DNA Dialogues: Conversations in Genetic Counseling Research

Today’s episode is about clinical genetic services. In the first segment, Khalida talks to authors Courtney and Jade about retention of patient-facing genetic counselors and how generational age and work environment influence retention. For the second segment, Khalida chats with Dr. Ba-Jaj about telegenetics in India, reviewing data from 3 years and almost 1000 cases!  

Segment 1: Factors influencing retention of patient-facing g...

Today we are featuring two articles that relate to moving genetics into mainstream healthcare. In our first segment, we discuss polygenic risk scores and the transition from research to clinical use. Our second segment focuses on hypermobility Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and the triaging of clinical referrals. 

Segment 1: Readiness and leadership for the implementation of polygenic risk scores: Genetic healthcare providers' perspectiv...

Earlier this month, we celebrated Genetic Counselor Appreciation Day on November 13! In recognition of this, we are featuring 2 articles that explore professional issues in the field of genetic counseling. In our first segment, we talk to Dr. Rachel Mills about the professional identity of early-career genetic counselors and in the second segment, we speak to Dr. Laura Yeates about self care strategies in cardiovascular genetic cou...

The case for integrating genetic counselors into primary care:A paradigm shift for our profession

Natasha Berman (she/her) MA, MS, MPH, CGC is a clinical genetic counselor at the UPMC Department of Family Medicine who works within the primary care precision medicine clinic. She provides direct patient care to patients for a variety of indications. She has coauthored multiple textbook chapters covering family medicine genetic topi...

In this episode, we talk with two authors who have papers featured in the special issue of the Journal of Genetic Counseling on Research Methods in Genetic Counseling. In the first segment we explore implementation science and its utilization in bridging the gap between research and clinical practice. In our second segment, we talk to an author about retrospective chart reviews and the benefits and drawbacks of this methodology.

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We are discussing perspective changes in neurology genetics with the crossover of the APOE gene in neuro and cardio as well as telehealth for neurology predictive testing.

Segment 1: Is it time for a paradigm shift? Inclusion of APOE  on genetic dyslipidemia panels.

Emily Brown is a certified genetic counselor at the Center for Inherited Heart Disease at Johns Hopkins Hospital. She graduated from the University of Maryland Geneti...

In this episode, we talk to two genetic counselors about their recent publications in a special edition of the Journal of Genetic Counseling focused on research methods in genetic counseling. First, Benjamin Helm delves into statistical approaches and discusses how transparency and honesty in research can lead to more meaningful scientific contributions. Then Kennedy Borle explores the challenges and benefits of integrating qualita...

In this episode, we explore the motivations, findings, and clinical implications of a recent study examining patient understanding of the terms “sex” and “gender” in the context of prenatal testing, particularly non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT). 

“Patient understanding of fetal sex versus gender in the context of routine cell-free DNA screening”

Mindy Kolodziejski (she/her) is a Senior Genetic Counselor at University of Ken...

In this episode we are exploring two publications related to cancer care. In our first segment we talk to 2 authors about their research on genetic counselors and identification of patients for high-risk pancreatic cancer screening. In our second segment, Khalida interviews a genetic counselor about their study to evaluate surgical patient perspectives of genetic testing provided by a non-genetics professional. 

Segment 1: “Practic...

In this episode we feature 2 articles that explore hot topics in genetics as well as opportunities to improve patient care in honor of DNA Day on April 25. DNA day commemorates the completion of the Human Genome Project and the discovery of DNA’s double helix. Both of these studies utilize qualitative methodologies to highlight people’s experiences and share their stories.

Segment 1: Not Parent Expected” results through direct-to-c...

In this episode, we are discussing 2 articles focused on cardiovascular genetics. In the first segment, Khalida talks to authors Marianne and Erin about their research exploring the opportunities for downstream revenue of cardiac genetic counseling services in a pediatric medical center. In the second segment, Naomi chats with Jodie and Erin about the recent NSGC Practice Resource about genetic testing and counseling for hypertroph...

In this episode we are exploring rare and ultra-rare disease in honor of Rare Disease Day on February 28 which raises awareness for the 300 million people worldwide living with a rare disease. We are talking with one author about their study on the role of digital tools in rare disease management and another author about their research into experiences of parents who have a child with an emerging-ultrarare disorder.

Segment 1: Expl...

In this episode we explore genetic testing in low risk populations, both in direct-to-consumer and clinical settings. We interview authors on two recent JoGC papers related to topics of communication of health risks, understanding of genetic testing, and informed decision-making. You can find the Journal of Genetic Counseling webpage via onlinelibrary.wiley.com or via the National Society of Genetic Coun...

We’re thrilled to share a special episode drop from one of our producers, Kira Dineen, and her flagship podcast, DNA Today! As a multi award winning genetics podcast with over 12 years of groundbreaking episodes, DNA Today explores the latest in genetics and genomics through expert interviews and engaging discussions. 

To celebrate the new year, this episode reflects back on the top genetics and genomics news stories during 2024....

In this episode we discuss the recent National Society of Genetic Counselor’s Practice Resource on Dystrophinopathies, which was recently published in JoGC, with two of the publications’ authors. You can find the Journal of Genetic Counseling webpage via onlinelibrary.wiley.com or via the National Society of Genetic Counselors website.

Segment 1: “Genetic counseling for the dystrophinopathies- Practice resource of the National So...

Segment 1: ““Family health beliefs and cascade genetic testing in Asian families with hereditary cancer risk: “...

In this episode we discuss a research study that focuses on Black women who tested positive for a pathogenic variant associated with an increased risk for breast cancer. You can find the Journal of Genetic Counseling webpage via onlinelibrary.wiley.com or via the National Society of Genetic Counselors website. Please note that the terminology used refers to women to reflect the language used in the paper, and all genders can have a...

In our second episode, we explore two recent articles focusing on the intersection of the disability community and genetic counseling training and practice. 

Segment 1: “Disability education and implications for genetic counselor training”

Lauren Douglas (she/her) serves as an oncology genetic counselor and supervisor for graduate student rotations at MHealth Fairview in Minneapolis, MN. She received a degree in Genetic Counsel...

In this episode we discuss research on patient and family experiences in neurogenetics. You can find the Journal of Genetic Counseling webpage via onlinelibrary.wiley.com or via the National Society of Genetic Counselors website. 

Segment 1: “Individuals' experiences in genetic counseling and predictive testing for familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis”

Connolly Steigerwald is a certified genetic counselor at NYU Langone Health’...