In this episode, we’ll be discussing diversity and inclusion in genetic counseling practice, research, and training, using a recent journal of genetic counseling article as jumping-off point.

Diversity and Inclusion in Genetic Counseling Research, Training, and Practice

The NSGC Podcast Series explores leading voices and best practices in genetic counseling. This podcast is produced by the National Society of Genetic Counselors. For more information on NSGC, please visit www.nsgc.org.

Science

NSGC Podcast Subcommittee members Mary Pat Bland and Ryan Kuehl discuss genetic counseling considerations related to bone marrow transplant (BMT) with genetic counselors Kaylee Dollerschell, MS, CGC and Rebecca Tryon, MS, MA, CGC. During this episode, our speakers provide background information and terminology about BMT, overview of some hereditary conditions that may be treated with BMT, genetic testing considerations, and some details about the experience of undergoing BMT. These wide-ranging conversations touch on the topics of hematology, immunology, oncology, metabolic genetics, lab genetics, fertility preservation, and psychosocial counseling skills. If you'd like to learn more, we encourage you to get involved with the Hematology Subcommittee of the NSGC Pediatric and Clinical Genetics SIG and/or the Hematologic Subcommittee of the NSGC Cancer SIG. Our speakers encourage everyone to sign up to be a marrow donor or to donate blood products. Thank you for joining us for the 2022 season of the NSGC Podcast Series! We'll see you next year.

Bone Marrow Transplant and the Role of the Genetic Counselor

Join Podcast Subcommittee members Jessica Dronen and Naomi Wagner in conversation with genetic counselors Amanda de Leon, Priscila Delgado Hodges, and Charité Ricker. This episode was produced in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15th-October 15th annually in the United States). First, Jessica and Amanda discuss Amanda’s article in the Journal of Genetic Counseling entitled “Spanish language concordance in genetic counseling sessions in the United States: Counselor experiences and perceptions of its effects on processes and outcomes.” To read Amanda and colleagues’ full article, visit https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/jgc4.1472. This article and podcast episode are eligible for CEUs as part of the JoGC CEU program.
In the second part of the episode, podcast host Naomi Wagner sits down with the Co-Chairs of the NSGC Spanish Development Special Interest Group (SIG). They discuss a range of resources and opportunities for Spanish-speaking genetic counselors, especially those who are hoping to develop their Spanish language skills and/or potentially counsel patients in Spanish. For more information about the Spanish Development SIG, visit https://www.nsgc.org/Members/Special-Interest-Groups-SIGs/Spanish.  If you have additional questions, you can reach out to the Spanish Development SIG at spanish.d.sig@gmail.com.

Spanish Language Genetic Counseling: Research and Resources

Join Podcast Subcommittee member Mary Pat Bland in conversation with Marci Schwartz, ScM, CGC; Kelly Tangney, MS, LCGC; and Amy Curry Sturm, MS, CGC. This episode covers Marci, Amy, and team's article on the Journal of Genetic Counseling (JoGC) entitled "Genetic Counseling for patients with positive genomic screening results: Considerations for when the genetic test comes first" and is eligible for CEUs as part of the JoGC CEU program. Speakers discuss their work with the myCode Genomic Screening and Couseling Program and the All of Us Research Program. 
The National Institutes of Health All of Us Research Program is partnering with one million or more people across the United States to build the most diverse biomedical data resource of its kind, to help accelerate health research and medical breakthroughs, enabling individualized prevention, treatment, and care for all of us. Genomic research results from All of Us will be made available to participants who consent to receive them, and those participants will have free, unlimited access to genetic counseling services through Color, who was awarded the All of Us Research Program's Genetic Counseling Resource.

Testing First and Counseling After: Population Genomic Screening and Genetic Counseling

About 2% of people are diagnosed as intersex, but there is a lack of research on the experiences of intersex people, especially in the genetic counseling field. Podcast Subcommittee members Liann Jimmons and Jessica Dronen interview genetic counselors Darius Haghighat, Kayla Horowitz, and Rebecca Freeman about their research and advocacy for the intersex community. We hope this conversation will help our listeners advocate for and empower the intersex community through their work. Click here for additional resources on this important topic.

Advocating for the Intersex Community: How to Begin Dismantling a History of Harm

NSGC Podcast Subcommittee members Ryan Kuehl, Liann Jimmons, and Jessica Dronen discuss the implications for healthcare systems and the role of genetic counselors in an evolving newborn screening landscape with Dr. Debra Lynn Day-Salvatore, MD, PhD, FAAP, FACMG; Amy Gaviiglio, MS, CGC; and Laiken Peterson, MS, LCGC. This episode discusses the Journal of Genetic Counseling (JoGC) article "A qualitative assessment of parental experiences with false-positive newborn screening for Krabbe disease" and is part of the JoGC CEU program.

Diversity and Inclusion in Genetic Counseling Research, Training, and Practice

Download our free app to listen on your phone