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DNA Dialogues: Conversations in Genetic Counseling Research

DNA Dialogues: Conversations in Genetic Counseling Research

Journal of Genetic Counseling (Jehannine Austin, Naomi Wagner, Khalida Liaquat, Kate Wilson and DNA Today’s Kira Dineen) 34 Episodes Jul 30, 2026

DNA Dialogues is a podcast that explores genetic counseling research by featuring conversations with authors of articles published in the Journal of Genetic Counseling. Each episode examines recent discoveries, ethical debates, and technological developments in medical genetics. The show also covers topics like complex testing decisions and building trust with diverse communities, emphasizing the human side of genetic counseling. It aims to make genetic research accessible through engaging discussions.

Episodes

#30-Reflecting Real Patient Experiences: Innovative Clinical Research Methods
#30-Reflecting Real Patient Experiences: Innovative Clinical Research Methods Jul 30, 2026 4432 In this episode, we are exploring innovative research methodologies in genetics, including narrative and visual methods, conversation analysis and body mapping. Our guests highlight using these methods to drive inclusive and diverse research as well as providing a more nuanced understanding of the lived experiences of families.    Segment 1: Defining joy after a genetic diagnosis: A narrative inqu
#29-Cancer Genetic Testing Access: Lessons from Point-of-Care & Primary Care
#29-Cancer Genetic Testing Access: Lessons from Point-of-Care & Primary Care Jun 25, 2026 3594 In this episode of DNA Dialogues, we explore two innovative approaches to improving access to genetic testing and hereditary cancer care. First, Daniella Kamara and Mariana Niell Swiller discuss UCLA's GENETECA™ program, a point-of-care genetic testing model that integrates cancer genetic services directly into oncology clinics. In the second half of the episode, Tesla Theoryn discusses research e
Community engagement in research: Intersex individual's perspectives of prenatal screening
Community engagement in research: Intersex individual's perspectives of prenatal screening Jun 18, 2026 2229 Learn the importance of community engagement in intersex research from Louis Canavan and Bria Brown-King. Discover insights into how intersex voices shape prenatal screening conversations. It's crucial that research reflects the realities and needs of those being studied. When intersex perspectives are included, the findings are not only richer but also more relevant to the community.   Featured A
#28-Predictive testing in ALS: How do patients make decisions?
#28-Predictive testing in ALS: How do patients make decisions? May 28, 2026 1190 In this episode, we discuss the complexities of predictive genetic testing in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) from Dr. Jade Howard's recent study. Learn how it impacts decision-making and what it means for families.   Article: “Predictive genetic testing in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS): Experiences of decision-making and engagement with UK genetic counseling services”   In this episode
#27- Protecting genetic information:  Life insurance and GINA
#27- Protecting genetic information: Life insurance and GINA Apr 30, 2026 3620 In this episode we are exploring 2 recent Journal of Genetic Counseling articles on the topic of insurance coverage and concerns about genetic discrimination. Segment 1: Cardiovascular genetic counselor decision making about discussing life insurance with patients Guest Bios: Sara Cherny has almost 20 years of experience as a genetic counselor in the Chicagoland area, specializing in cardiovascula
#26-Patient Support: Results Booklet & Logotherapy
#26-Patient Support: Results Booklet & Logotherapy Mar 26, 2026 2969 Today’s episode explores two deeply human dimensions of genetic counseling- how we support families as they process complex genomic information over time and how people make meaning in the face of uncertainty. Both segments discuss how we can support people as they make sense of genetic information in their lives.   Segment 1: Putting control into parents' hands: Parent experiences with a genomic
#25- Patient Perspectives & Preferences with Risk and Uncertainty
#25- Patient Perspectives & Preferences with Risk and Uncertainty Feb 26, 2026 2278 In this episode we are talking about uncertainty and risk along with patient preferences for communication. Segment 1: The attitudes of individuals with or at risk of adult-onset genetic conditions on reproductive genetic testing: A systematic review Shanice Allen is a PhD student from the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) at the University of Sheffield. The aim of her re
Bonus- Questions with the Editor of Journal of Genetic Counseling
Bonus- Questions with the Editor of Journal of Genetic Counseling Feb 12, 2026 3389 We are talking about submitting and publishing manuscripts in the Journal of Genetic Counseling! J9 Austin, the Editor-in-Chief, sits down to explain the process of review, tips for submitting and editing, and answers listener questions.   In this episode we discuss: - A bonus episode with the Journal of Genetic Counseling editor-in-chief on why and how to publish research. - How to choose a journ
#24-Clinical genetic services: Provider retention & telegenetics
#24-Clinical genetic services: Provider retention & telegenetics Jan 29, 2026 2285 Today’s episode is about clinical genetic services. In the first segment, Khalida talks to authors Courtney and Jade about retention of patient-facing genetic counselors and how generational age and work environment influence retention. For the second segment, Khalida chats with Dr. Ba-Jaj about telegenetics in India, reviewing data from 3 years and almost 1000 cases!     Segment 1: Factors influe
#23- Building Systems for Genetic Care: PRS Implementation and EDS Triage
#23- Building Systems for Genetic Care: PRS Implementation and EDS Triage Dec 18, 2025 3022 Today we are featuring two articles that relate to moving genetics into mainstream healthcare. In our first segment, we discuss polygenic risk scores and the transition from research to clinical use. Our second segment focuses on hypermobility Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and the triaging of clinical referrals.    Segment 1: Readiness and leadership for the implementation of polygenic risk scores: Genet
#22-Genetic Counselor Appreciation: Professional Identity & Well Being
#22-Genetic Counselor Appreciation: Professional Identity & Well Being Nov 27, 2025 3191 Earlier this month, we celebrated Genetic Counselor Appreciation Day on November 13! In recognition of this, we are featuring 2 articles that explore professional issues in the field of genetic counseling. In our first segment, we talk to Dr. Rachel Mills about the professional identity of early-career genetic counselors and in the second segment, we speak to Dr. Laura Yeates about self care strat
#21- From Specialty Clinics to Family Medicine: Rethinking Access to Genetics
#21- From Specialty Clinics to Family Medicine: Rethinking Access to Genetics Oct 30, 2025 1606 The case for integrating genetic counselors into primary care:A paradigm shift for our profession   Natasha Berman (she/her) MA, MS, MPH, CGC is a clinical genetic counselor at the UPMC Department of Family Medicine who works within the primary care precision medicine clinic. She provides direct patient care to patients for a variety of indications. She has coauthored multiple textbook chapters co

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