DNA Dialogues: Conversations in Genetic Counseling Research

#29-Cancer Genetic Testing Access: Lessons from Point-of-Care & Primary Care

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 examining why many people who express interest in genetic testing never complete the process. The conversation explores how life circumstances, privacy and insurance concerns, changing readiness, and healthcare system barriers influence decision-making over time.
 
Segment 1: From the ground up: Launching GENETECA™ (GENetic education and TEsting for CAncer) a point-of-care cancer genetics service at an academic medical center
 
Guest Bios:
Daniella Kamara, MS, LCGC is a cancer genetic counselor at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). She has been a cancer genetic counselor for over 10 years and works both in the clinical and research settings helping individuals and families who face a hereditary predisposition to cancer. She has contributed to various research studies over the years aiming to increase access to hereditary cancer testing, creating novel models for support for individuals and their family members, and exploring population-based testing models. She is passionate about supporting patients and their family members to feel empowered by their genetic test results and finding ways to make it easier to navigate healthcare for those facing a hereditary predisposition to cancer. 
 
Mariana Niell-Swiller, MS, CGC, is a board-certified genetic counselor with 20 years of
experience specializing in hereditary cancer risk assessment. She holds a BS in Biology
from Cornell University and an MS in Genetic Counseling from Brandeis University, and
began her clinical career after working as a molecular genetics laboratory technician in
neurogenetics. She has since held clinical and leadership roles across a range of
settings, from community hospitals to academic medical centers.
In her current role as Director of Cancer Genetics at UCLA Health, Mariana leads both
clinical program development and innovative IT infrastructure to expand access to
hereditary cancer services. She is driven by the belief that thoughtfully designed
systems can make genomic medicine more scalable, equitable, and sustainable — and
is committed to advancing that vision across health systems. Outside of work, she
enjoys kayaking, hiking, and dancing, and shares a love of nature with her husband and
son.
In this segment we discuss:
- Increased access to genetic testing for pancreatic cancer patients through a point-of-care model
- The benefits and challenges of mainstreaming genetic testing within routine oncology care
- How genetic counseling assistants help improve efficiency, scalability, and patient access to cancer genetics services
- Lessons learned from implementing GENETECA™ and balancing greater access with the personalized aspects of genetic counseling
 
Segment 2: Cancer genetic testing uptake in the primary care setting: Patient perspectives on barriers and facilitators throughout the testing process
 
Guest Bio:
Tesla Theoryn, M.Ed., is a qualitative researcher and former high school science teacher with an applied interest in science communication and decision-making in the context of genetic testing. Her work focuses on how medical messaging and timing influence patient engagement and healthcare decisions. She is currently completing her doctorate from the University of Washington in Public Health Genetics.
http://www.linkedin.com/in/theoryn
 
In this segment we discuss:
- How life circumstances influence uptake of genetic testing
- How re-offering genetic testing over time may change uptake as people's priorities, concerns, and readiness change
- The impact of privacy, insurance, and legal concerns on genetic testing decisions
- Strategies for expanding hereditary cancer screening in primary care while improving equity, accessibility, and patient-centered care
Would you like to nominate a JoGC article to be featured in the show? If so, please fill out this nomination submission form here. Multiple entries are encouraged including articles where you, your colleagues, or your friends are authors.
 
DNA Dialogues has been recognized as a Top 3 California Genetics Podcast and a Top 25 Molecular Biology Podcast by FeedSpot! Check out the recognitions here: https://podcast.feedspot.com/california_genetics_podcasts/https://podcast.feedspot.com/molecular_biology_podcasts/
 
Stay tuned for the next new episode of DNA Dialogues! In the meantime, listen to all our episodes Apple Podcasts, Spotify, streaming on the website, or any other podcast player by searching, “DNA Dialogues”. 
 
For more information about this episode visit dnadialogues.podbean.com, where you can also stream all episodes of the show. Check out the Journal of Genetic Counseling here for articles featured in this episode and others. 
 
Any questions, episode ideas, guest pitches, or comments can be sent into DNADialoguesPodcast@gmail.com. 
 
DNA Dialogues’ team includes Jehannine Austin, Naomi Wagner, Khalida Liaquat, Kate Wilson and DNA Today’s Kira Dineen. Our logo was designed by Ashlyn Enokian. Our current intern is Stephanie Schofield.

Community engagement in research: Intersex individual's perspectives of prenatal screening

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 Article: Intersex community perspectives on prenatal sex chromosome screening: “It silences intersex”
 
Guest Bios:
Louis is an MGH IHP Genetic Counseling alum and is currently studying to be a high school biology/genetics teacher.He works as a paraprofessional at a middle school and is passionate about advocating for the LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent communities. 
www.linkedin.com/in/louiscanavan 
 
Bria is a Black, queer, non-binary, and intersex person. Bria started doing intersex advocacy work as an intern with interACT, where they published articles for them, the ACLU, and Teen Vogue. In 2019, they became the first openly intersex person to speak about intersex issues on the steps of the Supreme Court. Bria now serves on multiple advisory boards, representing intersex people both nationally and internationally. Bria earned their bachelor’s degree in Political Science from York College of Pennsylvania and their Master’s in Nonprofit Management and Philanthropy from Bay Path University. 
 
In this segment we discuss:
- How community-engaged research partnerships can improve studies involving intersex individuals and ensure lived experiences are represented.
- Intersex community perspectives on prenatal screening, including both potential benefits and concerns about how results may be used.
- The impact of healthcare provider language on patient experiences, reproductive decision-making, and perceptions of intersex traits.
- The importance of bodily autonomy, reducing stigma in healthcare, and improving provider education about intersex variations.
 
Resources:
InterACT: Advocates for Intersex Youth
Intersex Justice Project
National LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center
 
Would you like to nominate a JoGC article to be featured in the show? If so, please fill out this nomination submission form here. Multiple entries are encouraged including articles where you, your colleagues, or your friends are authors.
 
Stay tuned for the next new episode of DNA Dialogues! In the meantime, listen to all our episodes Apple Podcasts, Spotify, streaming on the website, or any other podcast player by searching, “DNA Dialogues”. 
 
For more information about this episode visit dnadialogues.podbean.com, where you can also stream all episodes of the show. Check out the Journal of Genetic Counseling here for articles featured in this episode and others. 
 
Any questions, episode ideas, guest pitches, or comments can be sent into DNADialoguesPodcast@gmail.com. 
 
DNA Dialogues’ team includes Jehannine Austin, Naomi Wagner, Khalida Liaquat, Kate Wilson and DNA Today’s Kira Dineen. Our logo was designed by Ashlyn Enokian. Our current intern is Stephanie Schofield.

#28-Predictive testing in ALS: How do patients make decisions?

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 we discuss:
- The decision-making process surrounding predictive testing
- Navigating family dynamics and personal goals
- The uncertainty that comes with genetic risks
- The need for tailored communication and ongoing support after testing
 
Guest Bio:
Dr Jade Howard is a postdoctoral researcher at Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, UK. Her research focuses on genetic testing in motor neuron disease (MND/ALS), and the development of interventions to help families navigate decisions around testing and the disclosure of results.
 
Resources:
- This research is being led by PI Dr Alisdair McNeill, with the support of the study team Prof Hilary Bekker and Prof Chris McDermott, and a project steering committee. The team are grateful to The MND Association for funding this work and all the participants who took part.
- If you are interested in the decision aids discussed in this podcast, they can be found here: https://mymndgenetest.shef.ac.uk/
 
Would you like to nominate a JoGC article to be featured in the show? If so, please fill out this nomination submission form here. Multiple entries are encouraged including articles where you, your colleagues, or your friends are authors.
 
Stay tuned for the next new episode of DNA Dialogues! In the meantime, listen to all our episodes Apple Podcasts, Spotify, streaming on the website, or any other podcast player by searching, “DNA Dialogues”. 
 
For more information about this episode visit dnadialogues.podbean.com, where you can also stream all episodes of the show. Check out the Journal of Genetic Counseling here for articles featured in this episode and others. 
 
Any questions, episode ideas, guest pitches, or comments can be sent into DNADialoguesPodcast@gmail.com. 
 
DNA Dialogues’ team includes Jehannine Austin, Naomi Wagner, Khalida Liaquat, Kate Wilson and DNA Today’s Kira Dineen. Our logo was designed by Ashlyn Enokian. Our current intern is Stephanie Schofield.

#27- Protecting genetic information: Life insurance and GINA

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 cardiovascular genetics for the past decade. Her wide range of experience allows her to provide comprehensive care for patients in the Cardiovascular Genetics Clinic at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital, where she engages in patient care, program development, and research. Her research focuses on trends in cardiovascular genetics, access to genetic services, genetic privacy, and genetic discrimination. She is involved in advocacy work with the Illinois Society of Genetic Professionals (ISGP) and the Pediatric and Congenital Electrophysiology Society (PACES). Sara loves how her work combines science and patient care, and is committed to scientific discovery that both improves patient experience and moves the field forward. 
Sarah Jurgensmeyer Langas is a genetic counselor in the Heart Center at the Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago with a specific focus in congenital heart disease, aortopathies, and Williams syndrome. Sarah is an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and enjoys teaching and providing clinical supervision to genetic counseling graduate students and medical students. Sarah is also active in the Illinois Society of Genetic Professionals, currently serving on the Advocacy Committee and previously serving as President in 2024. She was the recipient of the 2023 ACMG Foundation Carolyn Mills Lovell Genetic Counselor Award and is passionate about expansion of genetic services to more patient populations.
https://www.instagram.com/luriechildrensheartcenter/
https://www.instagram.com/sara_cherny/
 
In this segment we discuss:
- How life insurance considerations arise in genetic counseling, particularly in cardiovascular genetics, and how conversations vary based on patient knowledge, phenotype, and age.
- Findings that genetic counselors are more likely to address life insurance with phenotype-positive and adult patients, while time constraints and clinical context can limit these discussions.
- How fear of genetic discrimination impacts patient decision-making, including declining testing, alongside reports of real-world insurance denial.
- Challenges in balancing transparency with avoiding unnecessary fear, and the need for better education, standardized guidance, and further research in this space.
Segment 2: Understanding GINA through case examples: A guide for US-based genetic counselors
 
Guest Bios:
Anya Prince is the David H. Vernon Professor at the University of Iowa College of Law. Her research and teaching interests focus on genetic discrimination and privacy.
@anyaprince.bsky.social
 
Misha Rashkin, MS, CGC, graduated from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Masters program in genetic counseling in 2013. He is a clinical genetic counselor in oncology at Stanford HealthCare, focusing on hereditary malignant hematology. He chaired the NSGC public policy committee in 2018, and lectures about GINA and privacy to genetic counseling graduate programs.
 
In this segment we discuss:
- Ongoing misconceptions and knowledge gaps about GINA, including what it does and does not protect
- The value of case-based learning to clarify complex legal and clinical scenarios in genetic counseling
- Nuances in GINA’s protections, especially around manifested conditions and evolving genetic technologies
- Challenges in counseling patients about discrimination risk, balancing information, and navigating policy gaps like life and disability insurance coverage
Resources:
Germline genetic testing and privacy concerns in patients with mesothelioma from Genetics in Medicine
Genetic Privacy in the US: Insurance and Law Enforcement Use website
 
Would you like to nominate a JoGC article to be featured in the show? If so, please fill out this nomination submission form here. Multiple entries are encouraged including articles where you, your colleagues, or your friends are authors.
 
Stay tuned for the next new episode of DNA Dialogues! In the meantime, listen to all our episodes Apple Podcasts, Spotify, streaming on the website, or any other podcast player by searching, “DNA Dialogues”. 
 
For more information about this episode visit dnadialogues.podbean.com, where you can also stream all episodes of the show. Check out the Journal of Genetic Counseling here for articles featured in this episode and others. 
 
Any questions, episode ideas, guest pitches, or comments can be sent into DNADialoguesPodcast@gmail.com. 
 
DNA Dialogues’ team includes Jehannine Austin, Naomi Wagner, Khalida Liaquat, Kate Wilson and DNA Today’s Kira Dineen. Our logo was designed by Ashlyn Enokian. Our current intern is Stephanie Schofield.

#26-Patient Support: Results Booklet & Logotherapy

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 results e-booklet
 
Guest Bio:
Shelin Adam is a Master's trained Genetic Counsellor and Clinical Assistant Professor working at the University of British Columbia Department of Medical Genetics, as well as the Division of Pediatric Neurology at BC Children's Hospital. Her research focus has been the application of new genetic and genomic technology. More specifically, she is interested in understanding the best ways to provide education, decision support and genetic counselling to families being offered genomic sequencing. Shelin has also been involved in looking at issues of equity and access for diverse families who face linguistic, cultural, geographic and economic issues when trying to obtain genetic services.
 
Key Takeaways:
- A genomic results booklet to support parents after pediatric genomic testing.
- Findings show improved understanding, communication, and advocacy through a take-home resource.
- The study highlights challenges with accessibility, language, and timing of information delivery.
- The discussion considers the booklet’s role as a partial substitute for genetic counseling and future AI integration.
 
Segment 2: Exploring the principles of logotherapy in genetic counseling: Enhancing decision-making, adaptation, and justice
 
Guest Bios:
Nour Chanouha, MS, CGC (she/her), emigrated from her home country of Lebanon in 2020 to pursue a career in genetic counseling. Nour graduated from the Northwestern Graduate Program in Genetic Counseling in 2022 and has since been practicing as a genetic counselor in the maternal-fetal medicine and reproductive endocrinology and infertility (IVF) clinics at the University of Iowa Health Care. Nour holds several leadership roles, including serving as a board member of the Arab Society of Genetic Counselors and co-Chair of its Education Committee, as well as co-Chair of the National Society of Genetic Counselors’ (NSGC) International SIG Mentorship Program. She is also an active volunteer on multiple committees within the National Society of Genetic Counselors, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, and the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology. Nour is actively involved in research, education, and mentorship both within and beyond her institution and has been awarded the NSGC 2025 New Leader Award.
 
Nour’s interest in logotherapy began early in her career. She decided to pursue training in logotherapy as a way to strengthen her counseling skills, enhance cultural competency, and better support patients navigating grief and loss, while also fostering personal and professional growth. When she is not reading Viktor Frankl’s writings on the weekend, she enjoys cooking, traveling and volunteering with the Immigrant Welcome Network of Johnson County.
 
Kendra is a board-certified genetic counselor with 15 years of experience in reproductive genetics. She currently serves as the supervisor of prenatal genetic counseling at University of Iowa Health Care and is the founder of Allay Life, a private practice dedicated to supporting individuals and families navigating unexpected news in pregnancy. Kendra is deeply committed to advancing the practice of genetic counseling through education and mentorship, with a particular focus on the power of therapeutic relationships and counseling skills to enhance patient outcomes. She also provides peer and professional supervision for practicing genetic counselors and graduate students.
 
Key Takeaways:
- This episode explores the use of logotherapy to support meaning-centered genetic counseling.
- The discussion highlights how focusing on patient values can guide decision-making and coping.
- Logotherapy presented as a practical clinical framework for navigating uncertainty, grief, and complex choices.
- The conversation emphasizes its role in promoting patient autonomy, equity, and holistic care.
Resource: The Viktor Frankl Logotherapy Instititute
Would you like to nominate a JoGC article to be featured in the show? If so, please fill out this nomination submission form here. Multiple entries are encouraged including articles where you, your colleagues, or your friends are authors.
 
Stay tuned for the next new episode of DNA Dialogues! In the meantime, listen to all our episodes Apple Podcasts, Spotify, streaming on the website, or any other podcast player by searching, “DNA Dialogues”. 
 
For more information about this episode visit dnadialogues.podbean.com, where you can also stream all episodes of the show. Check out the Journal of Genetic Counseling here for articles featured in this episode and others. 
 
Any questions, episode ideas, guest pitches, or comments can be sent into DNADialoguesPodcast@gmail.com. 
 
DNA Dialogues’ team includes Jehannine Austin, Naomi Wagner, Khalida Liaquat, Kate Wilson and DNA Today’s Kira Dineen. Our logo was designed by Ashlyn Enokian. Our current intern is Stephanie Schofield.

#25- Patient Perspectives & Preferences with Risk and Uncertainty

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 research is exploring the attitudes and experiences of individuals with or at-risk of genetic MND on reproductive genetic testing, and explore how and if clinicians discuss these options with these individuals. This will help us identify any barriers to accessing reproductive services.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanice-allen-9a89661a5/
 
In this segment we discuss:
- The attitudes toward reproductive genetic testing in adult-onset genetic conditions.
- Experiential knowledge and perceived disease severity in shaping reproductive decision-making.
- Ethical themes including guilt, eugenics, and concerns about pregnancy termination.
- Findings supporting more tailored, longitudinal genetic counseling approaches.
 
Segment 2: Assessing patient communication preferences for reclassified variants of uncertain significance in a general genetics clinic
Eden Brush, MS, CGC is a pediatric and inpatient genetic counselor in the Division of Clinical Genetics at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. She completed her graduate training at Columbia University as part of the class of 2024. She is passionate about rare disease advocacy, narrative medicine, and disability justice.
 
In this segment we discuss:
- Patient communication preferences for reclassified variants of uncertain significance (VUS) and patient-driven practice insights
- Factors that emphasize the utility of shared responsibility, the need for standardized recontact systems, and the importance of equity-focused implementation strategies.
- How VUS reclassification type impacted patient-preferred disclosure methods. 
 
Would you like to nominate a JoGC article to be featured in the show? If so, please fill out this nomination submission form here. Multiple entries are encouraged including articles where you, your colleagues, or your friends are authors.
 
Stay tuned for the next new episode of DNA Dialogues! In the meantime, listen to all our episodes Apple Podcasts, Spotify, streaming on the website, or any other podcast player by searching, “DNA Dialogues”. 
 
For more information about this episode visit dnadialogues.podbean.com, where you can also stream all episodes of the show. Check out the Journal of Genetic Counseling here for articles featured in this episode and others. 
 
Any questions, episode ideas, guest pitches, or comments can be sent into DNADialoguesPodcast@gmail.com. 
 
DNA Dialogues’ team includes Jehannine Austin, Naomi Wagner, Khalida Liaquat, Kate Wilson and DNA Today’s Kira Dineen. Our logo was designed by Ashlyn Enokian. Our current intern is Stephanie Schofield.

Bonus- Questions with the Editor of Journal of Genetic Counseling

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 journal, write clearly, and navigate submission and peer review.
- What reviewers and editors look for and how to respond to feedback effectively.
- Support and resources for students and early-career authors aiming to publish.
 
Would you like to nominate a JoGC article to be featured in the show? If so, please fill out this nomination submission form here. Multiple entries are encouraged including articles where you, your colleagues, or your friends are authors.
 
Stay tuned for the next new episode of DNA Dialogues! In the meantime, listen to all our episodes Apple Podcasts, Spotify, streaming on the website, or any other podcast player by searching, “DNA Dialogues”. 
 
For more information about this episode visit dnadialogues.podbean.com, where you can also stream all episodes of the show. Check out the Journal of Genetic Counseling here for articles featured in this episode and others. 
 
Any questions, episode ideas, guest pitches, or comments can be sent into DNADialoguesPodcast@gmail.com. 
 
DNA Dialogues’ team includes Jehannine Austin, Naomi Wagner, Khalida Liaquat, Kate Wilson and DNA Today’s Kira Dineen. Our logo was designed by Ashlyn Enokian. Our current intern is Stephanie Schofield.

#24-Clinical genetic services: Provider retention & telegenetics

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 influencing retention of patient-facing genetic counselors: Role of generational age and work environment
Courtney Schroeder, MS, LCGC is an oncology genetic counselor at Indiana University Health. She received her BS in Psychology and Biology from the University of Dayton and her MS in Genetic Counseling from the University of North Carolina Greensboro. Courtney primarily works with the Precision Genomics team at IU Health. She also manages the Hereditary Renal and Prostate Cancer Clinic, which she established through a grant-funded project.
 
Jade McIntyre, MS, LCGC is a 2025 graduate of Indiana University Genetic Counseling Program. She is currently working as a genetic counselor in the Medical and Molecular Genetics Department at Indiana University Health. Jade is grateful for the opportunity to share the findings from her graduate student research that was published in July 2025.
 
In this segment we discuss:
- This episode explores factors influencing retention of patient-facing genetic counselors.
- The study highlights flexibility, autonomy, and experience as key drivers of retention.
- Results show higher retention among older, more experienced counselors.
- The discussion emphasizes employer strategies to improve workforce retention.
 
Segment 2: Telegenetics in India: A 3-year review of 938 appointments and patient–clinician perspectives
 
Dr Shruti Bajaj completed her MBBS and MD Pediatrics from Seth Gordhandas Sunderdas Medical College and King Edward Memorial Hospital, Mumbai. She subsequently pursued a Fellowship in Clinical Genetics, accredited by Maharashtra University of Health Sciences, from Seth Gordhandas Sunderdas Medical College and King Edward Memorial Hospital, Mumbai.
Thereafter, Dr. Shruti Bajaj amassed vast clinical experience as an Assistant Professor in the busy Department of Pediatrics and Clinical Genetics at Seth Gordhandas Sunderdas Medical College and King Edward Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, for five years (2013- 2017).
She has to her credit a short observership and training in Clinical & Laboratory Genetics from Kasturba Medical College, Manipal. She has additionally been trained through multiple short modules in different subspecialities of Clinical Genetics from prestigious centres across the country and the world. Some of these include the 'Cancer genetic counseling' course from Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai and the challenging 'Skeletal dysplasia' course from Lausanne, Switzerland.
Dr Shruti Bajaj is the Founder and Director of The Purple Gene Clinic, which she established in 2017. The Purple Gene Clinic provides cares to patients across the country, and is one of the busiest and most trustworthy Genetic Clinics in India.
Despite a demanding and busy practice, Dr Shruti Bajaj obtained the prestigious International Masters Degree in Neurometabolism and Cell Biology, from SJD Barcelona's Children Hospital, University of Barcelona, in 2024. During this course, Dr. Bajaj was awarded the prestigious International Travel Scholarship for both 2023 and 2024, after her submitted clinical cases were selected as the best amongst all applications, highlighting her exceptional clinical acumen and dedication.
As a testimony to her passion for academics, Dr Bajaj has numerous national and international publications, as well as chapters in leading textbooks, to her credit.
Dr Bajaj's innate compassion and passion for social services led her to establish a support group for individuals with Down syndrome, called PEHEL, in Mumbai in 2018. She also runs a charitable OPD at The Purple Gene Clinic, called Shantidevi Gupta Charitable OPD, in the loving memory of her late grandmother.
Social media handles: Linkedin profile name: Dr Shruti Bajaj (Agarwal) 
In this segment we discuss:
- How tele-genetics improves access to genetic care across India.
- When pure vs hybrid telemedicine works best for diagnosis.
- Patient cost and time savings alongside clinician-reported challenges.
- Scalable lessons for implementing tele-genetics in resource-limited settings.
 
Would you like to nominate a JoGC article to be featured in the show? If so, please fill out this nomination submission form here. Multiple entries are encouraged including articles where you, your colleagues, or your friends are authors.
 
Stay tuned for the next new episode of DNA Dialogues! In the meantime, listen to all our episodes Apple Podcasts, Spotify, streaming on the website, or any other podcast player by searching, “DNA Dialogues”. 
 
For more information about this episode visit dnadialogues.podbean.com, where you can also stream all episodes of the show. Check out the Journal of Genetic Counseling here for articles featured in this episode and others. 
 
Any questions, episode ideas, guest pitches, or comments can be sent into DNADialoguesPodcast@gmail.com. 
 
DNA Dialogues’ team includes Jehannine Austin, Naomi Wagner, Khalida Liaquat, Kate Wilson and DNA Today’s Kira Dineen. Our logo was designed by Ashlyn Enokian. Our current intern is Stephanie Schofield.

#23- Building Systems for Genetic Care: PRS Implementation and EDS Triage

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: Genetic healthcare providers' perspectives in the hereditary cancer context
 
Dr Rebecca Purvis is a post-doctoral researcher, genetic counsellor, and university lecturer and coordinator at The Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia. Dr Purvis focuses on health services delivery, using implementation science to design and evaluate interventions in clinical genomics, risk assessment, and cancer prevention.
 
In this segment we discuss:
- Why leadership and organizational readiness are critical to successful clinical implementation of polygenic risk scores (PRS).
- How genetic counselors’ communication skills position them as key leaders as PRS moves from research into practice.
- Readiness factors healthcare systems should assess, including culture, resources, and implementation infrastructure.
- Equity, standardization, and implementation science as essential tools for responsible and sustainable PRS adoption.
Segment 2: A qualitative investigation of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome genetics triage
 
Kaycee Carbone is  a genetic counselor at Boston Children's Hospital in the Division of Genetics and Genomics as well as the Vascular Anomalies Center. Her clinical interests include connective tissue disorders, overgrowth conditions, and somatic and germline vascular anomaly conditions. She completed my M.S. in Genetic Counseling at the MGH Institute of Health Professions in 2023. The work she discusses here, "A qualitative investigation of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome genetics triage," was completed as part of a requirement for this graduate program. 
 
In this segment we discuss:
- Why genetics clinics vary widely in how they triage referrals for hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS).
- How rising awareness of hEDS has increased referral volume without clear guidelines for diagnosis and care.
- The ethical and emotional challenges genetic counselors face when declining hEDS referrals.
- The need for national guidelines and clearer care pathways to improve access and coordination for EDS patients.
Would you like to nominate a JoGC article to be featured in the show? If so, please fill out this nomination submission form here. Multiple entries are encouraged including articles where you, your colleagues, or your friends are authors.
 
Stay tuned for the next new episode of DNA Dialogues! In the meantime, listen to all our episodes Apple Podcasts, Spotify, streaming on the website, or any other podcast player by searching, “DNA Dialogues”. 
 
For more information about this episode visit dnadialogues.podbean.com, where you can also stream all episodes of the show. Check out the Journal of Genetic Counseling here for articles featured in this episode and others. 
 
Any questions, episode ideas, guest pitches, or comments can be sent into DNADialoguesPodcast@gmail.com. 
 
DNA Dialogues’ team includes Jehannine Austin, Naomi Wagner, Khalida Liaquat, Kate Wilson and DNA Today’s Kira Dineen. Our logo was designed by Ashlyn Enokian. Our current intern is Stephanie Schofield.

#22-Genetic Counselor Appreciation: Professional Identity & Well Being

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 strategies in cardiovascular genetic counselors.
 
Segment 1: Early-career genetic counselors' professional identity formation through experiences with continuing education at a professional conference
 
Dr. Rachel Mills is an Associate Professor and the Director of Research for the University of North Carolina Greensboro Genetic Counseling Program. She is a career-long research genetic counselor who is passionate about mentoring student researchers. Rachel's recent research has focused on professional issues in genetic counseling.
 
In this segment we discuss:
- How early-career genetic counselors form and affirm their professional identity.
- Generational differences in values and post-COVID conference experiences.
- The role of mentorship and community in fostering belonging.
- Implications for training programs and future identity research.
 
Segment 2: Well-being and self-care strategies for cardiovascular genetic counselors: A qualitative study
 
Dr Laura Yeates is a certified cardiac genetic counsellor with more than 18 years' experience, working in both research and clinical roles. She recently completed her PhD in genetic counselling under the supervision of A/Prof Jodie Ingles at the Garvan Institute in Sydney, Australia. Her PhD focused on developing a support intervention for families affected by sudden cardiac death as well as well-being in cardiovascular genetic counsellors. Laura is a past Chair (president) of the Australasian Society of Genetic Counselors (ASGC) and continues to volunteer on various ASGC committees. 
 
In this segment we discuss:
- How cardiac genetic counselors experience and manage the emotional impact of sudden cardiac death cases.
- The role of countertransference, supervision, and team support in sustaining well-being.
- How administrative burden contributes to stress and reduces time for meaningful clinical work.
- Practical and organizational strategies that help counselors build sustainable self-care routines.
Would you like to nominate a JoGC article to be featured in the show? If so, please fill out this nomination submission form here. Multiple entries are encouraged including articles where you, your colleagues, or your friends are authors.
 
Stay tuned for the next new episode of DNA Dialogues! In the meantime, listen to all our episodes Apple Podcasts, Spotify, streaming on the website, or any other podcast player by searching, “DNA Dialogues”. 
 
For more information about this episode visit dnadialogues.podbean.com, where you can also stream all episodes of the show. Check out the Journal of Genetic Counseling here for articles featured in this episode and others. 
 
Any questions, episode ideas, guest pitches, or comments can be sent into DNADialoguesPodcast@gmail.com. 
DNA Dialogues’ team includes Jehannine Austin, Naomi Wagner, Khalida Liaquat, Kate Wilson and DNA Today’s Kira Dineen. Our logo was designed by Ashlyn Enokian. Our current intern is Stephanie Schofield.