Genetic Counselling & Surveillance | Blossom Fetal Medicine

KNOW YOUR DOCTOR

With extensive experience in genetic counselling, Dr Sandhu excels in calculating genetic risks, explaining inheritance patterns, and interpreting genomic tests. He provides empathetic support, helping patients understand genetic information and guiding them through critical health and family planning decisions. In addition to counselling, he is skilled in genetic testing and research. He selects appropriate tests, interprets complex results, and integrates findings into patient care. His research involves designing studies, analysing genetic data, and contributing to advancements through publications and presentations. This blend of clinical and research expertise enables him to stay at the forefront of genetic medicine, delivering high-quality care to his patients. He taught medical genetics to medical and nursing students, sharing his knowledge and experience, and helped prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals. Through his teaching, he aimed to inspire and equip students with the skills and understanding necessary to excel in the field of genetics. Presently, as Chief Medical Geneticist at Blossom Fetal Medicine & Genetics Centre, he delivers his genetic consultation services, which include genetic counselling and testing, to patients with diverse backgrounds, including infertility, pre-conception, prenatal, paediatric, adult, and oncology patients.

With extensive experience in genetic counselling, I excel in calculating genetic risks, explaining inheritance patterns, and interpreting genomic tests. I provide empathetic support, helping patients understand genetic information and guiding them through critical health and family planning decisions. I also deal with infertile patients in level-I ART clinic. In addition to counselling, I am skilled in genetic testing and research. I select appropriate tests, interpret complex results, and integrate findings into patient care. My research involves designing studies, analysing genetic data, and contributing to advancements through publications and presentations. This blend of clinical and research expertise ensures I stay at the forefront of genetic medicine, delivering high-quality care to my patients. I also teach medical genetics to medical and nursing students, sharing my knowledge and experience to prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals. Through my teaching, I aim to inspire and equip students with the skills and understanding necessary to excel in the field of genetics.

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION

Ph.D under the stream of Medical Anatomy with specialization in Human Genetics under the faculty of Medical Sciences from SGRD University of Health Sciences, Amritsar & SMVD University, Katra, J&K.
Diploma in Genetic Counselling Diploma in Genetic Counselling from Open College, UK.
M. Sc. (Hons. School) ** in Human Genetics from GNDU Campus, Amritsar.
B.Sc. (Hons. School) in Human Genetics from GNDU Campus, Amritsar.

*Thesis Entitled “Genetic association studies to find single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) role in rheumatoid arthritis patients in north Indian population”
**MSC dissertation project entitled “Cytogenetic investigation in Rheumatoid Arthritis patients on disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug therapy”

WORK PROFILE

Medical Geneticist & Genetic Counsellor

WORK EXPERIENCE

Working as a Medical Geneticist (PCPNDT) and chief Genetic Counsellor at Medical Genetics Division - Blossom Fetal Medicine Centre, Amritsar.
Worked as Medical Geneticist in Genetic Clinic, SGRDIMSR, Sri Guru Ram Das University of Health Sciences, Amritsar registered under PCPNDT Act (GoI).
Worked at the post of Assistant Professor, Department of Genetics, Sri Guru Ram Das Institute of Medical Sciences & Research, SGRD University of Health Sciences, Amritsar.
Board of Genetic Counselling, India (BGCI) certified Associate Genetic Counsellor since July 2021 (Membership No. BGC 2021-213), with Renewal in Aug 2024 (Membership No. BGC 2024-39).
Worked as a Genetic Consultant at Batala Hospital, Batala.
Worked as a Genetic Consultant at Iqbal Nursing Home & Hospital, Ludhiana.

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

Taught Elective Module of Medical Genetics to MBBS Prof IV students at SGRDIMSR, SGRDUHS, Amritsar.
Taught the subject of Genetics to graduate and postgraduate students of SGRD College of Nursing, Amritsar.
Taught Basics of Medical Genetics to Postgraduate Students at the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Sri Guru Ram Das University of Health Sciences.

TECHNICAL SKILLS & EXPERTISE

Medical & Clinical Genetics :
Medical Genetic Counselling in Prenatal, Pediatric & Adult Scenarios providing holistic services with professional genetic counselling to the patients and families of various rare genetic disorders.
Molecular Genetics :
DNA extraction from blood & tissue , Quality and quantity checking of DNA by Agarose Gel Electrophoresis, Gel Documentation & analysis, PCR, Real-Time PCR, Genotyping Assay development, Genotyping by Massarray, RTPCR
Cytogenetics :
Cell Culturing, Karyotyping, Single cell Gel Electrophoresis (Comet Assay), Micronuclei technique
Other Practical Skills :
Semen Analysis & Preparation, IVF & Safe Lab Practices in ART laboratory

PUBLICATIONS

Kaur S, Sandhu IMS, Thaman RG, Sood R, Sambyal V. Association of Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1A Gene Polymorphisms and Infertility: A Case-Control Study from Northwest India. Fertil Sci Res. 2025;12:6.doi: 10.25259/FSR_40_2024
Sandhu IMS, Singh H, Kaur S, Rai E, Mahajan A, Mohan G, et al. ARL15 gene variant rs255758 provides susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis in Northwest Indian population. Int J App Basic Med Res 2025;15:38-42. DOI-10.4103/ijabmr.ijabmr_156_24.
Kaur S, Sood R, Sandhu IMS, Bhanwer AJS. Prenatal Implications in A Robertsonian Translocation Silent Carrier Female–A Case Report. Fertil Sci Res. 2024;11:2. doi: 10.25259/FSR_45_23.
Kaur S, Pahwa S, Kamal P, Sandhu IMS, Bhanwer A. Importance of Prenatal Genetic Counselling: An Experience with Hereditary Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura. The Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology of India. 2024:1-3. 10.1007/s13224-024-01941-5.
Sandhu IMS, Singh H, Mahajan A, Gurinder Mohan, Sharma S, Singh P, Kaur S, Bhanwer AS. (2023). Association of Human Leukocyte Antigen Gene Variants rs13192471 and rs6457617 with Rheumatoid Arthritis Susceptibility: A Case-control Study from North-Western India. JCDR 17(5):GC01-GC04. DOI- 10.7860/JCDR/2023/63436.17887
Kaur S, Thaman RG, Sood R, Sambyal V, Sandhu IMS, Beri A, et al. Comparison of demographic, socioeconomic, and lifestyle determinants in infertile and fertile males and females from two big cities of Punjab. BLDE Univ J Health Sci 2022;7:294-301. DOI- 10.4103/bjhs.bjhs_99_22
Sandhu IMS, Kaur S, Nagpal M. Is genetic diagnosis a bliss or a bane in Indian society? An impact on nuclear family: a case report of foetal skeletal dysplasia. Int J Reprod Contracept Obstet Gynecol 2021;10:1207-9. DOI-10.18203/2320-1770.ijrcog20210764
Sandhu IMS, Kaur S, Nagpal M. Is genetic diagnosis a bliss or a bane in Indian society? An impact on nuclear family: a case report of foetal skeletal dysplasia. Int J Reprod Contracept Obstet Gynecol 2021;10:1207-9. DOI-10.18203/2320-1770.ijrcog20210764
Sandhu IMS, Singh NR. Absence of Nocturnal Penile Tumescence: An Earlier Sign of Erectile Dysfunction and its linked Comorbid Conditions. AMEI’s Curr Trends Diagn Treat 2019;3(2):72-76. DOI- 10.5005/jp-journals-10055-0074
Singh IMS and Gandhi G. (2006) Cytogenetic investigation in Rheumatoid Arthritis patients on disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug therapy. South Asian Anthropologist, 6 (2):87-96.

CERTIFICATE COURSES COMPLETED

Completed online course “An Introduction to Rare Diseases” by National Organization for Rare Diseases (NORD) in Sept 2024.
Completed the “Basic Course in Biomedical Research” as mandated by the National Medical Commission in April 2022.
Completed a 3 weeks course on “Genomic technologies in clinical diagnostics: Molecular techniques” by Saint George’s, University of London, June 2021.
Completed a course on “Good Clinical Practice” by NIDA clinical trials network organization, NIH, USA (9th march 2021).
Completed “Genomics: Decoding the Universal Language of Life” course authorized by University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign offered through Coursera.6-week program (Oct-Dec 2020)
Two-day virtual International Annual Meeting on “Advances in Mitochondrial Medicine and Translational Research” on 6th-7th Nov 2020.

WORKSHOPS ATTENDED

Attended a CME/WORKSHOP ON “GENOMIC VARIANT INTERPRETATION IN CLINICAL PRACTICE” at PGIMER, Chandigarh, conducted by Genetic Metabolic Unit, Advanced Pediatrics Centre, PGIMER, Chandigarh on 1st-2nd March 2025.
Participated in Regional Training Programme on ShodhShuddhi/ PDS for Northern Region organised byAC Joshi Library, Panjab University, Chandigarh in association with INFLIBNET, Gandhinagar on November 28,2023.
Hands on Workshop “National Workshop on Next-Generation Sequencing Data Analysis” (March 9-10, 2023) at Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab.
Online workshop "Research Methodology and Ethics: Plagiarism Issues, Reference Management Tools and Altmetrics” (05-09 April, 2021) by The Information and Library Network (INFLIBNET) Centre, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India .
One Week Workshop in Research Methodology in Life Sciences from Janurary 4th-10th 2019, organized by UGC-Human Resource Development Centre, at Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar
National Workshop on Research Grant Writing by National Institute of Medical statistics- ICMR & National Institute of Cancer prevention-ICMR held on 1-2 August 2019 at CMC Ludhiana.
National Workshop on Effective Medical Thesis Writing under Dr Padam Singh Research & Development Scheme held on 20-21 sept 2019 at SGRDUHS, Amritsar.
Attended a seminar on “Laboratory Incubation-An Enigma” by Indian Fertility Society (IFS).

CONFERENCES ATTENDED

Attended 9th Annual International Conference entitled "Genomic Variants in Personalized Healthcare : Genetic Counselors as Facilitators", organized by Board of Genetic Counselling India from5th-7th July 2024 at Bengaluru.
Attended Young Scientists Conference held at Indian International Science Festival organized by the Ministry of Science & Technology-GoI at THSTI, Faridabad between 17th-20th January 2024.
Attended 8th Annual International Conference entitled "Genetics & Genomics in Health and Disease". organized by Board of Genetic Counselling India and University of Hyderabad from 7th-9th July 2023.
Attended 7th Annual International Conference entitled “Genetic Counselling Across Various Medical Specialties” organized by Board of Genetic Counselling India from 1st-3rd July 2022.
Attended World Congress on Genetic Counselling 2021 - VIRTUAL event, 27 - 28 October 2021.
Attended 6th National ISIEM 2021 National Conference , 28-29 Aug 2021.
Attended 6th Annual International Conference entitled “Genomics and Genetic Counselling- Value in Health Care” organized by Board of Genetic Counselling India from 2nd-4th July 2021.
Attended 5th Annual International Conference entitled “Genomics to mankind- Integrating Genetic Education, counseling & Public Health” organized by Board of Genetic Counselling India from 2nd-4th July 2020.
Participated in 1st Online Congress on Future Innovations for Embryologists.
Attended 23rd Punjab Science Congress held at SLIET, Longowal from 7th -9th Feb 2020.
Attended The 7th Congress of the Asia Pacific Initiative on Reproduction held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 30th March – 2nd April 2017.
Participated in “Fifth International Symposium on Genetics, Health & Disease held at GND University, Amritsar, India, on 17th -19th Feb, 2008.
Participated in Symposium on Molecular Medicine and Health, held at CCMB, Hyderabad in Jan 2005.
Participated in Indian Society of Human Genetics Annual Conference held at NIMHANS, Bangalore in Jan 2004.
Participated in Annual Conference of Punjab Academy of Sciences in Feb. 2004 held at GND University Amritsar.in Indian Society of Human Genetics Annual Conference held at NIMHANS, Bangalore in Jan 2004.
Attended Indian Society of Human Genetics (ISHG) Annual Conference at Jammu University, Jammu in Feb. 2003.

POSTER PRESENTED

Presented a poster as first Author entitled “Importance of prenatal Genetic Counselling” at Young Scientists Conference held at Indian International Science Festival organized by the Ministry of Science & Technology-GoI at DBT THSTI, Faridabad between 17th-20th January 2024.
Presented a scientific poster titled “Challenges in genetic counselling for a rare genetic condition: a case report with dual carrier status of rare genetic disorder- Ehlers Danlos & bent bone dysplasia syndrome” at 8th annual international conference, organized by board of genetic counselling India and university of Hyderabad from7th-9th july 2023.
Presented a Poster as First Author Entitled “Association Of HLA DRB1 Variant rs13192471 And HLA DQB1 Variant rs6457617 With Rheumatoid Arthritis Susceptibility In Population Cohort From North West India” at International Conference (Online) on “Biomolecules To Biome” held on August 24-25, 2022 Organized by Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, Kolkata, India.
Presented a Poster as First Author entitled “Association Of Arl15 Variant Rs255758 With Rheumatoid Arthritis Susceptibility In Population Cohort From Northwest India” at National Conference On the International Symposium on Translational Research, held on 8th-9th sept. 2022 at University of Mysore, Mysuru.
Presented a poster as first Author entitled “Importance of pre-natal Genetic Counselling in Rare Genetic Disorder: An experience with Hereditary Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura - A case report” at 7th Annual International Conference entitled “Genetic Counselling Across Various Medical Specialties” organized by Board of Genetic Counselling India from 1st-3rd July 2022.
Presented a Poster entitled “Importance of Genetic Counselling in Tertiary Healthcare Centre” presented at 23rd Punjab Science Congress, SLIET, Feb 2020.
Presented a poster entitled “Cytogenetics investigation in Rheumatoid Arthritis patients on anti-rheumatic drug therapy” at Symposium on Molecular Medicine and Health, held at CCMB, Hyderabad in Jan 2005.

AWARDS & ACHIEVEMENTS

A key member in establishing the Genetic Clinic at SGRDIMSR, Amritsar.
A key member in establishing the Level-I ART clinic at SGRDIMSR, Amritsar.
A key member in Establishing the Molecular Genetics Laboratory (Dept. of Genetics) and maintaining SOPs of all purchased instruments & equipment.
Key member in launching the MSc (Genetic Counselling) Course at SGRDIMSR.
Bagged best poster award at Young Scientists Conference held at India International Science festival-2023, Organised by the Ministry of Science & Technology-GoI at DBT-THSTI, Faridabad between 17th-20th January 2024
Bagged 2nd prize in poster presentation at 7th Annual International Conference entitled “Genetic Counselling Across Various Medical Specialties” organized by Board of Genetic Counselling India from 1st-3rd July 2022.
Bagged 1st prize in poster presentation at 23rd Punjab Science Congress, Feb 2020.

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Dr. Indermohan S Sandhu