By Journal of Genetic Counseling (Jehannine Austin, Naomi Wagner, Khalida Liaquat, Kate Wilson and DNA Today’s Kira Dineen)
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The podcast currently has 8 episodes available.
Guests include Megan Cho to discuss her paper, “Beyond multiple choice: Clinical simulation as a rigorous and inclusive method for assessing genetic counseling competencies” as well as Amanda Polanski and Ashley Kuhl to discuss their paper, “Leadership development in genetic counseling graduate programs.”
In this episode we discuss clinical training by exploring papers that discuss clinical simulation and leadership development. You can find the Journal of Genetic Counseling webpage via onlinelibrary.wiley.com or via the National Society of Genetic Counselors website.
Segment 1 “Beyond multiple choice: Clinical simulation as a rigorous and inclusive method for assessing genetic counseling competencies”
Megan is the Associate Director of the Johns Hopkins/NIH genetic counseling training program. Prior to that, as the Research Program Manager at GeneDx, she created and led a team working to discover and describe rare genetic disorders. Megan has practiced clinically at Columbia/New York Presbyterian Hospital and was also adjunct teaching faculty at the Sarah Lawrence College genetic counseling program. She serves as the Co-Chair of the GCEA Education Committee, past Chair of the NSGC Outcomes Committee, past Chair of the NSGC Research Special Interest Group, and has been a member of various task forces including the NSGC Research Task Force and the ACGC Practice Based Competencies task force.
In this segment we discuss:
Segment 2 “Leadership development in genetic counseling graduate programs”
Amanda Polanski is a certified genetic counselor at Minnesota Perinatal Physicians. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison Master of Genetic Counselor Studies program in 2023, and her research focused on characterizing the role of leadership development in genetic counseling graduate programs. Previously, she has done research on identification and diagnosis of familial hypercholesterolemia through the University of Minnesota. She currently enjoys providing compassionate and inclusive care to prenatal patients alongside other dedicated providers.
Ashley Kuhl, MS, CGC, is the Assistant Program Director at the Master of Genetic Counselor Studies program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and an assistant professor (CHS) in the Department of Pediatrics. She enjoys working with genetic counseling and other health professions learners in various capacities and with patients and families in the UW Biochemical and Medical Genetics clinics at the Waisman Center. She began her clinic work in 2013 after completing her master’s degree in Medical Genetics from the UW-Madison Genetic Counseling Training Program.
In This Segment We Discuss:
[Plug guest website and SM]
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 [email protected].
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.
Guests include Gina Sanchez to talk about her paper, “Status of abortion curriculum in genetic counseling: Survey of graduate programs and recent graduates in the United States” and Dr. Holly Rankin to discuss her paper, “Termination counseling among US perinatal genetic counselors in the setting of second trimester fetal anomalies.”
Segment 1:
Gina Sanchez, MS, MB(ASCP), CGC is a genetic counselor and Instructor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences at the McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. She received a BS in Zoology from Texas Tech University in 2012, a MS in Molecular Pathology from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in 2013, and a MS in Genetic Counseling from The University of Texas Genetic Counseling Program in 2022. Gina provides prenatal genetic counseling services in both English and Spanish at several Houston area clinics. She is a member of the National Society of Genetic Counselors and the Texas Society of Genetic Counselors. Gina's research interests include genetic counseling education and increasing access to genetic counseling care for the Spanish-speaking patient population.
In this segment, we discuss:
Segment 2:
Dr. Holly Rankin received her undergraduate degree in anthropology, graduating summa cum laude, from the University of California, Los Angeles. She completed her medical education at Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia where she was inducted into the Gold Humanism and the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Societies. Dr. Rankin completed her residency training in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore. She received the Ryan Program Excellence in Family Planning Award at the end of residency training. Dr. Rankin is excited to be a Complex Family Planning fellow at UC Davis and plans to focus her career on providing abortion and contraceptive specialty care to underserved, rural communities.
In this segment, we discuss:
Follow us on Instagram @dnadialoguespodcast and on LinkedIn at Journal of Genetic Counseling.
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 [email protected].
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 Sydney Arlen.
In this episode we discuss navigating non-invasive prenatal screening, also known as non-invasive prenatal testing, by reviewing two articles covering genetic counseling insights, informed consent challenges, and inclusive practices. 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 fetal sex prediction by NIPT: Challenges and opportunities”
Chelsea Stevens is a clinical and research genetic counselor in the cardiovascular genetics clinic at Brigham and Women's Hospital. She has been working at BWH since 2022 and works primarily on projects aimed to understand genotype/phenotype relationships in cardiomyopathies. The publication we will be discussing today is the result of Chelsea's capstone project during her genetic counseling graduate education at the MGH Institute of Health Professions. She is from Connecticut and has been living in Boston for the past 6 years and loves working in a city with a strong genetic counseling network.
Courtney Studwell is a laboratory genetic counselor in the Center for Advanced Molecular Diagnostics (CAMD) at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. In the cytogenetics laboratory, Courtney serves as a liaison to clinical providers ordering genetic testing and helps to implement updated testing protocols that reflect patient needs and the evolving landscape of genetic testing technologies. In addition to working in the laboratory, Courtney also sees patients in the Center for Fetal Medicine and Reproductive Genetics at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and is passionate about providing high-quality genetics care to patients at all stages of their reproductive process.
In this segment, we discuss:
Segment 2 "What knowledge is required for an informed choice related to non-invasive prenatal screening?"
Jill Slamon is an Assistant Professor in Obstetrics and Gynecology in the Vanderbilt School of Medicine and the founding Assistant Program Director of the Vanderbilt University Master of Genetic Counseling Program. Jill has over 12 years of clinical experience in reproductive and prenatal genetic counseling with unique experiences in preconception counseling in the queer community. Her research interests focus on topics ranging from genetic counseling education and training, genetic counseling outcome measures, patient-reported outcome measures, and experiences of queer patients seeking preconception and prenatal care. Jill earned a Bachelor of Science from the Lyman Briggs College at Michigan State University. She then earned a Master of Art in Teaching from National Louis University and a Master of Science in Genetic Counseling from Northwestern University in Chicago, IL.
In this segment, we discuss:
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 [email protected].
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.
In our fourth episode, we delve into the importance of gender-inclusive language in genetic counseling and the specific challenges transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) individuals face in accessing hereditary cancer care. You can find these articles in a special virtual issue of the Journal of Genetic Counseling which is free and open access for the month of June. You can find the Journal of Genetic Counseling webpage via onlinelibrary.wiley.com or via the National Society of Genetic Counselors website.
Segment 1 “Use of gender-inclusive language in genetic counseling to optimize patient care”
Heather Motiff graduated with a B.S. in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in 2006. She has extensive experience working as a crisis response advocate and co-facilitating support groups for survivors of intimate partner violence. Heather discovered her interest in genetic counseling during her first pregnancy in 2010. She has served as a Community Resource Specialist and contributed significantly to gender-affirming care initiatives during her graduate studies at UW-Madison. Heather is now an oncology genetic counselor at SSM Health Cancer Care in Madison, WI, and is dedicated to providing inclusive, quality healthcare and genetic services.
In this segment we discuss:
Segment 2 “Experiences of hereditary cancer care among transgender and gender diverse people: “It's gender. It's cancer risk…it's everything”
Sarah Roth is a genetic counselor and a PhD candidate in Anthropology at Johns Hopkins University. She is a BRCA1 carrier whose research focuses on the experiences of patients, communities, and providers in cancer care and genomic medicine. Sarah has been a founding editor of Tendon at JHU’s Center for Medical Humanities & Social Medicine, a contributing writer at Synapsis: A Health Humanities Journal, and a recent predoctoral fellow in Bioethics at the National Institutes of Health.
In this segment, we discuss:
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 [email protected].
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.
To celebrate DNA Day we are releasing our April episode exploring concepts related to the diagnostic odyssey, whole genome sequencing, and results returned.
Segment 1: A Journey of Hope and Resilience
In our first segment, we delve into the research conducted by Celine Lewis, focusing on the emotional impact of receiving a "no primary finding" (NPF) result from genome sequencing. This recent JoGC paper is titled, “The disequilibrium of hope: A grounded theory analysis of parents' experiences of receiving a “no primary finding” result from genome sequencing.”
Celine's study uncovers the multifaceted journey of parents grappling with the absence of a definitive diagnosis for their children. Through grounded theory analysis, two primary themes emerge: "Striving to Solve the Unsolved Puzzle" and "Navigating Hope, Lost then Found." These themes encapsulate the oscillating emotions of hope, disappointment, and resilience experienced by parents amidst the diagnostic odyssey.
Dr. Celine Lewis is a behavioural scientist working in the field of genetic and genomic medicine. She is currently at University College London Institute of Child Health, and is an NIHR Advanced Fellow. Her work focuses on how patients and families relate to, communicate and make decisions around personal genetic information, and the subsequent behavioural, psychological and social outcomes.
Through her research, Celine has worked with a range of key stakeholders including researchers in the UK and abroad, healthcare professionals and policy makers as well as voluntary organisations, patients and families. She is regularly invited to present at UK and international conferences and meetings and is increasingly asked to present her research findings to organisations such as NHS England and the Department of Health.
Key Insights from Segment 1:
- The importance of understanding the emotional dimensions of genetic testing, especially for families receiving inconclusive results.
- The dynamic role of hope as both a motivator and a coping mechanism throughout the diagnostic journey.
- Suggestions for pre and post-test counseling strategies to support families navigating genomic testing, emphasizing the significance of managing expectations and fostering adaptive hope.
Segment 2: Systematic Review of Secondary Findings
In our second segment, we explore a systematic review conducted by Lucas Mitchell and Dr. Amanda Willis, focusing on the uptake and outcomes of returning secondary findings to research participants. This recent JoGC article is titled, “Systematic review of the uptake and outcomes from returning secondary findings to adult participants in research genomic testing.”
Through rigorous analysis of existing literature, Lucas and Amanda illuminate key insights into the prevalence of secondary findings and their psychological, medical, and ethical implications. Their review underscores the critical role of researchers in navigating the complexities of result return, highlighting considerations for enhancing participant engagement and support.
Lucas Mitchell is a research genetic counsellor at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research in Sydney, Australia. He contributes to the My Research Results genetic counselling platform, an evidence-based service that supports researchers in delivering actionable research genomic findings to participants nationwide. With a Master of Genetic Counselling from the University of Technology Sydney, Lucas is passionate about helping participants and their families in understanding their research findings and facilitating access to ongoing support. Lucas’s current research interests lie within the application of genomics and returning secondary findings, and the intersection of genetic healthcare with diverse communities and improving inclusion and accessibility.
Dr. Amanda Willis is a research genetic counsellor at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research. After completing a Master of Genetic Counselling in 2013, Amanda worked as a cancer genetic counsellor in Australia and the UK and completed a PhD in 2018. Amanda’s current work is centred around the My Research Results program, developed to help research participants access their genetic information. Amanda provides genetic counselling to research participants who receive a genetic result and conducts research to understand the experiences of these participants. Through this work, she aims to increase access to genomic information and improve outcomes for research participants and their families.
Key Insights from Segment 2:
- The significance of secondary findings in research genomic testing and the need for comprehensive strategies to address participant needs.
- Key findings regarding the uptake of secondary findings and diverse outcomes experienced by research participants.
- Implications for researchers, healthcare providers, and policymakers in optimizing result return processes and promoting participant well-being.
As we conclude our exploration, it becomes evident that genetic testing transcends the realm of science, delving deep into the intricacies of human emotions and resilience. Through the insightful research of our guests, we gain valuable insights into the lived experiences of individuals navigating genetic testing, offering a glimpse into the profound impact of hope, disappointment, and adaptive coping mechanisms.
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.
Nominate your articles, or a colleagues, here and we may feature it on the show! Any questions, episode ideas, guest pitches, or comments can be sent into [email protected].
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.
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 received a degree in Genetic Counseling from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences in 2021. Outside of work, she finds joy in practicing yoga, enjoying the outdoors, and cheering on her favorite Minnesota sports teams.
Chelsea Wagner (she/her) is a seasoned genetic counselor specializing in prenatal and reproductive health. She is the outgoing chair for NSGC's Prenatal Special Interest Group and serves as reproductive health expert for NSGC's media panel. She is currently a Lead Genetic Counselor at BillionToOne. Chelsea identifies as a person with a disability courtesy of a brain injury acquired in 2019 and her experience living with chronic illness for almost two decades.
Segment 2: “Experiences of genetic counseling students with disabilities and chronic illnesses: A qualitative study”
Rachel Epstein (she/her) is a 2022 graduate of the Boston University Genetic Counseling Program. She is currently working as a genetic counselor in the Neaman Center for Personalized Medicine at Endeavor Health in Evanston, IL, where she works primarily in adult cancer genetics.
During the episode we recommending the following resources:
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 [email protected].
Welcome to the first episode of DNA Dialogues! Today is February 29th, 2024. It is a leap year, so today marks an extra special rare disease day.
Rare diseases can impact so many people - from patients themselves, to families, to broader communities. To celebrate rare disease day, we are going to dive into two recent articles from the Journal of Genetic Counseling that showcase the rare disease experience. The following interviews provide insight into the wider impact of rare disease, with a special focus on families.
Segment 1: “Understanding type and quality of relationships between individuals with chromosome 18 syndromes and their siblings”
Dr. Catherine Larson joins us in the first segment to talk about her recent article titled, “Understanding type and quality of relationships between individuals with chromosome 18 syndromes and their siblings”.
Dr. Catherine Larson is a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist and a sibling to Elizabeth, who has a Chromosome 18 deletion. After earning her undergraduate degree, she worked as a research assistant at the Chromosome 18 Research Center, where she began her research on Sibling relationships. Dr. Larson earned her Medical Degree from the University of Texas School of Medicine at San Antonio. She then went on to complete a General Psychiatry Residency Program, followed by a Fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at The University of Texas at Austin, Dell Medical School. As a practicing psychiatrist, she opened her private practice in Austin, Texas, and she also returned to join the research team at the Chromosome 18 Research Center.
Dr. Catherine Larson is double Board Certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in General Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Dr. Larson earned her Medical Degree from the University of Texas School of Medicine at San Antonio. She then went on to complete a General Psychiatry Residency Program, followed by a Fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at The University of Texas at Austin, Dell Medical School. In addition to her private practice, she is currently an Adjunct Assistant Professor at The University of Texas Health School of Medicine at San Antonio.
Segment 2 “Families' experiences accessing care after genomic sequencing in the pediatric cancer context: ‘It's just been a big juggle’”
Authors Sarah Scollon and Blake Vuocolo talk about their recent Journal of Genetic Counseling paper in the pediatric cancer space.
Sarah Scollon is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine and certified genetic counselor for the Texas Children’s Hospital Cancer Genetics and Genomics Program. She has served in dual clinical and research roles across the course of her career. Her research interests engage the overarching themes of (1) adaptation of genetic counseling practice to implement evolving technologies (2) optimization of patient-provider communication and education and (3) equity and inclusion for diverse populations in genetic medicine and research. Ms. Scollon has had a longstanding dedication to the care of children and families affected by cancer. She is an advocate for including genetic counseling into pediatric cancer care. She works to educate others on the role genetics and genomics can play in the care of patients with pediatric cancer and their families both from a clinical and psychosocial standpoint.
Blake Vuocolo is a certified research genetic counselor in the Department of Molecular and Human Genetics at Baylor College of Medicine. She graduated from the Baylor College of Medicine Genetic Counseling Program in 2022, and her thesis work focused on access to follow-up hereditary cancer care in underserved pediatric populations through the KidsCanSeq study. Currently, her work focuses on exome and genome sequencing of medically underserved populations with undiagnosed diseases throughout Texas. Ms. Vuocolo is passionate about finding sustainable ways to improving genomic health equity worldwide. Her interests include exploring access barriers to receiving genomic care in different healthcare contexts and improving genetics education for non-genetics healthcare providers in under resourced regions of the country and beyond.
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 [email protected].
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.
Welcome to DNA Dialogues, where we dive into the intricate world of genetic counseling research. We are excited to announce our pilot episode will be released on Rare Disease Day 2024 (Thursday February 29th).
Listen for a sneak peek at what is coming up on the podcast.
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.
The podcast currently has 8 episodes available.
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