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• .