Board of Censors for Diagnostic Genomics

MHGSA in Diagnostic Genomics

Laboratory scientists can gain recognition for their skills and knowledge within diagnostic genomics by attaining the award of "Membership of the Human Genetics Society of Australasia" (MHGSA). Once certified members are expected to participate in continued professional development (CPD) and ongoing practice to maintain their knowledge and skills and to stay up to date with developments in the field of genetics and genomics.

The Board of Censors, Diagnostic Genomics, oversees the MHGSA award and consists of scientists, clinicians and educators from Australasia.

Download application for MHGSA in Diagnostic Genomics

Download summary log supervisors declaration

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for the award of MHGSA, candidates must:

• Apply for MHGSA candidacy
  • If your candidacy is accepted, you will be invited to submit case reports
• Have an Australasian undergraduate tertiary qualification in human genetics or other relevant discipline (or equivalent, as assessed by relevant bodies)
• Be a financial member of the HGSA
• Have a minimum of 3 years full time (or part-time equivalent) experience in an accredited diagnostic genetics laboratory
  • The laboratory must have been accredited by NATA/IANZ (or equivalent) to provide diagnostic genomics services. In addition, the laboratory must be able to provide a suitable breath of cases and case load. Adequate supervision and a suitable training environment are essential. Please address any concerns you may have about your current placement to the HGSA.
  • The level of work experience must be at the grade of “scientist” or above. Work at the grade of "laboratory technician" is not sufficient. Scientists must be able to demonstrate sufficient experience in undertaking diagnostic experiments and interpretation of results.

PLUS, the following must be attained before the award MHGSA can be conferred

• A completed a Master of Diagnostic Genomics from Queensland University of Technology or
• An equivalent accredited postgraduate degree
• Five case reports submitted to and passed by the Board of Censors. Candidates may submit case reports to the Board of Censors prior to completing the Master's degree, but should note that the QUT Master's degree offers the opportunity to write up the five case reports as a single dissertation.
  • Click here for details of specifications for case reports
  • Click here to download case report submission form
  • Click here to download case report supervisor acknowledgment form

Example Case Reports

This collection of five case reports — two focused on constitutional karyotype (cytogenetic) investigations and three for molecular diagnostics — highlights the recommended structure for high-quality submissions in diagnostic genomics for. The cytogenetic case reports showcase comprehensive analyses of chromosomal abnormalities using standard karyotyping and FISH methodologies and the molecular case reports each reflect a distinct inheritance pattern: autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, and a non-Mendelian mechanism. All reports show a clear articulation of experimental design/procedures, result interpretation & significance, comparisons to similar reports in the literature, discussion for future studies and relevance to patient management through genetic counselling. Each case report was previously submitted and has been reviewed and accredited by the HGSA Board of Censors for diagnostic genomics, meeting the standards required for MHGSA diagnostic genomics certification.

Cytogenetics Case 1 - Constitutional Karyotype

Cytogenetics Case 2 - Constitutional Array

Molecular Case 1 - Autosomal Dominant 

Molecular Case 2 - X-linked

Molecular Case 3 - Non-Mendelian

How to submit

Upload the required forms and documents to your DG MHGSA Submission tab on the HGSA website. To access the tab please follow these instructions:

1. Sign in to www.hgsa.org.au
2. Click on your Name/Image at the top of the Screen and select My Account
3. Select the 'DG MHGSA Submission' tab
4. Scroll down to the DG MHGSA Submission Upload panel and upload.
5. Only HGSA members who have a Laboratory Genetics CPD goal set or are a member of the ASDG are able to view the 'DG MHGSA Submission' tab. If you require assistance please contact [email protected]

FHGSA in Diagnostic Genomics

In accordance with the decision taken at HGSA Council in August 2012, HGSA are no longer offering examinations at Fellowship level in the laboratory disciplines. Instead, the recommended training program for scientists will be through the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA) Faculty of Science.

Details on the training program and trainee handbooks can be found here.

Upon completion of the RCPA Faculty of Science Genetic Pathology Fellowship, the qualification of FHGSA will be awarded in reciprocity. To advise the HGSA of the completion of your Fellowship, please email a copy of your RCPA Fellowship certificate to [email protected] at your earliest convenience. 

Committee Members Content

Members of the Diagnostic Genomics Board of Censors can search and view member CPD records and files here.