In this episode, we explore the motivations, findings, and clinical implications of a recent study examining patient understanding of the terms “sex” and “gender” in the context of prenatal testing, particularly non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT). “Patient understanding of fetal sex versus gender in the context of routine cell-free DNA screening” Mindy Kolodziejski (she/her) is a Senior Genetic Counselor at University of Kentucky (UK) HealthCare and a graduate of the UTHealth Houston Genetic C...
Jun 26, 2025•28 min•Ep. 17
In this episode we are exploring two publications related to cancer care. In our first segment we talk to 2 authors about their research on genetic counselors and identification of patients for high-risk pancreatic cancer screening. In our second segment, Khalida interviews a genetic counselor about their study to evaluate surgical patient perspectives of genetic testing provided by a non-genetics professional. Segment 1: “ Practices and perspectives of genetic counselors about high-risk pancrea...
May 29, 2025•52 min•Ep. 16
In this episode we feature 2 articles that explore hot topics in genetics as well as opportunities to improve patient care in honor of DNA Day on April 25. DNA day commemorates the completion of the Human Genome Project and the discovery of DNA’s double helix. Both of these studies utilize qualitative methodologies to highlight people’s experiences and share their stories. Segment 1: Not Parent Expected” results through direct-to-consumer genetic testing Julia Becker (she/her) is a board-certifi...
Apr 24, 2025•55 min•Ep. 15
In this episode, we are discussing 2 articles focused on cardiovascular genetics. In the first segment, Khalida talks to authors Marianne and Erin about their research exploring the opportunities for downstream revenue of cardiac genetic counseling services in a pediatric medical center. In the second segment, Naomi chats with Jodie and Erin about the recent NSGC Practice Resource about genetic testing and counseling for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Segment 1: Cardiac genetic counseling services...
Mar 27, 2025•57 min•Ep. 14
In this episode we are exploring rare and ultra-rare disease in honor of Rare Disease Day on February 28 which raises awareness for the 300 million people worldwide living with a rare disease. We are talking with one author about their study on the role of digital tools in rare disease management and another author about their research into experiences of parents who have a child with an emerging-ultrarare disorder. Segment 1: Exploring the role of digital tools in rare disease management: An in...
Feb 27, 2025•48 min•Ep. 13
On This Episode We Discuss: In this episode we explore genetic testing in low risk populations, both in direct-to-consumer and clinical settings. We interview authors on two recent JoGC papers related to topics of communication of health risks, understanding of genetic testing, and informed decision-making. You can find the Journal of Genetic Counseling webpage via onlinelibrary.wiley.com or via the National Society of Genetic Counselors website . Segment 1: An analysis of direct-to-consumer gen...
Jan 30, 2025•43 min•Ep. 13
We’re thrilled to share a special episode drop from one of our producers, Kira Dineen, and her flagship podcast, DNA Today! As a multi award winning genetics podcast with over 12 years of groundbreaking episodes, DNA Today explores the latest in genetics and genomics through expert interviews and engaging discussions. To celebrate the new year, this episode reflects back on the top genetics and genomics news stories during 2024. The top stories we chatted about are from the American Journal of H...
Jan 02, 2025•49 min•Ep. 12
In this episode we discuss the recent National Society of Genetic Counselor’s Practice Resource on Dystrophinopathies, which was recently published in JoGC, with two of the publications’ authors. 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 the dystrophinopathies- Practice resource of the National Society of Genetic Counselors ” Ann Martin, MS, CGC is a board cert...
Dec 26, 2024•31 min•Ep. 11
In this episode we discuss two papers that highlight the importance of communication around family health history and the influence of family beliefs on genetic testing decisions. You can find the Journal of Genetic Counseling webpage via onlinelibrary.wiley.com or via the National Society of Genetic Counselors website . Segment 1: ““Family health beliefs and cascade genetic testing in Asian families with hereditary cancer risk: “Okay, now what?”” Leena Tran began her career as a cancer genetic ...
Nov 28, 2024•44 min•Ep. 10
In this episode we discuss a research study that focuses on Black women who tested positive for a pathogenic variant associated with an increased risk for breast cancer. You can find the Journal of Genetic Counseling webpage via onlinelibrary.wiley.com or via the National Society of Genetic Counselors website . Please note that the terminology used refers to women to reflect the language used in the paper, and all genders can have a risk to develop breast cancer. Segment 1: “A qualitative study ...
Oct 31, 2024•45 min•Ep. 9
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 ...
Oct 08, 2024•45 min•Ep. 3
In this episode we discuss research on patient and family experiences in neurogenetics. You can find the Journal of Genetic Counseling webpage via onlinelibrary.wiley.com or via the National Society of Genetic Counselors website . Segment 1: “ Individuals' experiences in genetic counseling and predictive testing for familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis ” Connolly Steigerwald is a certified genetic counselor at NYU Langone Health’s Division of Neurogenetics and Lysosomal Storage Disorders Progr...
Sep 26, 2024•49 min•Ep. 8
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 onlineli...
Aug 29, 2024•46 min•Ep. 7
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 McGov...
Jul 25, 2024•32 min•Ep. 6
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...
Jun 27, 2024•49 min•Ep. 5
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 ...
May 30, 2024•43 min•Ep. 5
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 ...
Apr 25, 2024•43 min•Ep. 4
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 spe...
Feb 29, 2024•43 min•Ep. 2
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 di...
Feb 27, 2024•3 min
