The University Diploma  course  « Support for Individuals affected by a Genetic Disease and their Family » started in 1996, when the Institute of Myology opened. It is currently directed by Pr Philippe Mazet.
The Diploma was created through partnerships between the Université Pierre et Marie Curie - Paris VI (UFR Pitié-Salpêtrière hospital),  l’Association des Généticiens Cliniciens  (AGC), the Centre Technique National d’Etudes et de Recherches sur les Handicaps et les Inadaptations  (CTNERHI), the Association Française contre les Myopathies  (AFM) and the Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP).

 

The course is targeted for participants from various backgrounds -the hospital environment, the medical and social fields or associations :
• Doctors, medical students, psychiatrists, paediatricians, geneticists, gynaecologists-obstetricians etc. ;
• Psychologists, paramedical professionals, social workers, special education teachers ;
• Staff from Genetics Departments;
• Staff from medical, social and educational establishments;
• Individuals who provide care in the context of an association (upon the recommendation of the association).

The objective of this University Diploma is to respond to the increasing demand for psychological training by professionals working in the field of handicap generated by genetic diseases. These individuals (from the hospital environment, medico-social fields and patient organizations) deal with children or adults affected with genetic diseases.
 
The psychological dimension – associated with a better knowledge of the problems raised by medical genetics – is the essential component of this management. In particular, it concerns the effects of the disclosure of the disease, its impact and all the resulting work.
 
Apart from the teaching or review of certain basic concepts of genetics, this training is aimed at bringing elements of response and debate to the questions raised throughout the patient management period. These might concern psychological or relational questions, administrative or judicial concerns, or even philosophical or religious issues.
 
A seminar on indirect assistance is offered to participants with the aim of helping them to better manage specific situations of patient management.