How training is delivered
The GTAC uses a ‘hub and spoke’ model where the central, online education hub supports in-person training at regional spokes – currently, the seven Genomic Laboratory Hubs (GLHs) and Genomic Medicine Service Alliances (GMSAs).
Online learning takes place primarily on the virtual learning environment Moodle, which features videos, lectures, courses, webinars, workshops and more. Virtual reality (VR) and other hybrid resources are also being developed in collaboration with GLH educators.
How to enrol
GTAC resources are being made available in phases. Some learner groups are being invited via email, typically from their trainers/educators, to participate in modules as part of their training (e.g. particular year groups of the Scientist Training Programme, SpRs). Collaborate, the monthly CPD webinar series, is now available to the entire NHS specialist genomics workforce. Wider enrolment of the GTAC will be available soon.
GTAC learning resources
The GTAC teaching faculty is scoping out and planning education and training interventions for learners, and a number of courses and resources are already in development.
Examples of recent and upcoming packages include:
Collaborate: A Clinical Education Initiative
Online CPD sessions for the NHS’s specialist genomics workforce, held monthly
Variant
interpretation workshops
A series of webinars and virtual workshops to complement FutureLearn courses
Virtual reality for lab skills
A suite of immersive observational VR experiences for core genetic laboratory techniques
Prenatal exomes sessions
Case-based workshops and webinars featuring knowledge-based learning
Clinical genetics SpR teaching
Online sessions delivered by subject matter experts to support clinical genetics SpR training
Faculty and governance
The GTAC is led by Professor Kate Tatton-Brown and comprised of:
- the teaching faculty and GLH practice educators (see below); and
- an operations team that provides administrative, editorial and e-learning support.
The project is overseen by a steering group and senior management team – you can view the governance structure here.
Bioinformatics
Dr Sanjeev Bhaskar, professional lead
Fern Johnson, education specialist
Clinical genetics
Dr Alex Murray, professional lead
Dr Rhian Thomas, education specialist
Dr Olga Tsoulaki, education specialist
Genetic counselling
Dr Laura Boyes, professional lead
Heidy Brandon, education specialist
Laboratory
Jennie Bell, professional lead
Sarah Collier, education specialist for lab technologies
Jennifer Glauert (maternity cover for Sarah Collier)
Alison Taylor-Beadling, education specialist for lab reporting
Technology-enhanced learning
Dr Terri McVeigh, professional lead
GLH practice educators
Central and South: Anita Luharia and Jennifer Whitfield
East: Ben Moore and Francesca Tonini
North Thames: Peter Brett and Hayley Turgoose
North West: Tom Monk and Chris Watt
South East: Layla Afkhami and Julia Baptista
North East and Yorkshire: Kate Rankeillor
South West: Rebecca Lewis and Nikol Voutsina
FAQs
How and when can I sign up for the GTAC?
GTAC resources are being made available in phases. Some learner groups are being invited via email, typically from their trainers/educators, to participate in modules as part of their training (e.g. particular year groups of the Scientist Training Programme, SpRs). Collaborate, the monthly CPD webinar series, is now available to the entire NHS specialist genomics workforce. Wider enrolment of the GTAC will be available soon.
Who is eligible to enrol?
The GTAC’s primary focus is learners in NHS-funded genomics training programmes, such as the Scientist Training Programme and clinical genetics medical training, as well as the wider professional genomics workforce of the NHS.
Is the GTAC available internationally?
The GTAC is only available to NHS genomics professionals within the UK.
How will the virtual reality modules work?
The GTAC’s virtual reality (VR) resources are now active in the seven NHS Genomic Laboratory Hubs. They provide virtual reality experiences for core genetic laboratory techniques. The GTAC’s VR modules are being delivered in two phases. The first shows techniques in immersive virtual reality via headsets, guiding learners through the genomic laboratories. Phase two will offer ‘hands-on’ virtual learning experiences.
Can I apply to work for the GTAC?
Any vacant roles within the GTAC will be posted on NHS Jobs.
Find out more
If you would like to receive updates about the GTAC, including new courses, vacancies and more, please sign up for the GEP newsletter. For any general queries, you can contact us.
