Precision medicine is transforming healthcare, yet many healthcare professionals report limited confidence in applying genomic knowledge in clinical practice. Research at the Institute for Medical Education (IML) has identified a need for targeted education, particularly in nephrology, where understanding of genetic and rare kidney diseases is rapidly evolving. As part of the ENLIGHT funding initiative, this project will establish the foundations of a Precision Medicine education network through virtual exchange and collaboration. A new comprehensive Precision Medicine Nephrology module will cover the fundamentals of genetic and rare kidney diseases and include problem-based learning cases on lupus nephritis and kidney transplantation in a patient with IgA nephropathy. Interactive patient video cases will enable students to develop the communication and consultation skills required to discuss precision medicine approaches with patients. The initiative combines the University of Galway’s expertise in genetic and genomic sciences, Ghent University’s interdisciplinary student engagement, and the University of Bern’s experience in precision medicine education for healthcare professionals.

Establish a collaborative Precision Medicine education network and deliver an interactive nephrology module with the FRONTLINERS platform to strengthen genomic literacy and patient-centred care.

University of Galway, Ghent University, University of Bern;
 

ENLIGHT Grant

IML: 
Dr. Sharon Mitchell, scientific collaborator, post-doctorate research in health education, sharon.mitchell@unibe.ch

Prof. Dr. Sissel Guttormsen, Director of Institute for Medical Education (IML), University of Bern, sissel.guttormsen@unibe.ch

Inselspital Hospital, University Clinic for Nephrology:
Prof. Dr Uyen Huynh-do, senior physician, uyen.huynh-do@insel.ch

Medical students, healthcare professionals, nephrology trainees, allied health professionals, educators.

Mitchell, S., Jaccard, E., Schmitz, F.M., von Känel, E., Collombet, P., Cornuz, J., Waeber, G., Guessous, I. and Guttormsen, S., 2022. Investigating acceptability of a training programme in precision medicine for frontline healthcare professionals: a mixed methods study. BMC medical education, 22(1), p.556.
DOI:10.1186/s12909-022-03613-2

Mitchell S, Schmitz FM, Janczukowicz J, Buzzi AL, Haas N, Hitzblech T, Wagenfuehr J, Guessous I, Guttormsen S. Does Education Design Matter? Evaluating an Evidence-Based Continuing Education Intervention on Genomic Testing for Primary Care; a Pre-Test Post-Test Study. J CME. 2025 Jul 21;14(1):2526234
https://doi.org/10.1080/28338073.2025.2526234