Oncogenetics training in Brazilian medical genetics residency programs: current landscape and challenges
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Oncogenetics focuses on identifying and managing hereditary cancer predisposition, enabling risk-reducing interventions and targeted therapies. This descriptive study evaluated the landscape of oncogenetics training within Medical Genetics Residency Programs in Brazil. Data were collected through online questionnaires and interviews with program supervisors. We assessed rotation availability, timing and duration, clinical and theoretical workload, multidisciplinary care, and competency assessment. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. All twelve accredited programs participated. Eleven (92%) offered oncogenetics training, primarily in the third year of residency. While half of the programs provided internal rotations, all allowed external rotations to compensate for local infrastructure limitations. Residents completed a mean of 250.1 practical hours (SD 126.5; range 40-400) over approximately 6.5 months, seeing about 13 patients per week (SD 9.2; range 5-30). Theoretical training averaged 31.3 h (SD 26.8; range 4-70), resulting in a mean total training workload of 258.7 h (SD 159.1; range 4-470). Multidisciplinary care and research opportunities were common; however, formal competency assessments specific to oncogenetics were infrequent. Considerable variability in workload and clinical settings was observed across programs. The findings indicate that oncogenetics is well integrated into Brazilian medical genetics training, aligning with the growing importance of genomic medicine in oncology. Nevertheless, the marked heterogeneity underscores the need for standardized training approaches. The study suggests that establishing inter-institutional networks and formalizing external rotations may help reduce geographic and technological disparities and support more consistent oncogenetics training in medical genetics residency programs across Brazil.
Source: Journal of Community Genetics
Authors: Amaro Freire de Queiroz Júnior, Angelina Xavier Acosta, Carlos Eduardo Steiner, Cezar Antônio Abreu de Souza, Chong Ae Kim, Fernando Regla Vargas, Maria Denise Fernandes Carvalho de Andrade, Patrícia Santana Correia, Paulo Ricardo Gazzola Zen, Romina Soledad Heredia, Victor Evangelista de Faria Ferraz, Débora Gusmão Melo, Patrícia Ashton-Prolla
Institutions: Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Complexo Hospitalar Universitário Professor Edgard Santos, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Hospital Universitário Gaffrée e Guinle, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Escola de Saúde Pública do Ceará, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Escola Superior de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade de São Paulo, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,990
OpenAlex ID: W7166453637