Mayo Clinic Talks cover image

Mayo Clinic Talks

Genes & Your Health Edition | Ethical Considerations

Oct 18, 2023
Dr. Karen Meagher, assistant professor in the Biomedical Ethics, discusses the ethical considerations in genetic testing. They explore the challenges of communicating genetic probabilities, the implications of genetic information, and the limitations of genetic testing technologies. The episode also touches upon the impact on insurance coverage, discrimination, and healthcare disparities.
27:29

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Communicating the probabilistic nature of genetic risks can alleviate anxiety and promote understanding of genetic testing.
  • Balancing patient autonomy and potential benefits for relatives presents ethical challenges for healthcare providers in cases of heritable genetic conditions.

Deep dives

Understanding Genetic Determinism and Genetic Testing Fear

Genetic determinism is the belief that genes strongly determine our fate, causing anxiety and fear among individuals who associate genetic testing with predetermined health outcomes. However, genetic conditions are often more complex than a single gene and outcome, with factors like penetrance and polygenicity influencing disease manifestation. Communicating the probabilistic nature of genetic risks and exploring patients' fears and concerns can help alleviate anxiety and promote a more informed understanding of genetic testing.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode