We equip health providers and registered dietitians with genetic metabolic nutrition programming, bridging the gap between research advances and family care.
We turn rarity into readiness.
A pediatrician might see one or two PKU patients in their entire career. A registered dietitian might never work with someone who has MSUD. But when families with these conditions need care, they deserve providers who understand their unique challenges – and know how to help.
Our groundbreaking education programs (here at Emory University and online) bridge this gap by connecting community providers with specialists who work with these conditions every day.
Continuing Education for Healthcare Professionals
Electronic Genetic Nutrition Academy (eGNA)
Our comprehensive educational hub launched in 2017 addresses gaps in metabolic specialty training among dietitians and clinical providers. eGNA offers two distinct programs that cater to different audiences and levels of experience:
Genetic Nutrition ECHO Traineeships
Through our partnership with Project ECHO, we connect healthcare providers with Emory Hub Team Faculty to engage via virtual learning cohorts. This 14-week program goes beyond one-time sessions to foster ongoing mentorship and build local expertise.
How ECHO Works:
- Case presentations by each genetic metabolic nutrition providerusing Project ECHO’s “all-teach-all-learn” model
- Expert guidance from our team on challenging situations
- Peer learning as providers share experiences and strategies
- Mentorship relationships that extend beyond formal sessions
- Resource sharing including protocols, patient education materials, and referral pathways
ECHO Impact:
- 110+ clinicians trained through 10 completed cohorts
- Better outcomes for patients who can receive expert care in their own communities
- Improved confidence in managing inherited metabolic disorders
- Research shows significant knowledge gains among participants
Genetic Nutrition ECHO Traineeships
What Makes Case Conference and Journal Club Special:
- Expert-led analysis by the researchers who conducted the studies
- Global Impact: 50-100 participants across 16 completed webinar sessions from multiple countries
- Practical focus on how research findings change clinical practice
- Interactive format with live Q&A and case discussions
- Sessions recorded and saved for viewing in online library
- Continuing education credits for registered dietitians and other healthcare professionals
Fellowship and Advanced Training Programs
These intensive training programs serve as pathways into our research mission, with fellows becoming active contributors to the field of genetic metabolic nutrition.
The infrastructure to support this translational research training is provided through the NIH-funded Bionutrition Unit of the Emory University Georgia CTSA Clinical Research Centers (GCRC), which offers state-of-the-art nutritional science research facilities
Post-Doctoral Fellowship Program
2+ year training program for PhD, RDN or PhD level professionals with an interest in nutrition/nutritional biochemistry.
Advanced Specialty Training:
- Nutrition outcomes research and evidence-based guidelines development
- Creating training modules for clinicians and delivering telemedicine
- Projects primarily related to Inherited Metabolic Disorders (IMDs) including Fatty Acid Oxidation Disorders, Phenylketonuria, and Glycogen Storage Diseases
- Opportunities to teach general nutrition courses
- Career guidance for academic, clinical, or industry paths
The infrastructure to support this translational research training is provided through the NIH-funded Bionutrition Unit of the Emory University Georgia CTSA Clinical Research Centers (GCRC), which offers state-of-the-art nutritional science research facilities
Post-Master's Dietitian Fellowship Program
The first post-master’s level dietitian fellowship program of its kind in genetic metabolic nutrition. Our 2-year training program has trained 4 post-master’s dietitian fellows who now serve as regional experts in their home states.
Overview
The purpose of this training program is to provide dietitians with advanced specialty training in inherited metabolic disorders (IMDs). The program includes opportunities to learn about treatment and research in the IMDs through direct involvement with funded research projects, clinical patient care, and education of students & professionals. All candidates will work intensively with the members of the Emory Genetics Metabolic Nutrition Program at their center within the Department of Human Genetics at Emory School of Medicine.
Program Features:
- Direct involvement with funded research projects, clinical patient care, and education of students & professionals
- Training covers five areas: (1) the biochemical and molecular causes of the IMDs, (2) clinical care and coordination of patients affected by IMDs, (3) teaching skills (face‐to‐face and online), (4) clinical research (principles, IRB process, funding sources, and implementation)clinical research methodology, and (5) Medical Nutrition Therapy Program (MNT4P) informatics and development of clinical decision tools
- Mentorship by nationally recognized experts in genetic metabolic nutrition
- Research opportunities including thesis projects and publication support
- Clinical rotations across all our service areas
Research Integration: Fellows participate in active clinical trials, contribute to guideline development, and often co-author publications that shape clinical practice. This hands-on research experience prepares them to advance the field in their future roles.
Program Impact: Our fellows often return to their home states as the regional experts in genetic metabolic nutrition – exactly the specialized workforce most regions currently lack.
Visiting Faculty and Scholars Program
1-3 year appointments for physicians and dietitians interested in genetic metabolic nutrition. who qualify for faculty status and are at Emory temporarily, often while on leave from other institutions.
Program Details:
- Limited to one year with option to extend in increments of up to one year each for a maximum of three years total
- Personalized clinical and research observational training
- Requires communication with Singh Research Group 6-12 months in advance of desired start date
- Opportunities for collaborative research and publication
Overall Training Impact: Personalized training provided to 3 postdocs, 3 visiting scholars, 5 doctoral students, and 4 post-master’s dietitian fellows, plus numerous dietetic masters students, dietetic interns, medical fellows, and genetic counseling students.
Training Opportunities for MD Fellows, MD Residents, and Graduate Students
Rollins Earn and Learn (REAL) Program REAL is a signature program funded by Emory University Rollins School of Public Health offering full-time MPH/MSPH students opportunities to earn while they learn through applied public health experiences. Singh Research Group recruits REAL Program Students to work for 1-2 years.
MD Fellows & MD Resident Rotations Medical Biochemical Genetics Fellows, Medical Genetics and Genomics Residents, and Combined Medical Genetics and Pediatrics Residents complete a 3-4 month clinical rotation in genetic metabolic disorders and participate in eGNA Genetic Nutrition ECHO Traineeship.
Nutrition and Health Sciences PhD Program The Singh Research Group recruits Doctoral Students at Emory University’s Laney Graduate School Nutrition and Health Sciences PhD Program to complete a 3-4 month rotation, followed by a faculty-mentored dissertation project.
Dietetic Master’s and Dietetic Internship Rotations 2-4 week rotations provide student experiences in enrichment settings including clinical, education & research. Students complete pre-professional practice hours designed to meet Accreditation Standards for Dietitian Education Programs.
Genetic Counseling Student Rotations As part of the clinical practicum, Genetic Counseling Students complete 16-20 hours each week during a 3-4 week clinical rotation in genetic metabolic disorders.
Metabolic Camp: Learning Through Service Since 1995
For over 30 years, our annual
Metabolic Camp has provided unique hands-on learning
for healthcare professionals while serving young women with PKU and MSUD. Developed by
Dr. Rani Singh in 1995, this research-based intervention program serves
up to 35 females ages 11 through adult in a supportive camp environment.
Professional Learning Opportunities:
- Direct interaction with adolescents and young adults managing these conditions
- Practical skills training in counseling, education, and motivation
- Participate in ongoing psychosocial intervention studies through our
longitudinal research protocol - Mentorship by experienced providers in a supportive environment
- Clinical and research training opportunities for professionals from dietitians
to medical students
Research Component:
Metabolic Camp operates as a comprehensive research study evaluating the effectiveness
of educational and social support interventions on pregnancy outcomes and quality of life.
The study protocol includes assessment of dietary compliance, knowledge retention, quality
of life measures, and biomarker analysis.
Impact:
Each year, 10+ clinician volunteers gain invaluable experience while
contributing to groundbreaking research on educational interventions for inherited
metabolic disorders.
- Precision nutrition that tailors care to individual genetic and lifestyle factors
- Technology integration that makes daily management easier and more effective
- Lifespan studies that optimize care from infancy through adulthood
- Health equity research that ensures innovations benefit all communities
Professional Networking & Organizations
Training Opportunities for MD Fellows, MD Residents, and Graduate Students
Rollins Earn and Learn (REAL) Program REAL is a signature program funded by Emory University Rollins School of Public Health offering full-time MPH/MSPH students opportunities to earn while they learn through applied public health experiences. Singh Research Group recruits REAL Program Students to work for 1-2 years.
MD Fellows & MD Resident Rotations Medical Biochemical Genetics Fellows, Medical Genetics and Genomics Residents, and Combined Medical Genetics and Pediatrics Residents complete a 3-4 month clinical rotation in genetic metabolic disorders and participate in eGNA Genetic Nutrition ECHO Traineeship.
Nutrition and Health Sciences PhD Program The Singh Research Group recruits Doctoral Students at Emory University’s Laney Graduate School Nutrition and Health Sciences PhD Program to complete a 3-4 month rotation, followed by a faculty-mentored dissertation project.
Dietetic Master’s and Dietetic Internship Rotations 2-4 week rotations provide student experiences in enrichment settings including clinical, education & research. Students complete pre-professional practice hours designed to meet Accreditation Standards for Dietitian Education Programs.
Genetic Counseling Student Rotations As part of the clinical practicum, Genetic Counseling Students complete 16-20 hours each week during a 3-4 week clinical rotation in genetic metabolic disorders.
- Clinical Observation: Families report struggling with anxiety around dietary management
- Formal Study: We conduct research measuring anxiety levels and identifying contributing factors
- Intervention Development: Based on findings, we create new counseling approaches and peer support programs
- Implementation: New approaches are integrated into our clinical services and Metabolic Camp programming View Care Options
- Training Integration: Successful interventions become part of our ECHO and eGNA training curricula Explore Training Programs
- Widespread Impact: Trained providers implement evidence-based anxiety support in their own communities
Connect with the Metabolic Community:
- Subscribe to GNO-METAB Listserv – Free email listserv for genetic metabolic dietitians worldwide hosted at Emory
- Genetic Metabolic Dietitians International (GMDI) – Professional organization founded at Emory by Dr. Rani Singh
Resources and Support
Continuing Education Credits
All of our programs provide a certificate of completion for registered dietitians, physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals . This certificate can be submitted to their respective credentialing body, who will determine if this activity meets the standards of approval for continuing education credits.
Comprehensive Resource Library
Program participants gain access to:
- Clinical protocols and decision trees
- Patient education materials in multiple languages
- Research databases and analysis tools
- Professional development resources including grant writing and publication support
- Networking directories connecting providers with similar interests
Explore our complete [Healthcare Provider Resources] with clinical guidelines, protocols, and professional development tools.
Getting Started
For Healthcare Providers
Offering genetic metabolic nutrition programs designed for your needs and schedule:
- Monthly Commitment: Join eGNA for ongoing learning with minimal time investment
- Regular Participation: Apply for ECHO traineeships for structured, collaborative learning
- Intensive Training: Consider fellowship or advanced degree programs for comprehensive expertise development
For Students and Trainees
Our programs provide pathways for students at all levels to gain expertise in this specialized field:
- Undergraduate Students: Research opportunities and mentorship
- Graduate Students:
Thesis support and publication opportunities - Post-Graduate Trainees: Fellowship and visiting scholar programs
- International Learners: Virtual and in-person training options
For Institutions
Partnering with hospitals, universities, and healthcare systems to build capacity in genetic metabolic nutrition:
- Curriculum Development: Support for creating genetic metabolic nutrition courses
- Faculty Training: Programs to prepare educators in this specialized field
- Research Partnerships: Collaborative opportunities for multi-site studies
- Clinical Consultation: Support for developing specialized services
Ready to Learn With Us?
Contact Information:
- Education & Administration: Rosalynn Borlaza Blair, MA – rborlaz@emory.edu
MNT4P is supported by Georgia Department of Public Health (Award #38206) and HRSA Southeast Regional Genetics Network (Grant #UH7MC30772)