Gene Therapy: A Genetic Counseling Podcast

On this episode, Kira Dineen, the host of DNA Today AND a recent graduate of the Sarah Lawrence College Genetic Counseling Masters Program joins us to discuss her personal journey to becoming a Genetic Counselor through her involvement in social media. She also gives us some great tips and tricks for harnessing the power of social media for those seeking out Genetics services and information. The world may seem drastically different right now, but it was nice to help Kira celebrate the fact that she is officially a Genetic Counselor! 

Furthermore, in light of current events, it is important to state that Gene Therapy stands in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter Movement. One of the most beautiful parts of working in Genetics is that every day I am reminded that regardless of how different we may appear, what health struggles we may suffer from, or what genetic diseases you or your children may be at risk for based on ethnicity, at a molecular level we are all nearly identical. We all came from the same founder gene pool, and therefore we should all treat each other like equals, because ultimately we are. All across the country, rallies and protests urging respect, safety, and justice for our BIPOC brothers and sisters are being met with unforgivable violence and cruelty. Things are not OK right now. If you can, protest. If you can't, donate, speak up, and spread the word. Please consider donating to any of the following causes supporting the Black Lives Matter Movement and those out on the front lines protesting for change: 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1X4-YS3vFn5CLL9QtJSU0xqmTh_h8XilXgOqGAjZISBI/mobilebasic

If people feel there is anything I could be doing as an educational media outlet, PLEASE let me know. 

Please note that while I am a medical professional, any information discussed in this podcast does not constitute actionable medical advice. If you feel Genetic Counseling is appropriate for you, visit NSGC.org to find a Genetic Counselor practicing in your area. Bye for now!

On this special two-part episode, we have our very first guest! Everyone please welcome one of my favorite humans, and current second year genetic counseling graduate student, Casey Marks! With this two-parter, Casey and I are addressing all the most common questions that you guys are asking me - how do you become a genetic counselor, and what does the day-to-day look like for a typical counselor? In this second installment, we give the pointers we think are the most useful to aspiring genetic counselors, and discuss in more detail how to literally become a genetic counselor.....with a generous order of witty banter on the side! I love Casey, and this was such an enjoyable conversation! I hope everyone can find some enjoyment in this episode, too, with all that's going on right now in the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic. 

Please note that while I am a medical professional, any information discussed in this podcast does not constitute actionable medical advice. If you feel Genetic Counseling is appropriate for you, visit NSGC.org to find a Genetic Counselor practicing in your area. Bye for now!

On this special two-part episode, we have our very first guest! Everyone please welcome one of my favorite humans, and current second year genetic counseling graduate student, Casey Marks! With this two-parter, Casey and I are addressing all the most common questions that you guys are asking me - how do you become a genetic counselor, and what does the day-to-day look like for a typical counselor? In part one, we do some introductions and then dive right in! In part two, we'll round out our conversation - so stay tuned if something you wanted to know wasn't covered in this first installment! I love Casey, and this was such an enjoyable conversation! I hope everyone can find some enjoyment in this episode, too, with all that's going on right now in the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic. 

Please note that while I am a medical professional, any information discussed in this podcast does not constitute actionable medical advice. If you feel Genetic Counseling is appropriate for you, visit NSGC.org to find a Genetic Counselor practicing in your area. Bye for now!

This week, we'll talk in more detail about the specialities that Genetic Counselors can practice in, how they fit into a patient's care team depending on what area of medicine they work in, and what a consultation with a Genetic Counselor could look like depending upon what you are seeing them for. After this week's episode, we're done with our primer and will be diving into the nitty gritty of more specific topics! How exciting! (No, really, I'm genuinely excited...aren't you?)

Please note that while I am a medical professional, any information discussed in this podcast does not constitute actionable medical advice. If you feel Genetic Counseling is appropriate for you, visit NSGC.org to find a Genetic Counselor practicing in your area. Bye for now!

It's our first episode, so let me introduce myself! My name is Nick Charles and I am a board-certified Genetic Counselor. When I tell people what I do at a party, or at our first meeting, in general people have no idea what I do; and they start picturing something like GATTACA or designer babies. Well folks, no. My job is far less glamorous than Uma Thurman in a space-age genetics-themed sci-fi thriller. However, it is quite interesting and honestly far more rewarding. Helping people understand what makes them....them - seeing that glimmer in their eye of all the information clicking into place for them - I love that. You can ask anyone who knows me - you have a genetics question? Shoot. I will always be ready and willing to stop everything and talk with you until you get it. Much like all GCs (genetic counselors), I give advice in one way or another to family and friends - especially in today's day and age where genetic testing is far more accessible than ever before. So, before we jump into specific topics - here's a primer on me and what I do. Welcome, friends! 

Please note that while I am a medical professional, any information discussed in this podcast does not constitute actionable medical advice. If you feel Genetic Counseling is appropriate for you, visit NSGC.org to find a Genetic Counselor practicing in your area. Bye for now!