Career Flowchart

Audiologists are licensed health care professionals who diagnose, study, and treat hearing and balance disorders. Because there are many such disorders with a genetic basis, audiologists must have a basic understanding of genetics. These professionals work in many different settings including schools, clinics, private practice, hospitals, and health departments. myIDP career category: Clinical practice Additional Resources:... Read More

Physicians are medical doctors who manage the health of patients. They must successfully complete medical school, pass either the U.S. Medical Licensing Examination or the U.S. Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination, and complete a residency to obtain a full medical license. There are medical specialties, such as pediatrics and obstetrics/gynecology, that necessitate familiarity with genetics. In... Read More

Independent Clinical Researchers conduct research on mechanisms of and therapeutic interventions for human disease, including clinical trials for new drugs or treatments. Unlike independent basic researchers, clinical researchers interact directly with their subjects in a clinical setting. Independent clinical researchers work in hospitals, medical schools, industry, and government. myIDP career category: Principal investigator in a research-intensive... Read More

Intellectual Property or Patent Attorneys are lawyers who not only help clients obtain patents, but also represent clients in patent cases.  Like patent agents, they must register with the United States Patent and Trademark Office by passing the registration exam. However, unlike patent agents, they must also have a law degree and pass the legal... Read More

Bioethicists are concerned with the societal, ethical, and philosophical issues surrounding both research and clinical advances in modern life sciences. They interact with the scientific community as well as the broader public to research the impacts of scientific or medical advances from several different points of view. These professionals typically work in academic institutions or... Read More