DNA Today: A Genetics Podcast

This episode is kicking off a series about infertility. The launch of this series is coinciding with infertility awareness week, April 19-25th, 2020. Over the next few episodes of DNA Today, we will be talking to experts in fertility these include genetic counselors, a couple who went through IVF, even filmmakers who produced a science fiction movie about fertility. Sponsoring the series is LetsGetChecked, check out their home testing kits including fertility, sexual health and others. Receive your own kit for 20% off by using code “DNAToday”. Currently 7.3 million Americans are facing infertility, and we wanted to bring awareness to this, but also education by having these conversations to learn about the science and genetic side, but also the patient side and hearing how infertility has impacted people’s lives and hearing their perspective. So many excited guests coming up! The first guest to launch this series is Lauren Isley, who is a genetic counselor that specializes in fertility and assisted reproductive technologies, known as ART for short. She is a Clinical Science Liaison at Generate Life Sciences (Formerly California Cryobank Life Sciences), a company that provides reproductive tissue and donor gamete services as well as newborn stem cell storage. Lauren is the Chair Elect of the Genetic Counseling Professional Group of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) and former chair of the ART/Infertility SIG of NSGC. Lauren has a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from the University of Missouri. She went on to earn her Masters of Science in genetic counseling from Wayne State University. On This Episode We Discuss: Roles of a Genetic Counselor in Fertility Fertility Technology Options Carrier Screening In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Types of Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT M, SR, A) Information and Limits of PGTs Egg and Sperm Freezing/Donating Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) genetic testing impact on gamete donation Next episode we will be continuing this infertility series. Again infertility awareness week is April 19-25th, 2020. You can learn more by going to RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association. They are a non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring that all people challenged in their family building journey reach resolution through being empowered by knowledge, supported by community, united by advocacy, and inspired to act. Their website is resolve.org. You can also check out this blog post from the National Society of Genetic Counselors, “How Genetics Affects Infertility and Miscarriage”. Stay tuned for the next new episode of DNA Today’s infertility series on April 17th, 2020. New episodes are released on the first Friday of the month with some bonus episodes thrown in there. See what else I am up to on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and iTunes. Questions/inquiries can be sent to info@DNApodcast.com.

Zaki Sabet joins the show to discuss issues in the diagnostic process of hematologic cancers. Zaki has been with Precipio since co-founding the company in 2011 and currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer. He holds over 15 years of experience in laboratory management spanning all fields of reference laboratory operations primarily focusing on cancer diagnostics, which is the focus of our conversation on this episode. Prior to Precipio, Zaki has served as a consultant with the College of American Pathologists (CAP) for many years as well as several diagnostic companies in setting up their specialized cancer testing operations. Zaki holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Engineering from the New Jersey Institute of Technology. On This Episode We Discuss: Background on Hematologic Cancers including Subtypes Frequency of Hematologic Cancers Prevalence of Misdiagnosis Diagnostic Odyssey for Patients Misdiagnosis Impact on Treatment and Disease Course Impact of Physician’s Clinical Suspicions on Lab Tests Ordered Current Lab Tests to Diagnose Precipio’s Solution to Reducing Misdiagnosis with IV-Cell Learn more about Precipio on their website. You can also follow them on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. Check out Picture Genetics, a clinical grade DNA testing service where physicians and genetic counselors are involved. These tests are designed for every stage of life, from family planning and newborn health, to personal wellness and disease risk. The test sequences entire genes that are medically actionable. It’s easy to order and understand with good looking reports, live chats, emails and even genetic counseling. To order your Picture Genetics go to PictureGenetics.com use code “DNATODAY” for 25% off and free-shipping! Stay tuned for the next episode of DNA Today on April 6th, 2020 which kicks off the fertility series! New episodes are released on the first Friday of the month with some bonus episodes thrown in there. In the meantime, you can listen to over 100 other episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or streaming on the website. See what else I am up to on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and iTunes. Questions/inquiries can be sent to info@DNApodcast.com.

This episode continues the crossover series with other podcasts. Joining the show is Dr. Janina Jeff, who is a Human Geneticist and the first African American to graduate with a PhD in Human Genetics from Vanderbilt University. She is currently a Senior Scientist at Illumina, a biotech company that creates technology for companies such as Ancestry.com and 23&Me. Her research career was focused on population genetics, specifically studying admixed populations (descendants with African ancestry) and discovering population specific genetic risk factors of common disease. Her podcast, “In Those Genes”, is a hip-hop inspired show that uses genetics to uncover the lost identities of African Americans. On This Episode We Discuss: Inspiration to pursue genetics career Diversity advancing research Unique aspects of African genomes Disparity of health and medicine in Non-European populations Ancestry’s Horrendeous Advertisement Romantizing Slavery Dr. Jeff’s 46 Chromosomes and a Mule Article Real Cost of Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Testing Becoming the Primary Shareholders of our Genetic Information Dr. Jeff’s TEDtalk “In Those Genes” Podcast Dr. Janina Jeff won Spotify’s “Sounds Up Bootcamp” which helped to launch her new podcast, “In Those Genes” available on Spotify, Apple and all major podcasting apps. Or you can go straight to their website, Twitter, or Instagram (@inthosegenes). Stay tuned for the next new episode of DNA Today. New episodes are released on the first Friday of the month with some bonus episode thrown in there. See what else we are up to on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and iTunes. Questions/inquiries can be sent to info@DNApodcast.com.

By the end of 2020, roughly 100 million people will have taken an at-home DNA test, according to MIT Technology Review. To put that into perspective, that’s more than the combined populations of Texas, California and Florida! In this podcast episode we explore considerations of direct-to-consumer genetic testing. Guests joining the episodes are from DNA ALLY, the matchmaker between direct-to-consumer genetic test consumers and genetic counselors. Nargol Faravashi, is the Co-Founder of DNA ALLY with a background in genetics and business. She had over 20 years of experience in launching clinical products for genomic companies along with an extensive background in business and marketing. Christin Coffeen has been a licensed certified genetic counselor for almost 20 years. She has a background in cancer and prenatal genetic counseling in the clinical setting as well as extensive industry background in medical affairs. She is also a member of DNA ALLY’s board of advisors. On This Episode We Discuss: Comprehensiveness of direct to consumer (DTCs) genetic testing tests Types of information from genetic testing including BRCA1/2 testing Alzheimer’s disease Carrier status for conditions like Cystic Fibrosis Possibility of genetic testing becoming routine testing Healthcare provider’s ability to counsel patients on DTCs Read more on DNA ALLY’s Blog Post DNA ALLY’s solution to the overwhelming demand of counseling on DTCs Opportunities for genetic counselors Learn more about DNA ALLY on their website and receive 15% off with promo code “DNAToday” on your direct-to-consumer genetic testing session with a genetic counselor. Stay tuned for the next new episode of DNA Today on March 6th with Dr. Janina Jeff talking about her brand new genetics podcast, In Those Genes! New episodes are released on the first and third Friday of the month. In the meantime, you can listen to over 100 other episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or streaming on the website. Don’t forget to check back in April for the launch of the first ever series on the show about fertility! Its launch is timed to coincide with infertility awareness week, April 23–29. I’ll be speaking with voices in fertility to explore topics like personal journeys, IVF, conceiving via a donor, media portrayal, genetic counseling, and fertility testing. Sponsoring the series is LetsGetChecked, check out their home testing kits including fertility, sexual health and others. Receive your own kit for 20% off by using code “DNAToday”. See what else I am up to on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and iTunes. Questions/inquiries can be sent to info@DNApodcast.com.

Dr. Daria Julkowska joins the show for Rare Disease Month as the Coordinator of the European Joint Program on Rare Diseases. This organization was newly established in January 2019. Daria is of Polish origin but she has lived and worked in France for the last 18 years. She has a PhD in molecular biology and is involved in rare diseases research and management for the last ten years. The European Joint Program on Rare Diseases represents 89 partners across the EU and beyond. Internally, the partners include research funders, research institutions and infrastructures, hospitals and of course patient organizations. The program is financed by the EU and the states participating in the project. On This Episode We Discuss: Motivation to Start the Organization Goals for the Rare Disease Community Countries Represented Rare Disease Visual Platform Advancing Rare Disease Research Ongoing Research Projects Funding for Research Combating Exorbitant Costs of Treatments (Ex: Spinraza) Rare Disease Day/Month Involvement Happy Rare Disease Month! If you are in the US you can get involved by going to the National Organization for Rare Disorders’ website, rarediseases.org. You can find ways to get active on social media and in person events. Learn more about The European Joint Program on Rare Diseases by visiting their website. Want to hear more from the rare disease community? Check out all the 20 rare disease episodes of DNA Today here! Recent episodes include #102 Seth Rotberg on Huntington Disease, #98 Lydia Seiders on Aplastic Anemia, and #95 Kieger Family on Familial Adenomatous Polyposis. Stay tuned for the next new episode of DNA Today. New episodes are released on the first Friday of the month with some bonus episode thrown in there. See what else I am up to on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and iTunes. Questions/inquiries can be sent to info@DNApodcast.com.

Genetic Counselor Matt Burgess join the first episode of 2020 to talk about Australian genetic counseling and being a clinical science liaison. He built one of Australia’s most successful genetic counseling private practices in Melbourne. Matt provided versatile genetic counseling services using a broad scope of knowledge including hereditary cancer, neurogenetics, prenatal genetics, adult, pediatric and cardiac genetics. He earned a graduate degree in genetic counseling from the University of Newcastle and a Masters of Applied Positive Psychology at The University of Melbourne. He is currently a Clinical Science Liaison at Baylor Genetics. Matt also hosts another genetics podcast, “Demystifying Genetics”, which makes this is episode part of my crossover series with other genetic podcasts. On This Episode We Discuss: Australian Genetic Counseling Number of Genetic Counselors and Programs Main Areas of Practice Healthcare System Compared to the United States Private v. Public Health Facilities Insurance and Hospital Structures Certification Process Private Practices Requirements to See A Genetic Counselor Industry Speciality Role of a Clinical Science Liaison The Advantage of a Clinical Background How to Support Sales Education Stay tuned for the next new episode of DNA Today! New episodes are released on the first Friday of the month with some bonus episode thrown in there. In the meantime, you can listen to 113 other episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or streaming on the website. See what else I am up to on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and iTunes. Questions/inquiries can be sent to info@DNApodcast.com.

This episode is part of the crossover series with other podcasts, today’s episode is a crossover with “Advancing Dentistry” also hosted by Kira Dineen. Lauren Winter joins host Kira Dineen on this episode exploring the genetics of dentistry. They are both genetic counseling graduate students, Lauren attends the University of Pittsburgh and Kira attends Sarah Lawrence College. Lauren is a Research Assistant involved in the COHRA2/COHRA Smile Projects at the Center for Craniofacial and Dental Genetics. Lauren and Kira discuss this project and dental genetics in general. On This Episode We Discuss…. Role of Genetics in Oral Health Potential Uses of Genetic Testing in Dentistry Factors Contributing to Oral Health Disparities in Appalachia Data Collecting and Analysis of Human Genetics, Oral Microbiome, Oral pH etc. Participant Requirements and Advantages to a Longitudinal Approach Relationships Between Genetic Factors, Dental Caries/Cavities and BMI Potential Ways for Dentistry and Genetics to Merge Learn more about Lauren’s experience in her role as a graduate research assistant at the Center for Craniofacial and Dental Genetics in this blog post. Stay updated by following the CCDC on Facebook and Lauren on Twitter. Want to learn more about dentistry? Be sure to check out “Advancing Dentistry” podcast on Apple, Spotify, and AdDent.com. You can also follow on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. If you are a dentist or part of a dental team take a look through AdDent’s dental instruments and use code “ADPOD15” for 15% off in the store. Stay tuned for the next new episode of DNA Today released on the first Friday of the month with some bonus episode thrown in there. See what else we are up to on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and iTunes. Questions/inquiries can be sent to info@DNApodcast.com.

On this episode, we explore the pediatric speciality of genetic counseling. Guest Sam Toy is a pediatric genetic counselor at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. She earned her BS in Biology and MS in Professional Biology from Indiana University. She went on to earn her MS in genetic counseling from Indiana State University. On This Episode We Discuss: The role of a pediatric genetic counselor Outline of a genetic counseling session Unique aspects of pediatric genetic counseling Genetic testing whole genome/exome vs specific genes Genetic testing results’ give a diagnosis, change medical management, and insurance coverage Psychosocial aspects of counseling Transitioning from grad school to being a genetic counselor full time Application deadlines are approaching for genetic counseling grad schools, if you are working on your applications check out episode 87 which features tips from genetic counseling students on applications. Then episode 97 has advice on the other half of the application process (interviews, ranks, and match) once January/February rolls around. Next week is Thanksgiving in the US, and that means it’s National Family Health History Day, so if you have an opportunity with family this holiday ask them about health history, it’s the best genetic test we have! Variant classification and interpretation have become important skills for genetic counselors. But it takes so long! Even if it’s just a VUS you want to double check. To make it streamlined check out franklin.genoox.com/DNAToday. You can access so much information about a variant including relevant publications, automated ACMG classifications, annotations and phenotypes/disease. Best part? It’s free! All this data about one variant is compiled at your fingertips. No more sifting through PubMed! Join the future of variant interpretation. Stay tuned for the next new episode of DNA Today on December 6th, 2019. New episodes are released on the first Friday of the month with some bonus episode thrown in there. See what else I am up to on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and iTunes. Questions/inquiries can be sent to info@DNApodcast.com.

The National Society of Genetic Counselors celebrated 40 years at this year’s annual conference! In 2019, we surpassed having 5,000 genetic counselors in the US/Canada! We now have 45 genetic counseling graduate programs in the US and 40 more international. In this podcast episode we recap highlights from the sessions and tips for new attendees next year. Below are some of our talking points and resources we mentioned in the episode. Also check out #NSGC19 on Twitter to read more insight from the conference. Should All Women With Breast Cancer Be Offered Genetic Testing? Panel: Dr Mark Robson from MSK, Dr Peter Beitsch from the Dallas Surgical Group, Sue Friedman founder of FORCE. Moderators: Dr. Lisa Madlensky from UC San Diego and Dr. David Euhus from Johns Hopkins Main points of the talk included… Clinical utility Informed consent vs informed assent Research vs diagnostic Concordant vs discordant results Accessibility and information giving Provider education and utilization of genetic counseling skillset NCCN Guidelines Emerging Therapies for Adult-Onset Neurologic Diseases: Possibilities, Pitfalls And Patient Impact Dr. Sonia Vallabh Prion Alliance’s Website WIRED’s article, “One Couple’s Tireless Crusade to Stop a Genetic Killer” The Guardian’s article, “The Lawyer Who Became A Scientist To Find A Cure For Her Fatal Disease.” Enabling The Beautiful Uncertainty of Life: My Journey With PGT-M Lee Cooper, JD Lee’s article in STAT News, “Genetic Testing Plus IVF Can Sidestep Genetic Disease And Reduce The Need For High-Priced Therapies.” The Institute For Genetic Disease Prevention In Utero Stem Cell Transplantation: Historical Context, Present State And The Future Of Fetal Molecular Therapies Billie Rachael Lianoglou, MS, UCSF Center for Maternal-Fetal Precision Medicine TIME Magazine Feature, “Scientists Are Developing New Ways to Treat Disease With Cells, Not Drugs.” Clinical Trial for Alpha Thalassemia Major UCSF Center for Maternal-Fetal Precision Medicine’s Website Hot Topics In Teratology: Zika, Marijuana, and Maternal Therapies For Genetic Disease Victoria Wagner, MS, CGC, Myla Ashfaq, CGC, Jennifer Lemons, CGC all from McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health CDC’s Zika General Resources and Pregnancy Resources Mother To Baby (DNA Today Interview with MTB) Marijuana in Pregnancy Fact Sheet Conference Tips Exhibit hall for networking, free genetics apparel, job board, professional and fun photos. Wear layers because lecture halls are freezing. Lunch sessions are free and sponsored by labs. Prioritize select sessions, there is too much to do everything. Attend a Special Interest Group (SIG), you don’t have to be a member. Follow and join conversations on Twitter (#NSGC19 and #gcchat) Students, job hunt utilizing the job board (in the middle of the exhibit hall) and hand out your resume. If there is a meet up with a specific company/hospital you are interested in working with/at, then go check it out! The Panel Michael Peneycad is a second year graduate student at the Joan H. Marks Program in Human Genetics at Sarah Lawrence College, originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan. He earned his B.S. in Cell & Molecular Biology from the University of Michigan and spent time as adjunct faculty at Grand Valley State University before relocating to New York City in 2014. Michael has been involved in many industries including entertainment, events, automotive, and health care in his time before entering graduate school, working with companies such as Spectrum Health Medical Group, Mazda, Jaguar/Land Rover, Chanel, Google, and Target. Michael has also spent years performing in musicals, commercials, and voice-overs during the time between his academic studies. His professional interests include cancer genetics, patient and provider education, and public health initiatives. You can follow Michael on Twitter and Instagram. Go Blue! Ashlyn Enokian is a second year genetic counseling student from Brighton, Michigan. She earned her BS in Biology and a minor in Criminal Justice from Grand Valley State University in 2017. Her journey into the field of genetic counseling began with advocacy work through Crisis Text Line and Help Pregnancy Crisis Aid. She worked as a genetic counseling assistant in cancer genetics at Saint Joseph Mercy Hospital, pediatric genetics at the University of Michigan, and laboratory genetics at Progenity, Inc. Ashlyn was previously a genetic graphic design intern at My Gene Counsel. Her professional interests include fertility, neurogenetics, and strategies to increase diversity in the field. She acts as a student representative of Sarah Lawrence College’s Class of 2020. You can follow Ashlyn on Twitter.. Kira Dineen hosts DNA Today: A Genetics Podcast (and radio show), which was founded in 2012 and features over 100 episodes interviewing genetic counselors, patient advocates and other genetic experts. The show was nominated in the 2015, 2016 and 2019 Podcast Awards. She also hosts other healthcare podcasts including Working For Health, Advancing Dentistry, and Insight Says: A Mental Health Podcast. Kira is a member of National Society of Genetic Counselors’ Digital Ambassador Program (aka #NSGCGenePool). She received her in Bachelor's of Science degree in Diagnostic Genetics with a Cytogenetics concentration at the University of Connecticut, and has a certification as a Cytogenetic Technologist. Along with Ashlyn, she is a student representation in Sarah Lawrence College’s Genetic Counseling Class of 2020. Want to learn more about Sarah Lawrence College’s Genetic Counseling Program? Come to our open house this Friday (November 15th) from 6-8pmET. Stay tuned for the next new episode of DNA Today. New episodes are released on the first Friday of the month with some bonus episode thrown in there. See what else I am up to on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and iTunes. Questions/inquiries can be sent to info@DNApodcast.com.

It’s been 22 years since THE genetic thriller was released…. Gattaca. How has the film aged with genetic technology, society, ethics, and more? Find out in this episode! If it’s been a while since you’ve seen the film, refresh yourself with the plot summary below. Vincent Freeman (Ethan Hawke) has always fantasized about traveling into outer space, but is grounded by his status as a genetically inferior "in-valid." He decides to fight his fate by purchasing the genes of Jerome Morrow (Jude Law), a laboratory-engineered "valid." He assumes Jerome's DNA identity and joins the Gattaca space program, where he falls in love with Irene (Uma Thurman). An investigation into the death of a Gattaca officer (Gore Vidal) complicates Vincent's plans. On This Episode We Discuss Ethical Questions Like... How has our understanding and appreciation of the film changed throughout our careers? Do you think the way Vincent exfoliates and environment would stand up to our current technology? How accurate did the film predict fertility technologies like PDG? What is the true goal of genetic perfection? What is the cost? What types of polygenic risk scores are being offered today? How well can laws really prevent genetic discrimination? How much can you protect your own genetic information? How accurate is the film in regard to the society effects of the “haves” and “have nots”? What was the alternative ending of Gattaca? What does it warn society? Do you have more thoughts about Gattaca? We want to hear from you, tweet @DNApodcast to share your insight! Too long for a tweet? Email in at info@DNApodcast.com. Stay tuned for the next new episode of DNA Today in early November where I will be b joined by a few guests to discuss the National Society of Genetic Counselors Annual Conference. New episodes are typically released on the first Friday of the month. Often I’ll have a second episode later in the month. See what else I am up to on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn. Questions/inquiries can be sent to info@DNApodcast.com.