22 Pediatric Genetics and Behavioral Health: Implications for Testing

https://302.buzz/PM-WhatAreYourThoughts

Today, we are going to talk about genetics and behavioral health with Dr. Caleb Bupp, Division Chief of Medical Genetics and Genomics Spectrum Health at Helen DeVos Children's Hospital.

You might be wondering why we have invited a geneticist on a podcast about emotional and mental health in the pediatrics space. Well, our space intersects with genetics more frequently than you can imagine. Dr. Bupp will break these intersections down, explain genetics in a manner that you can also explain it to others, and highlight the importance of genetic testing with consent.   

Let’s listen to Dr. Bupp to learn more about genetics in behavioral health!  

[00:01 - 06:55] Opening Segment

• Welcoming today's guest, Dr. Caleb Bupp
• Why Dr. Bupp chose genetics

06:56 - 16:49] Genetic Issues 

• We talk about the 3 intersections of genetics and mental health
• Understand genetics better with this analogy from Dr. Bupp
• Dr. Bupp tells us why every health issue is genetic 

[16:50 - 27:49] Genetic Testing

• What is Dr. Bupp’s advice for children with autism 
• Genetics will be of no use under one certain scenario
• Dr. Bupp elaborates
• Genetic testing will be valuable in learning about behavioral health issues
• Dr. Bupp explains
• The worst part of being a geneticist for Dr. Bupp

[27:50 - 39:22] Genetic Data 

• We talk about the importance of consent in genetic testing
• The value of a person’s genetic data as explained by Dr. Bupp
• What is pharmacogenomics and why we should understand it 

[39:23 - 47:22] Closing Segment

• Listen to Dr. Bupp’s reminder for us 
• What’s his message for his resident self? 
• Finals takeaways
• Consent is a must in genetic testing
• Genetic testing has become mainstream 
• The different types of genetic testing
• Children with autism should be offered genetic testing or consultation about it
• A main barrier right now in genetic testing is cost

Tweetable Quotes:

“When you’re working underneath somebody who loves what they do, it’s just infectious.” - Dr. Caleb Bupp

“... every health issue is genetic. In some way, shape, or form, we just have to get granular enough to figure out what exactly the genetic cause for that [issue] is.” - Dr. Caleb Bupp

Resources Mentioned:

• Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008
• What is informed consent?
• Locating a genetics clinic here
• Pharmacogenomics FAQ

Email caleb.bupp@spectumhealth.org to connect with Dr. Bupp. Also, visit https://www.spectrumhealth.org/ to learn more about his space.

If you’d like to connect with me, you can find me at LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter or email me at gagginol@yahoo.com.