DNA Dialogues: Conversations in Genetic Counseling Research

In this episode of DNA Dialogues, we explore two innovative approaches to improving access to genetic testing and hereditary cancer care. First, Daniella Kamara and Mariana Niell Swiller discuss UCLA's GENETECA™ program, a point-of-care genetic testing model that integrates cancer genetic services directly into oncology clinics. In the second half of the episode, Tesla Theoryn discusses research e...

Learn the importance of community engagement in intersex research from Louis Canavan and Bria Brown-King. Discover insights into how intersex voices shape prenatal screening conversations. It's crucial that research reflects the realities and needs of those being studied. When intersex perspectives are included, the findings are not only richer but also more relevant to the community.   Featured A...

In this episode, we discuss the complexities of predictive genetic testing in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) from Dr. Jade Howard's recent study. Learn how it impacts decision-making and what it means for families.   Article: “ Predictive genetic testing in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS): Experiences of decision-making and engagement with UK genetic counseling services ”   In this episod...

In this episode we are exploring 2 recent Journal of Genetic Counseling articles on the topic of insurance coverage and concerns about genetic discrimination. Segment 1: Cardiovascular genetic counselor decision making about discussing life insurance with patients Guest Bios: Sara Cherny has almost 20 years of experience as a genetic counselor in the Chicagoland area, specializing in cardiovascula...

Today’s episode explores two deeply human dimensions of genetic counseling- how we support families as they process complex genomic information over time and how people make meaning in the face of uncertainty. Both segments discuss how we can support people as they make sense of genetic information in their lives.   Segment 1: Putting control into parents' hands: Parent experiences with a genomic...

In this episode we are talking about uncertainty and risk along with patient preferences for communication. Segment 1: The attitudes of individuals with or at risk of adult-onset genetic conditions on reproductive genetic testing: A systematic review Shanice Allen is a PhD student from the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) at the University of Sheffield. The aim of her re...

We are talking about submitting and publishing manuscripts in the Journal of Genetic Counseling! J9 Austin, the Editor-in-Chief, sits down to explain the process of review, tips for submitting and editing, and answers listener questions.   In this episode we discuss: - A bonus episode with the Journal of Genetic Counseling editor-in-chief on why and how to publish research. - How to choose a journ...

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 influe...

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: Genet...

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 strat...

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 co...

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 an...

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 fro...

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...

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 Gen...

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...

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 Ex...

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 te...

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-...

On This Episode We Discuss: 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 t...

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...

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-...

In this episode we discuss two papers that highlight the importance of communication around family health history and the influence of family beliefs on genetic testing decisions. You can find the Journal of Genetic Counseling webpage via onlinelibrary.wiley.com or via the National Society of Genetic Counselors website .   Segment 1: ““Family health beliefs and cascade genetic testing in Asian fam...

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 t...

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...