Couverture de DNA Dialogues: Conversations in Genetic Counseling Research

DNA Dialogues: Conversations in Genetic Counseling Research

DNA Dialogues: Conversations in Genetic Counseling Research

De : Journal of Genetic Counseling (Jehannine Austin Naomi Wagner Khalida Liaquat Kate Wilson and DNA Today’s Kira Dineen)
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In DNA Dialogues we dive into the intricate world of genetic counseling research. Join us as we peel back the layers of groundbreaking articles from the Journal of Genetic Counseling, bringing you exclusive discussions with the authors themselves. Each episode sparks a vibrant exchange, exploring the latest discoveries, ethical dilemmas, and technological advances that are shaping the future of medical genetics. From navigating complex testing decisions to building trust with diverse communities, listen in as we unpack the science, challenge assumptions, and celebrate the human connection at the heart of genetic counseling research. So, grab your headphones, unravel the double helix, and prepare to be captivated by the array of voices in DNA Dialogues, a podcast where the blueprint of life meets intimate human conversation.Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved Science
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  • #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
    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....
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    1 h
  • 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

    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.
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    37 min
  • #28-Predictive testing in ALS: How do patients make decisions?

    #28-Predictive testing in ALS: How do patients make decisions?
    May 28 2026

    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.
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    20 min
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