This week on The Genetics Podcast, Patrick is joined by Matt Burgess, genetic counselor, host of the Demystifying Genetics podcast, and Adjunct Professor at Bay Path University. They discuss the evolution of genetic counseling, ethical challenges in gene therapy, and Matt’s experiences with his podcast.

Show Notes: 

0:00 Intro to The Genetics Podcast

00:59 Welcome to Matt

02:09 Matt’s run-ins with Olivia Newton John while working at Austin Hospital in Melbourne

04:34 Matt’s background and path to genetic counseling 

06:58 The evolution of the field of genetic counseling over time and the role of counselors

12:47 Matt’s work on rare disease AP-4 hereditary spastic paraplegia (AP-4-HSP) and the ethical considerations of gene therapy

20:22 Balancing the needs and expectations of individuals and families in counseling 

23:06 Rebranding negative connotations of the word “counseling” 

26:58 Memorable episodes from Matt’s podcast Demystifying Genetics

34:31 Differences in genetic counseling and healthcare in the US versus Australia and the UK

40:00 Matt’s current work on writing a novel, starting a company called Rosalind Genetics, and being involved in genetic education

42:47 The potential and drawbacks of AI models in the context of genetic counseling and information

46:46 Closing remarks

Find out more

• Demystifying Genetics (https://demystifying-genetics.buzzsprout.com/)

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