On this episode of The Road to Genome, Helen chats to our Genomic Lead Nurse, Kay Cawthron, about her journey into genomics and her current work with the North East & Yorkshire Genomic Medicine Service. From a young age, Kay was inspired by nursing, and providing care to those who need it most. Join us to hear how Kay rose to her current position as Genomic Lead Nurse, and the challenges and highlights she experienced along the way.

Celebrating 'International Day of the Midwife' on Sunday 5th May, our first episode of The Road to Genome season 2 features an interview with Lead Midwife for the North East & Yorkshire Genomic Medicine Service, Denise Barnes. Denise talks to us about the role of the midwife, and how genomics influences the care and treatment options of pregnant people, along with the challenges and joys of midwifery care.

In the last episode of our first series, your host Helen Bethell is in conversation with…… herself! For one episode only, Helen turns the tables and hands the mic to Jack Darling, to interview the interviewer! As a Genetic Counsellor, Helen is quizzed from the patient perspective, shares the twists and turns of her own fascinating career in education and genomics and tells us why genetic counsellors play such a pivotal role in the patient journey!

This week, Helen completes her interview with Professor Sir John Burn, focusing on his ground-breaking research and discoveries in the specialist field of Lynch Syndrome - one of the more common causes of inherited cancer, including bowel cancer and endometrial cancer. He also talks about the trials he has led over many years demonstrating the importance of aspirin in treating and reducing the risk of cancer.

This week, your host Helen Bethell is in conversation with Professor Sir John Burn, who perhaps needs little introduction. Sir John is a colossus in the field of genomic medicine and research, and he reflects on his incredible medical and academic career to date. Tracking his fascinating journey from growing up in a pit village in County Durham through to being an entrepreneurial trailblazer in his field.

This week, Helen is in conversation with Consultant Clinical Geneticist, Dr Jackie Cook, who, during her 30 years or so in genomics, has seen it all, from small beginnings when genetic testing was very limited, through to the mapping of the first human genome and all the innovative advances in genomic medicine that followed, and the impact these have on the patient journey.

This week host Helen Bethell is in conversation with patient, Jack Darling who works in the communications team with the NEY GMS. But he's also a patient with a rare genetic heart condition. In this episode, Jack openly shares his own emotional journey - from undergoing genetic testing as a teenager, through to receiving his diagnosis and treatment options, and the impact all of this has had on him, his family and the decisions he'll make for the future. 

A quick look at what to expect from Season 1 of The Road to Genome, launching 11th March at 6am. Subscribe to hear it first!