DNA Dialogues: Conversations in Genetic Counseling Research copertina

DNA Dialogues: Conversations in Genetic Counseling Research

DNA Dialogues: Conversations in Genetic Counseling Research

Di: Journal of Genetic Counseling (Jehannine Austin Naomi Wagner Khalida Liaquat Kate Wilson and DNA Today’s Kira Dineen)
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 In DNA Dialogues we dive into the intricate world of genetic counseling research. Join us as we peel back the layers of groundbreaking articles from the Journal of Genetic Counseling, bringing you exclusive discussions with the authors themselves. Each episode sparks a vibrant exchange, exploring the latest discoveries, ethical dilemmas, and technological advances that are shaping the future of medical genetics. From navigating complex testing decisions to building trust with diverse communities, listen in as we unpack the science, challenge assumptions, and celebrate the human connection at the heart of genetic counseling research. So, grab your headphones, unravel the double helix, and prepare to be captivated by the array of voices in DNA Dialogues, a podcast where the blueprint of life meets intimate human conversation.Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved Scienza Scienze biologiche
Episodi
  • #27- Protecting genetic information: Life insurance and GINA

    #27- Protecting genetic information: Life insurance and GINA
    Apr 30 2026
    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 cardiovascular genetics for the past decade. Her wide range of experience allows her to provide comprehensive care for patients in the Cardiovascular Genetics Clinic at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital, where she engages in patient care, program development, and research. Her research focuses on trends in cardiovascular genetics, access to genetic services, genetic privacy, and genetic discrimination. She is involved in advocacy work with the Illinois Society of Genetic Professionals (ISGP) and the Pediatric and Congenital Electrophysiology Society (PACES). Sara loves how her work combines science and patient care, and is committed to scientific discovery that both improves patient experience and moves the field forward. Sarah Jurgensmeyer Langas is a genetic counselor in the Heart Center at the Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago with a specific focus in congenital heart disease, aortopathies, and Williams syndrome. Sarah is an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and enjoys teaching and providing clinical supervision to genetic counseling graduate students and medical students. Sarah is also active in the Illinois Society of Genetic Professionals, currently serving on the Advocacy Committee and previously serving as President in 2024. She was the recipient of the 2023 ACMG Foundation Carolyn Mills Lovell Genetic Counselor Award and is passionate about expansion of genetic services to more patient populations. https://www.instagram.com/luriechildrensheartcenter/ https://www.instagram.com/sara_cherny/ In this segment we discuss: - How life insurance considerations arise in genetic counseling, particularly in cardiovascular genetics, and how conversations vary based on patient knowledge, phenotype, and age. - Findings that genetic counselors are more likely to address life insurance with phenotype-positive and adult patients, while time constraints and clinical context can limit these discussions. - How fear of genetic discrimination impacts patient decision-making, including declining testing, alongside reports of real-world insurance denial. - Challenges in balancing transparency with avoiding unnecessary fear, and the need for better education, standardized guidance, and further research in this space. Segment 2: Understanding GINA through case examples: A guide for US-based genetic counselors Guest Bios: Anya Prince is the David H. Vernon Professor at the University of Iowa College of Law. Her research and teaching interests focus on genetic discrimination and privacy. @anyaprince.bsky.social Misha Rashkin, MS, CGC, graduated from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Masters program in genetic counseling in 2013. He is a clinical genetic counselor in oncology at Stanford HealthCare, focusing on hereditary malignant hematology. He chaired the NSGC public policy committee in 2018, and lectures about GINA and privacy to genetic counseling graduate programs. In this segment we discuss: - Ongoing misconceptions and knowledge gaps about GINA, including what it does and does not protect - The value of case-based learning to clarify complex legal and clinical scenarios in genetic counseling - Nuances in GINA’s protections, especially around manifested conditions and evolving genetic technologies - Challenges in counseling patients about discrimination risk, balancing information, and navigating policy gaps like life and disability insurance coverage Resources: Germline genetic testing and privacy concerns in patients with mesothelioma from Genetics in Medicine Genetic Privacy in the US: Insurance and Law Enforcement Use website Would you like to nominate a JoGC article to be featured in the show? If so, please fill out this nomination submission form here. Multiple entries are encouraged including articles where you, your colleagues, or your friends are authors. Stay tuned for the next new episode of DNA Dialogues! In the meantime, listen to all our episodes Apple Podcasts, Spotify, streaming on the website, or any other podcast player by searching, “DNA Dialogues”. For more information about this episode visit dnadialogues.podbean.com, where you can also stream all episodes of the show. Check out the Journal of Genetic Counseling here for articles featured in this episode and others. Any questions, episode ideas, guest pitches, or comments can be sent into DNADialoguesPodcast@gmail.com. DNA Dialogues’ team includes Jehannine Austin, Naomi Wagner, Khalida Liaquat, Kate Wilson and DNA Today’s ...
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    1 ora
  • #26-Patient Support: Results Booklet & Logotherapy

    #26-Patient Support: Results Booklet & Logotherapy
    Mar 26 2026
    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 results e-booklet Guest Bio: Shelin Adam is a Master's trained Genetic Counsellor and Clinical Assistant Professor working at the University of British Columbia Department of Medical Genetics, as well as the Division of Pediatric Neurology at BC Children's Hospital. Her research focus has been the application of new genetic and genomic technology. More specifically, she is interested in understanding the best ways to provide education, decision support and genetic counselling to families being offered genomic sequencing. Shelin has also been involved in looking at issues of equity and access for diverse families who face linguistic, cultural, geographic and economic issues when trying to obtain genetic services. Key Takeaways: - A genomic results booklet to support parents after pediatric genomic testing. - Findings show improved understanding, communication, and advocacy through a take-home resource. - The study highlights challenges with accessibility, language, and timing of information delivery. - The discussion considers the booklet’s role as a partial substitute for genetic counseling and future AI integration. Segment 2: Exploring the principles of logotherapy in genetic counseling: Enhancing decision-making, adaptation, and justice Guest Bios: Nour Chanouha, MS, CGC (she/her), emigrated from her home country of Lebanon in 2020 to pursue a career in genetic counseling. Nour graduated from the Northwestern Graduate Program in Genetic Counseling in 2022 and has since been practicing as a genetic counselor in the maternal-fetal medicine and reproductive endocrinology and infertility (IVF) clinics at the University of Iowa Health Care. Nour holds several leadership roles, including serving as a board member of the Arab Society of Genetic Counselors and co-Chair of its Education Committee, as well as co-Chair of the National Society of Genetic Counselors’ (NSGC) International SIG Mentorship Program. She is also an active volunteer on multiple committees within the National Society of Genetic Counselors, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, and the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology. Nour is actively involved in research, education, and mentorship both within and beyond her institution and has been awarded the NSGC 2025 New Leader Award. Nour’s interest in logotherapy began early in her career. She decided to pursue training in logotherapy as a way to strengthen her counseling skills, enhance cultural competency, and better support patients navigating grief and loss, while also fostering personal and professional growth. When she is not reading Viktor Frankl’s writings on the weekend, she enjoys cooking, traveling and volunteering with the Immigrant Welcome Network of Johnson County. Kendra is a board-certified genetic counselor with 15 years of experience in reproductive genetics. She currently serves as the supervisor of prenatal genetic counseling at University of Iowa Health Care and is the founder of Allay Life, a private practice dedicated to supporting individuals and families navigating unexpected news in pregnancy. Kendra is deeply committed to advancing the practice of genetic counseling through education and mentorship, with a particular focus on the power of therapeutic relationships and counseling skills to enhance patient outcomes. She also provides peer and professional supervision for practicing genetic counselors and graduate students. Key Takeaways: - This episode explores the use of logotherapy to support meaning-centered genetic counseling. - The discussion highlights how focusing on patient values can guide decision-making and coping. - Logotherapy presented as a practical clinical framework for navigating uncertainty, grief, and complex choices. - The conversation emphasizes its role in promoting patient autonomy, equity, and holistic care. Resource: The Viktor Frankl Logotherapy Instititute Would you like to nominate a JoGC article to be featured in the show? If so, please fill out this nomination submission form here. Multiple entries are encouraged including articles where you, your colleagues, or your friends are authors. Stay tuned for the next new episode of DNA Dialogues! In the meantime, listen to all our episodes Apple Podcasts, Spotify, streaming on the website, or any other podcast player by searching, “DNA Dialogues”. For more information about this episode visit dnadialogues.podbean.com, where you can also stream all episodes of the show. Check out the Journal of Genetic Counseling here for articles featured ...
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    49 min
  • #25- Patient Perspectives & Preferences with Risk and Uncertainty

    #25- Patient Perspectives & Preferences with Risk and Uncertainty
    Feb 26 2026
    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 research is exploring the attitudes and experiences of individuals with or at-risk of genetic MND on reproductive genetic testing, and explore how and if clinicians discuss these options with these individuals. This will help us identify any barriers to accessing reproductive services.

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanice-allen-9a89661a5/

    In this segment we discuss:

    - The attitudes toward reproductive genetic testing in adult-onset genetic conditions.

    - Experiential knowledge and perceived disease severity in shaping reproductive decision-making.

    - Ethical themes including guilt, eugenics, and concerns about pregnancy termination.

    - Findings supporting more tailored, longitudinal genetic counseling approaches.

    Segment 2: Assessing patient communication preferences for reclassified variants of uncertain significance in a general genetics clinic

    Eden Brush, MS, CGC is a pediatric and inpatient genetic counselor in the Division of Clinical Genetics at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. She completed her graduate training at Columbia University as part of the class of 2024. She is passionate about rare disease advocacy, narrative medicine, and disability justice.

    In this segment we discuss:

    - Patient communication preferences for reclassified variants of uncertain significance (VUS) and patient-driven practice insights

    - Factors that emphasize the utility of shared responsibility, the need for standardized recontact systems, and the importance of equity-focused implementation strategies.

    - How VUS reclassification type impacted patient-preferred disclosure methods.

    Would you like to nominate a JoGC article to be featured in the show? If so, please fill out this nomination submission form here. Multiple entries are encouraged including articles where you, your colleagues, or your friends are authors.

    Stay tuned for the next new episode of DNA Dialogues! In the meantime, listen to all our episodes Apple Podcasts, Spotify, streaming on the website, or any other podcast player by searching, “DNA Dialogues”.

    For more information about this episode visit dnadialogues.podbean.com, where you can also stream all episodes of the show. Check out the Journal of Genetic Counseling here for articles featured in this episode and others.

    Any questions, episode ideas, guest pitches, or comments can be sent into DNADialoguesPodcast@gmail.com.

    DNA Dialogues’ team includes Jehannine Austin, Naomi Wagner, Khalida Liaquat, Kate Wilson and DNA Today’s Kira Dineen. Our logo was designed by Ashlyn Enokian. Our current intern is Stephanie Schofield.
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    38 min
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