All Access DNA

In this interview, we learn what epilepsy is, its causes, and the role of genetics in diagnosis and treatment. Beth Sheidley, a genetic counselor, explains the fundamentals of epilepsy, its genetic components, and the latest advancements in genetic testing.   Take our listener survey here: https://forms.gle/x82MKLRftpKH987s7   Keywords: epilepsy, genetic testing, genetic counseling, seizures, pedi...

Dr. Emily Allen, a genetics researcher, explains the complexities of Fragile X syndrome, its genetic basis, and the importance of advocacy and ongoing research. Discover how genetics influence development, the challenges in diagnosis, and the promising future of personalized treatments.   Key words: Fragile X, genetics, genetic counseling, developmental delays, autism, pre-mutation, research, advo...

Dr. Marleah Dean Kruzel explores the critical role of communication in healthcare, emphasizing how effective dialogue between clinicians and patients can improve health outcomes, reduce errors, and foster trust. She shares personal stories, research findings, and practical tips for enhancing health communication, especially around uncertainty and complex medical information.   Key Words: healthcar...

Maya Brown-Zimmerman shares her personal journey with Marfan syndrome, the importance of early diagnosis, and navigating life with a connective tissue disorder. She discusses medical management, genetic testing, community support, and her work in genetic counseling.   Key words: Marfan syndrome, genetic counseling, connective tissue disorder, medical management, genetic testing, patient advocacy,...

We are talking about current events in genetics, including Olympic sex testing, genetic privacy in insurance, and legal challenges faced by genetic testing companies. It highlights how genetic information is used, misused, and the ongoing debates around privacy and ethics Key words: Genetics, Olympic sex testing, Genetic privacy, Insurance discrimination, Genetic data lawsuits   Key Topics: The Ol...

In this insightful interview, genetic counselor Andy McCarty discusses the rise of private practice in genetics, the nuances of direct-to-consumer genetic testing, and how to interpret results responsibly. Learn about access, misconceptions, and the importance of professional guidance in genetic testing.    Key Takeaways: Not all genetic testing is the same Verify results with clinical-grade testi...

Lori Jones shares her personal journey with Huntington's disease, exploring its symptoms, family impact, and the importance of community and research. Lori shares with us insights into living with risk, making decisions about testing, and advocating for better understanding and treatment.   Keywords: Huntington's disease, genetics, neurodegenerative, family impact, genetic testing, community suppo...

In the realm of genetic counseling, understanding and support are crucial for families facing daunting medical news. When I sat down with Anna Chassevent, a seasoned genetic counselor, she shared valuable insights about the importance of walking alongside families during their journeys through uncertain medical terrain. In this post, we’ll explore her thoughts on meaningful communication, the role...

In this conversation, Kate talks to Shannon Wieloch about the complexities surrounding therapeutic abortions, particularly in the context of heartbeat laws and genetic counseling. They explore the emotional and medical implications of these decisions, the role of genetic testing, and the impact of legislation on patient care. Shannon shares her experiences working with patients facing difficult ch...

In this heartfelt interview, Abby Milburn shares her journey as a mother of a child with Down syndrome and Sanfilippo syndrome, a rare neurodegenerative disease. She discusses diagnosis challenges, advocacy efforts, and the importance of research and policy changes to support children with rare diseases.  Sanfilippo syndrome, Down syndrome, rare diseases, medical advocacy, genetic testing, FDA app...

Chronic pain, invisible illness, Black health. In this conversation, Wunmi Bakare shares her profound journey living with sickle cell disease, detailing the challenges and triumphs she faced from childhood through adulthood. She discusses her experience with a stem cell transplant, the impact it had on her life, and the ongoing challenges she navigates post-transplant. Wunmi emphasizes the importa...

Primary Care and Genetics: Bringing DNA Into Everyday Healthcare. Primary care is often the first stop in healthcare—but where does genetics fit in? We unpack what’s realistic, what’s hype, and what patients and clinicians should actually expect. This conversation explores the integration of genetics into primary care, highlighting the importance of genetic testing and counseling in improving pati...

Building support, navigating the emotional journey of having a medically complex child. In this conversation, Madeline Cheney discusses her journey as a parent of a child with a rare genetic condition and the creation of her podcast, The Rare Life. She emphasizes the importance of building a community for parents facing similar challenges, the emotional impact of being a carrier of a genetic condi...

Aging, genetics, and lifestyle. In this conversation, Daniel Tausan discusses the concept of longevity, focusing on biological age, biomarkers, and the interplay between genetics and lifestyle. He emphasizes the importance of understanding biological age as a measure of health rather than just chronological age. The discussion covers various biomarkers, the significance of blood tests, and how lif...

Flexibility, pain, and fatigue are part of hypermobility EDS. In this conversation, Dr. Taylor Kerrins discusses Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), particularly hypermobile EDS, covering its definition, symptoms, diagnosis, and management strategies. He shares personal experiences with the condition, the challenges of obtaining a diagnosis, and the importance of physical therapy and exercise. The discu...

Teratogens. Medications. Infections. Safe in Pregnancy. In this conversation, we explore the safety of exposure to certain things during pregnancy such as alcohol, beauty products, and yes even Tylenol. We learn more about how an agent or exposure is evaluated as being teratogenic as well as resources for pregnant individuals with questions.   Key Takeaways: Teratogens refers to an exposure (drug,...

Transgender and gender diverse cancer care, privacy, community safety. On this episode of All Access DNA, we talk to Dr. Mittendorf about hereditary cancer considerations for people who are transgender and gender diverse. We discuss management guidelines, cancer risks and how knowing hereditary cancer risk may inform medical decisions. The conversation also delves into the significant concerns sur...

Patient zero, memoir, understanding. In this conversation, Steven Crane shares his personal journey living with spina bifida, discussing the challenges he faced from birth through adulthood. He reflects on the support from his family, the medical treatments he underwent, and the impact of his condition on his life. Steven emphasizes the importance of advocacy, understanding, and resilience, and ho...

Narrative medicine, story telling, BRCA and breast cancer. In this conversation, Sarah shares their personal journey with being a BRCA1 carrier and experiences with breast cancer. She discusses the emotional weight of genetic risk, the complexities of identity as a previvor, and the importance of narrative in understanding and coping with illness. Sarah also reflects on their professional backgrou...

Heart disease and lack of genetic testing. In this conversation, Ana Morales discusses the critical signs of genetic heart disease, particularly focusing on early onset conditions and the importance of recognizing red flags such as elevated cholesterol and complications during/after pregnancy. She emphasizes that these health issues should not be ignored and highlights the need for awareness and p...

Weight management, epigenetics, and childhood obesity. In this conversation, Dr. Evan P Nadler discusses the complexities of childhood obesity, emphasizing that it is a disease influenced by genetics, maternal health, and lifestyle factors. He highlights the importance of understanding the role of epigenetics and the in utero environment in the development of obesity. The discussion also covers th...

Diet, genetics, and lifestyle. In this episode we talk to Natalie Samson, a genetic counselor with certification in Integrative and Functional Nutrition who is also a certified Integrative Health Coach. We talk about the role of genetics and molecular/biochemical pathways that affect diet and weight. Natalie tells us about the role of genetic testing in nutrition management and functional health a...

Grief, genetics, and accessible testing. In this episode, Matt Goldstein shares his personal journey through grief after the loss of his daughter, Javi, who was diagnosed with Tay-Sachs disease. He discusses the impact of this experience on his career, leading him to focus on preventive genetics and the mission of JScreen, an organization dedicated to providing genetic testing and support. We expl...

“The more innovation happens, it doesn’t mean a thing if patients can’t have access to it.” Today’s episode of All Access DNA features Rome Madison. Rome’s podcast- Genetics for Healthcare- aims to educate patients about genetic information and its relevance to their healthcare. Rome shares his personal journey from a sales background to podcasting, emphasizing the need for patient advocacy and ac...

Prostate cancer, male infertility, and underserved populations. Brittany Szymaniak discusses the complexities of hereditary cancer risks, particularly focusing on prostate cancer and the role of BRCA genes. She emphasizes the importance of genetic counseling and testing, especially for men, and addresses the challenges in male reproductive health and infertility. The discussion also covers insuran...