On DNA Today we are often exploring how genomic data is altering healthcare. We will continue to do so in this episode with the CEO of Igentify, Dr. Doron Behar. He holds MD and PhD degrees from the Technion - Israel Institute of Technology. We are going to dive into the genetic counseling bottleneck and how companies like Igentify, are working to alleviate it.    Dr. Doron M. Behar, CEO, Igentify holds an MD and PhD degrees from the Technion - Israel Institute of Technology. At his capacity...

In this episode we are learning about tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) and are joined by guest Dr. Ian Miller.    Dr. Ian Miller is a pediatric epileptologist who specializes in pediatric epilepsy, including genetic epilepsy. He is an advocate for genetic testing in every individual with epilepsy, even if they already have a "syndrome".   He serves as Vice President in Clinical Development at Marinus Pharmaceuticals. Dr. Miller has 14 years of experience at Nicklaus Children's Hospital in...

We are sharing the twenty-fifth installment of the PhenoTips Speaker Series, which was hosted by our own, Kira Dineen. She interviewed a panel of international industry leaders in clinical genomics, Dr. Eric Green, Dr. Julian Barwell, and Dr. Fiona Brinkman, discuss the benefits, roadblocks, and practical implications of applying population genomics in clinical practice.   Applying population genomics in clinical practice has the potential to revolutionize healthcare by enhancing disease...

We want to acknowledge the war in the Middle East and its impact on this conference from a canceled session to protests close to the conference center. Regardless of how we view the war, it’s important we listen and support one another.    You might be wondering why this episode was not released Friday morning like all of our episodes for the last few years… Well, we were busy at The National Society of Genetic Counselors Conference in Chicago which just wrapped. In order to be able to fully...

Prepare to uncover the mystifying realm of genetics as we bring you a thought-provoking conversation with Meena Mahey Kumar and Laura Fuqua from Blueprint Genetics. Together, we'll explore the pivotal role that human touch plays in interpreting genetic data, emphasizing the irreplaceable importance of meticulous analysis and individualized patient care. You'll learn how their unwavering dedication to transparency in classifying variants is a game-changer in patient outcomes.   You'll be...

If you are a long time listener of DNA Today you know how fascinating and frightening we find CRISPR, you must be too if you clicked on this episode. So I wanted to share with you a new podcast I have started listening to called A CRISPR Bite. This is the first episode to get you hooked.    CRISPR gene-editing technology came out as a massive biotech breakthrough in the last decade, but most people have still never heard of it. A CRISPR Bite is a five-part podcast series where food...

This is the second half of our conversation about an important topic in genetic counseling that is not talked about enough, burnout and transitioning to roles outside of the field. Joining us for this conversation are genetic counselors, Tiana Rogers and Nira Johnson. Before you listen to this episode please listen to the first part of the discussion on Episode #255. Tiana Rogers is an aspiring digital designer and board-certified genetic counselor with direct patient care experience in...

Over the next two episodes, we are discussing an important topic in genetic counseling that definitely is not talked about enough, burnout and transitioning to roles outside of the field. Joining us for this conversation are genetic counselors, Tiana Rogers and Nira Johnson. Tiana Rogers is an aspiring digital designer and board-certified genetic counselor with direct patient care experience in prenatal and cancer genetics. She is currently a Content Consultant at My Gene Counsel where she...

This episode was originally released on It Happened To Me: A Rare Disease podcast, where our host Kira Dineen is the Executive Producer. Sometimes Kira joins the podcast as a guest host especially for genetic topics, like in this episode.  It Happened To Me is a rare disease and medical challenges podcast. The mission of the show is to create community as listeners confront the toughest challenges in life. All of us will experience health hardships. The real question is, how do we adapt?...

In this episode we are discussing inborn errors of immunity, with a particular focus on chronic granulomatous disease (CGD). Joining us for this episode is rare disease advocate, Felicia Morton, and genetic counselor, Torry Howell.    Felicia Morton, is the Founder and Executive Director of the CGD Association of America. Felicia has been a well-known advocate for the CGD community for more than a decade armed with her family’s personal experience.    Torry Howell, is a clinical genomic...

This episode was originally recorded for It Happened To Me: A Rare Disease podcast, where our host Kira Dineen is the Executive Producer. Sometimes Kira joins this podcast as a guest host especially when there will be genetic topics, like in this episode.    This episode was extra special as DNA Today’s Communications Lead Corinne Merlino was the guest! Corinne was also a guest on Episodes 245 and 246 where we answered listener’s questions about the genetic counseling graduate school...

Currently, an overwhelming number of DNA samples used for research are from people of European ancestry, making many populations from across the globe underrepresented in genomics research. (NHGRI) In this episode, we explore an important issue in healthcare, diversifying genetic research, with two experts from 23andMe   Dr. Ruth Tennen is a product scientist at 23andMe. In this role Dr. Tennen develops new genetic health reports with the goal of helping 23andMe customers access, understand,...

We are celebrating the 250th episode of DNA Today and the 10 year anniversary of Orphan Black premiere with Madeline Ashby who was a writer for Orphan Black: The Next Chapter. In our conversation we will dive into some of the genetic concepts explored in the show. Warning there will be spoilers for both the TV show and the podcast!!!   Madeline Ashby (she/her) is an author among many other creative roles and talents. She graduated from the first cohort of the M.Des. in Strategic Foresight and...

In this episode we are joined by two genetic counselors to explore the experience of being a male in our field.    John Zimmerman, MS, CGC, is a certified genetic counselor at UT Southwestern Medical Center. John completed his genetic counseling training at the University of Minnesota in 2017 and has since worked as a clinical genetic counselor with the UT Southwestern Cancer Genetics Program. Recently, he has taken on the additional role of Director of Fieldwork for the UT Southwestern...

In this episode we are learning about Ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) deficiency, an X-linked genetic disorder that prevents the breakdown and excretion of ammonia.  When ammonia builds up in the body, it can rise to toxic levels where it affects the central nervous system. This allows ammonia to accumulate in the bloodstream, rising to toxic levels where it affects the central nervous system. OTC is the most common of the urea cycle disorders. We are joined by three OTC experts with...

This week we are exploring Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), a genetic disorder characterized by progressive muscle degeneration and weakness due to the alterations of a protein called dystrophin that helps keep muscle cells intact. Joining us for this conversation is Dr. John Day, the director of the Neuromuscular Medicine Division at Stanford University and Carly Siskind, a board certified genetic counselor currently working with Dr. Day at Stanford. Shoutout to Sarepta for sponsoring this...

PART TWO, stream episode #245 before this episode!    Some of our most popular episodes over the years of DNA Today are those that provide insight into the genetic counseling graduate program application process. So much has changed since we recorded those episodes back in 2018-2022 (many programs have removed the GRE requirement, interviews are virtual, etc.) these episodes include #87 #97 #101 #193 and #194.    That’s why we are revisiting these topics. We are joined by two newly matched...

Some of our most popular episodes over the years of DNA Today are those that provide insight into the genetic counseling graduate program application process. So much has changed since we recorded those episodes back in 2018-2022 (many programs have removed the GRE requirement, interviews are virtual, etc.) these episodes include #87 #97 #101 #193 and #194.    That’s why we are revisiting these topics. We are joined by two newly matched genetic counseling students who are starting their...

Step into our time machine as we transport you back to the early heydays of genetic counseling (aka the 70s) with our esteemed guest, Virginia Corson. Virginia is a veteran genetic counselor who has weathered the changing tides of this field over the last 50 years, and she's here to share her incredible journey with us. Virginia has spent the vast majority of her career as a prenatal genetic counselor at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. She has written countless publications with original...

We are closing out Pride Month with a recent installment of the PhenoTips Speaker Series. DNA Today’s host Kira Dineen is also one of the hosts of the PhenoTips Speaker Series. This live webinar focuses on relevant genetics topics by featuring discussions with thought leaders and experts in genomic medicine. This episode is the 24th installment of the PhenoTips’ Speaker Series, “Navigating Barriers in LGBTQIA+ Genetic Care”.    A 2018 Harvard study found that nearly 1/6th of LGBTQIA+ adults...

In 2020, a direct-to-consumer DNA test revealed that our guest Richard Wenzel's father was not his genetic father. Moreover, evidence indicates that his conception resulted from a sexual assault of his mother and that his pediatrician (who was also his mother's obstetrician) helped conceal this crime; unfortunately, all involved individuals are deceased. Since that troubling discovery, Richard has dedicated his efforts towards increasing education and awareness among medical professionals...

With Father’s Day coming up this Sunday, it’s only fitting that this week’s guest is famous for coining the phrase, “You are (or are not) the father!” We sat down with the one and only Maury Povich live in NBC’s Stamford Studios (where Maury has his own show on the network) for a discussion about paternity testing!   Maury is a household name and an icon in the world of talk shows. For over 30 years, he has been bringing the truth to light and resolving some of the most challenging and...

Joining us for this episode is Sneha Dave, Founder and Executive Director of Generation Patient, an organization that facilitates events, online programs, and advocacy initiatives for young adults living with chronic and rare conditions to ensure that they have the opportunities and resources to thrive.   Sneha Dave (she/her) graduated from Indiana University in May 2020 where she majored in chronic illness advocacy as well as journalism. She created the Generation Patient and its program the...

We are joined again by Janice Berliner joining us again on DNA Today. She was a guest on Episode 152 where we talked about her debut novel, Brooke’s Promise. In this episode we are chatting about her second novel, In Good Conscience, which features genetic counseling!   Aside from being a novelist, Janice Berliner is a board certified genetic counselor with more than 32 years of experience. In her roles as both a clinician and as the Director of the Master of Science in Genetic Counseling...

We want to take a moment to express our appreciation to all our incredible listeners. We have been enjoying getting to know some of you through our Patreon. As a patron you can gain benefits that take your DNA Today experience to the next level including our exclusive monthly club, behind the scenes podcast views, input on future episodes including interview questions, one on one mentorship with me, physical merch, and more!    Speaking of our patrons, we want to give a special shoutout to...