Demystifying Genetics

In this episode of "Demystifying Genetics," host Matt Burgess speaks with English research genetic counsellor Joshua Nolan. They explore topics such as the underrepresentation of males in genetic counselling, the intricacies of direct-to-consumer genetic testing, and the symbiosis between clinical and research work in genetics. Joshua shares his insights into the professional challenges and personal experiences that shape his appro...

This episode of the "Demystifying Genetics" podcast features an insightful conversation with Ahmed-Sherrif Kanvela Yussif, one of the first genetic counsellors in Ghana. Host Matt Burgess delves into Ahmed's pioneering journey, exploring the role of genetic counseling in Ghana's healthcare system and its impact on public health, particularly regarding sickle cell disease. Ahmed shares his inspiring transition from teaching to genet...

Join host Matt, a seasoned genetic counselor, as he delves into the evolving world of clinical genetics in the latest episode of Demystifying Genetics. With guest Jaime Jessen-Brown, a genetic counselor based in Toronto, Canada, this podcast episode explores their shared journey from studying in Newcastle, Australia, to Jaime's diverse career path.

Jaime shares insights from her experience transitioning from a prenatal clinic to a ...

Join Matt Burgess in this episode of Demystifying Genetics as he sits down with Dr. Kylie Morgan, a genetic counsellor from Melbourne, to explore the emerging field of polygenic risk scores. Discover how this new form of genetic testing is shaping clinical practices in both Australia and the United States.

Learn about the personal experiences of genetic counsellors, Matt and Kylie, as they discuss the intricacies of genetic testin...

Lauren Giannetti-Sferrazza, a genetic counselor from New Jersey, shares her journey transitioning from clinical practice to industry and discusses the evolution of genetic counseling roles. Throughout the conversation, she offers insights into balancing professional responsibilities and personal experience as a pregnant genetic counselor preparing for childbirth. • Clinical burnout as a catalyst for moving to industry positions • ...

Professor Marion McAllister shares the fascinating journey of developing the Genetic Counselling Outcome Scale, a groundbreaking tool that measures patient empowerment rather than just anxiety reduction. We explore how this simple questionnaire transformed genetic counselling assessment worldwide and evolved to meet changing healthcare needs. • Creating the first standardised measure for genetic counselling outcomes based on patie...

Scott Weissman shares his journey of building a telehealth genetic counseling private practice, discussing the challenges of insurance contracts, licensing across states, and adapting to technological changes in cancer genetics. • Opened private practice in 2016 as a side business, now seeing 15-20 patients weekly • Despite having licenses in 25-26 states, establishing insurance contracts remains a major obstacle • Pivoted to 100%...

Matt sits down with Angela Arnold-Ross, an Australian genetic counsellor living in New Jersey, for a candid and heartfelt conversation about professional resilience and personal growth in the field of genetic counselling. • Sharing the experience of being laid off after 15 years and the emotional impact of unexpected job loss • The stages of grief following a career disruption and how writing became therapeutic • Using networking ...

Dr. Laura Yeates shares her journey as a cardiac genetic counsellor specialising in inherited heart diseases and supporting families affected by sudden cardiac death. We explore her recent PhD research on developing support interventions for these families and discuss the importance of wellbeing for genetic counselling professionals. • Cardiac genetic counselling focuses on inherited cardiomyopathies and arrhythmias • Dr. Yeates c...

Sarah Powell, CEO of Inherited Cancers Australia, shares her journey from triple-negative breast cancer diagnosis at age 29 to discovering her BRCA1 mutation and becoming a powerful advocate for others facing inherited cancer risk. • Diagnosed with breast cancer at 29 with no family history, Sarah later discovered she carries a BRCA1 mutation connected to her Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry • After treatment, Sarah became involved with ...

Dr. Matt Burgess interviews genetic counsellor and researcher Dr. Sibel Saya about integrating genetic testing into primary healthcare settings, focusing on polygenic risk scores as a tool for personalizing cancer screening. • Genetic counselling principles applied in primary care settings rather than just specialist clinics • Polygenic risk scores differ from traditional genetic tests by analyzing hundreds of common variants with...

This episode dives into polygenic risk testing, exploring how genetic data can inform healthcare strategies. We discuss the complexities of communicating risk, the role of polygenic scores in identifying disease susceptibility, and the evolving landscape of personalized medicine. • Introduction to polygenic risk testing and its significance  • Insights from Dr. Erica Spaeth on cancer biology and GeneType  • Engaging analogies to e...

Join us for an insightful discussion that delves into the intricacies of genetic counseling through the lens of our guest, Dr. Gillian Hooker. We explore the domain's challenges, the importance of community, and the transformative power of empathy. • Introduction of Dr. Gillian Hooker and her role in genetic counseling  • The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the genetic counseling profession  • Personal stories of resilience and...

Kathy Langley opens up about her family's struggles with Huntington disease, sharing her personal journey from the silent pain of knowing her father's condition to advocating for awareness and support in the community. She highlights the emotional complexities surrounding genetic testing decisions and the need for improved education on HD within the healthcare sector. • Kathy’s early experiences with her father's HD symptoms  • Th...

Kira Dineen shares her transformative journey from a curious teenager to an award-winning genetic counselor and podcaster. The conversation explores the nuances of genetic counseling, the impact of technology like CRISPR, and the unexpected connections that shape careers in genetics. • Kira discusses her personal journey into genetic counseling  • Emphasises the balance between technical skills and patient care  • Addresses common...

This episode features a conversation with genetic counsellor Sarah Long, who shares her insights into non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) and its implications for expectant parents. We discuss the importance of positive predictive values, variations of unknown significance, and the ethical dilemmas faced by families navigating genetic testing. • Exploring the evolution and methodologies of NIPT  • Clarifying the concept of positi...

Myriad Genetics has had a contentious reputation, especially amongst the genetic counseling community in North America. This is mainly due to Myriad's involvement in the patenting of the BRCA genes in the USA and Myriad's decision to not submit data to ClinVar unlike most other genetic testing laboratories. Myriad Genetics has a suite of fantastic, industry leading genetic tests, that help thousands of people each month. However,...

We're thrilled to welcome Kathryn van Diemen, a data aficionado turned genetic counsellor, who shares her captivating journey and current role at TrackGene. From discovering her love for data and genetics to exploring rugby fields and engaging in playful tussles with her Cockerspaniel, Pepper, Kathryn lets us in on the world behind the white coat! Tune in as we discuss the seismic shifts in genetic counselling education, with much...

Experience the gratifying journey of Dr. Alison McEwen, a pioneer in genetic counseling, and the current president of the Human Genetics Society of Australasia. Embark with us as we traverse Alison's path of setting up the UTS Genetic Counseling course, her innovative philosophy of creating 'brave spaces' that inspire students to push their boundaries, and her dedication towards a client-centered approach in healthcare. Dr. McEwen...