Genomics Training Program For Health Educators

Frequently asked questions

  1. What is genomics?
  2. What is cancer genomics?
  3. What is the goal of the genomics training program?
  4. Who is the funding organization that supports the genomics training program?
  5. Why do health educators need genomics training program?
  6. Who is the intended audience for the genomics training program?
  7. What does the genomics training program offer?
  8. If I am CHES, how can I obtain CECH (continuing education contact hours for CHES) for the genomics training program?
  9. What is the cost of the genomics training program?
  10. If I am not a CHES, but a health educator, can I still participate in the genomics training program?
  11. How do I gain access to the genomics educational materials?
  12. Do materials have any restrictions on copyright ownership/distribution of materials?

Question 1: What is genomics?
Answer: "Genetics is generally associated with the study of Mendelian inheritance, as well as the research of single genes and their structure, functions, and effects."1 "Historically, the term "genetics" has been associated in public health with single gene disorders, such as cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, or Huntington's disease, each of which affects only a small subset of our population. Consequently, genetics was not relevant to many individuals working in public health."2

“Genomics is an expansion of genetics, comprising the study of the entire human genome, as well as encompassing genetics (the research of a single gene's structure and function). Genomics also explores interactions among multiple genes and their functions, as well as investigates interactions between genes and their environment(s)."1 "[T]he word "genomics" combines both the traditional roles of genetics and evidence from the Human Genome Project that encompasses the notion that certain genes, interacting with other genetic and environmental factors, predispose people to such common diseases as colon cancer, diabetes, and arteriosclerosis and that this information can be used to prevent disease and improve health.”2

Reference: 1. Chen L.S., Goodson P. Entering the Public Health Genomics Era: Why Must Health Educators Develop Genomic Competencies? Am J Health Educat. 2007 May-Jun; 38(3): 158-166. 2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Genomic workforce competencies. Accessed May 23, 2011.

Question 2: What is cancer genomics?
Answer: “Cancer genomics is the study of the human cancer genome. It is a search within "cancer families" and patients for the full spectrum of genes and mutations - both inherited and sporadic - that contribute to the development of a cancer cell and its progression from a localized cancer to one that grows uncontrolled and metastasizes.”

Reference: National Cancer Institute. Understanding cancer series: cancer genomics. Accessed March 7, 2011.

Question 3: What is the goal of the genomics training program?
Answer: The goal of the genomics training program is to increase awareness, knowledge, attitudes, self-efficacy, and intentions of health educators to provide family history education to their clients.

Question 4: Who is the funding organization that supports the genomics training program?
Answer: This research project is funded by the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT, Award Number PP100214) and the Leonard Ponder Endowed Chair Research Grant at Texas A&M University.

Question 5: Why do health educators need genomics training program?
Answer: In 2001, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) proposed 7 genomic competencies (a particular set of skills and knowledge) for health educators to incorporate genomics into their research and practice. Genomic competencies are listed as follows:

  • "Translate health related information about social and cultural environment (including community needs and interests and societal value systems), for use in population-based scientifically sound genomic health education programs
  • Determine the factors such as learning styles, literacy, learning environment, and barriers that influence learning about genomics
  • Differentiate between genomic education and genetic counseling
  • Facilitate genomic education for agency staff, administrators, volunteers, community groups and other interested personnel
  • Utilize social marketing to develop a plan for incorporating genomics into health education services by working with community organizations, genomic experts, and other resource people for support and assistance in program planning
  • Provide a critical analysis of current and future community genomic education needs
  • Advocate genomic education programs and/or integration of genomic components into education programs."1

Nevertheless, similar to other health professionals,2 health educators lack genomic competencies. Thus, training health educators to incorporate genomic competencies into their practice, specifically the use of family history as a screening and motivation tool, will help improve patient care, enhance prevention outreach efforts for lay communities, and subsequently, improve health outcomes.

Reference: 1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Genomic workforce competencies 2001. Accessed May 23, 2011. 2. Scheuner MT, Sieverding P, Shekelle PG. Delivery of genomics medicine for common chronic adult diseases: A systematic review. J. Am. Med. Assoc. 2008 Mar 19; 299(11): 1320-1334.

Question 6: Who is the intended audience for the genomics training program?
Answer: The genomics training program is a training program designed for health educators.

Question 7: What does the genomics training program offer?
Answer: The genomics training program offers open-access educational materials and resources to train health educators. Specially, this program offers the following opportunities for health educators:

Question 8: If I am a CHES, how can I obtain CECH (Continuing Education Contact Hours for CHES) for the genomics training program?
Answer: CECH is available after you complete 3-hour on-line course and evaluation through our website or you attend 3-hour face-to-face genomics training workshops at two professional conferences in Texas (Texas Society for Public Health Education (TSOPHE) 2011 Conference and Texas Public Health Association (TPHA) 2012 Conference) and 1-hour face-to-face introductory presentation at Texas Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance (TAHPERD) 2011 Convention.

Question 9: What is the cost of the genomics training program?
Answer: The genomics training program is FREE for anyone interested in learning more about genomics. Only a basic registration is required.

Question 10: If I am not a CHES, but I am a health educator, can I still participate in the genomics training program?
Answer: Of course, we would like you to participate in our program. We strongly encourage all health educators (CHES and non-CHES) to participate! In fact, the more health educators who participate in our program; the better services, the health education professionals can provide to communities and clients. It is free for any health educator to participate in our program; however, if you are not a CHES, you will not receive the CECH for CHES.

Question 11: How do I gain access to the genomics educational materials?
Answer: The genomics educational materials are available at our website. If you would like to access our genomics education course, please go to the course page. If you would like to access resources, please click here. If you need further information, please feel free to contact us at cancergenomics@hlkn.tamu.edu.

Question 12: Do materials have any restrictions on copyright ownership/ distribution of materials?
Answer: All materials presented in the genomics training program are copyrighted by the research team and Dr. Chen's Health Promotion & Genomics Laboratory. Notably, the content in the genomics program is not intended to substitute for health care service, screening, diagnosis, or treatment. Health educators should encourage clients with any question and concern regarding screening, diagnosis, or treatment, to obtain professional advice from their health care providers.