DNA Dialogues: Conversations in Genetic Counseling Research cover art

DNA Dialogues: Conversations in Genetic Counseling Research

DNA Dialogues: Conversations in Genetic Counseling Research

By: 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 Biological Sciences Science
Episodes
  • #24-Clinical genetic services: Provider retention & telegenetics

    #24-Clinical genetic services: Provider retention & telegenetics
    Jan 29 2026
    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 ...
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    38 mins
  • #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

    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.
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    50 mins
  • #22-Genetic Counselor Appreciation: Professional Identity & Well Being

    #22-Genetic Counselor Appreciation: Professional Identity & Well Being
    Nov 27 2025

    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.
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    53 mins
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