facilitators

3. Identify outcomes of 1st four years of iPhD HCG

4. Determine impact of iHCG PhD program

Why Healthcare Genetics?

• Existing state programs• SC Commission of Higher

Education • University & Partner

Strengths• Unique• Sequencing of the human

genome completed

Three optionsBench Scientists to listen to clinician needs & develop laboratory protocols focused on clinical issues, generating data for best practice, translating research “bench to bedside”Interventionists to work with individuals/groups to fill knowledge gap and develop interdisciplinary practice models for providers & educatorsHealth Policy “a new frontier” with knowledge surging ahead of ethics & health policy creating a void of experts to address emerging ethical and policy issues

Goal of Partnership

“…to collaborate with interdisciplinary partners to create a doctoral program emphasizing the impact of genetics on healthcare.”

Program Genesis• Establishing need

Survey results4 students taking “potential” courses in anticipation

• Involvement of stakeholdersClemson University administrationDepartment of GeneticsGreenwood Genetic Center

Program ImplementationBarriers & Facilitators

Recruitment Uniqueness of program Online format Program hours 70 (52 +dissertation)Student financial support ongoing needs uniqueness of program

Program ImplementationBarriers & Facilitators (continued)

University stakeholders

Ongoing efforts to build supporters• adjunct faculty• alliance with new programs

Applications and EnrollmentCohort

sYear

Inquiries

Accepted

Enrolled

Continuing Enrollment

2008-09 44 4 4  

2009-10 16 8 6 3

2010-11 18 6 5 8

2011-12 44 9 6 12

2012-13 8 8 21(1st graduates 12/12)

Outcomes(Years 1-4 and beyond)

Student progressYear 4: 2 graduates in December

Year 5: Anticipate at least 3 graduates

Year 6 & beyond anticipate 6 graduates

& 6 new admissions annually

Interdisciplinary Symposium

• National speakers included:–Dr Jean Jenkins, NIH–Dr Joseph McInerney, NCHPEG

• SC speakers–Greenwood Genetics Center and

physicians & faculty– Pharmacogenetics expert, USC

OutcomesFellowships

NIH fellows (3 students & 3 faculty)• Dietary Supplement Research Practicum (1

student)• Summer Genetics Institute (3 faculty, 1 student)• Pain Institute (1 student) Others• Greenwood Genetics Fellowship• Cecil Fellowship for Genetics & Gerontology• Blue Cross Blue Shield Faculty Fellowships (4)• Department of Commerce Fellowships (3)

Outcomes

Year Publications

Posters

Podia Grant SubmissionFunding

Year 08-09

1 2 0

Year 09-10

1 4 3 0

Year 10-11

1 7 4 0

Year 11-12

10 10 4 1

Year 12-13

1 2 1 2

Awards International (Sigma Theta Tau)

Rising Star AwardResearch Program Award

University Outstanding Doctoral Student

Recognition (3 students)

Outcomes: PublicationsJournals:

Clinical Journal of Oncology NursingNursing ForumAmerican Journal of NursingEpigenomicsJournal of Pediatric Nursing

4 book chapters

Program Impact• Stakeholder support• Greenwood Genetics• Spartanburg Regional Hospital

System• St. Francis Bon Secours Hospital• Greenville University Medical

Center• Ongoing stakeholder involvement

A worthwhile challenge• .

Thank You

• For more information • www.clemson.edu/nursing