Genetics

Host: Lisa Mazzullo, MD

Guest: Cathy Wicklund, MS

The Genetic Counselor as an amazing tool in your medical armamentarium: As the genome becomes better understood new medical challenges will become evident. The tools to best educate ourselves and to assist our patients as they need to determine the w’s: when, who and why should someone undergo genetic testing. The what do I do after I know I have a genetic predisposition to a disease is an entire challenge on to itself that we must as health care providers help guide our patients . A team approach made up of genetic counselors, medical staff and possibly psychological staff will offer the most comprehensive care when genetic issues arise. Cathy Wicklund helps us understand the role of the genetic counselor and the ways they can help our patients with regards to genetic health testing.

Host: Lisa Mazzullo, MD

Guest: Joanna Rudnick

Guest: Julie Burger, JD

Genetic Discrimination- There should be a law against it, and we’re working on it; The Genetic Information Non Discrimination Act (GINA). What is the ethical and legal dilemma of BRCA 1 / 2 testing? 30,000 women have tested positive for brca1 or 2 but an estimated 250,000 women are suspected to be positive as well but are afraid to be tested due to possible genetic discrimination. The reality of health insurance, disability and employment discrimination due to genetic testing is daunting and is preventing women from taking action against the possible cancer diagnosis in their future. Julie Burger shares with us the legal dilemma and frustrations of genetic information discrimination. Additional References: Coalition For Genetic Fairness: www.geneticfairness.org Halsey Lea, d, et al Ethical Issues in Genetic Testing, J Midwifery Womens Health, 2005; 50 (3); 234-40. - Genomics and personalized Medicine act, 2006, Obama http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/genetic_information_nondiscrimination_act - www.genome.gov/24519851- discusses the nuances of the gina act.

Host: Lisa Mazzullo, MD

Guest: Joanna Rudnick

From a medical, ethical and psychological perspective, Joanna Rudnick has faced heart-wrenching choices about childbearing, life-altering surgeries, preventive lifestyle changes, and much more. Young women like Ms. Rudnick, who possesses BRCA gene mutations, look to their healthcare providers for guidance through this harrowing journey. How can we help? She talks with host Dr. Lisa Mazzullo about the difficult decisions of genetic testing, and the challenges of treating for disease based on genetic projections.

Host: Bruce Japsen

Guest: Arthur Holden, MBA

A better understanding of why some people are predisposed to dangerous drug interactions and serious illness is the charge of the newly formed group, International Serious Adverse Event Consortium (SAE). The Chicago Tribune's Bruce Japsen interviews SAE chairman and chief executive officer, Arthur Holden about this important subject.

Host: Mark Nolan Hill, MD

Guest: Bernhard Hering, MD

Islet Cell Transplantation is a promising treatment for diabetics however, if approved there will likely be a shortage of islet cells. Dr. Bernhard Hering shares his research with host Dr. Mark Nolan Hill about the use of pig tissue for human islet transplant.

Host: Mark Nolan Hill, MD

Guest: Bernhard Hering, MD

In this segment, host Dr. Mark Nolan Hill speaks with Dr. Berhard Hering, international expert in islet cell transplants. Dr. Hering explains the promising new procedure offering diabetics the hope of being insulin free.

Host: Lee Freedman, MD

Guest: Garret FitzGerald, MD

Dr. FitzGerald outlines how the collaborative work of multiple disciplines is leading to a brave new world when it comes to the development of medications and how, in the near future, the concepts of drug efficacy and safety will be redefined.

Host: Lee Freedman, MD

Guest: Garret FitzGerald, MD

Dr. FitzGerald discusses how advances in molecular biology and our understanding of the human genome will lead to a paradigm shift in how we approach the development and prescibing of medications for our patients.

Host: Lauren Streicher, MD

Guest: Richard Baer, MD

Vast challenges present themselves in the diagnosis and treatment of multiple personality disorder. Dr. Richard Baer, the former president of the Illinois Psychiatric Society, discusses a particular case - involving one patient and her 17 different personalities - as the subject of his book, "Switching Time".

Host: Lisa Mazzullo, MD

Guest: Diljeet Singh, MD

Dr. Mazzullo and Dr. Singh discuss the genetic detection of ovarian cancer and the challenges it proposes.