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This is a podcast series called Demystifying Genetics where I, Dr Matt Burgess, Genetic Counsellor interview other genetic counsellors, people working in genetics or people affected by genetic conditions. We chat about human clinical genetics, genetic counselling, ethics, pyschosocial issues and more. To contact me, please reach out at matt at insightgenomica dot au.
56 Episodes
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Host Matt speaks with Dr. Patrick Short, scientist and CEO of Sano Genetics, about building a patient-centered genomics company, the challenges of designing and recruiting for clinical trials, and the evolving role of diagnostics in precision medicine.
They discuss Short’s research into non-coding DNA, the practical and ethical questions around predictive and newborn screening, gene therapy prospects, and lessons from his personal family experiences that shape the company’s patient-first approach.
Dr. Aideen McInerney-Leo explores hereditary melanoma (CDKN2A), diagnostic disclosure in Turner syndrome, mainstreaming genomics, gene therapy, and the expanding role of genetic counsellors in research and patient care.
Through clinical stories, family perspectives and practical takeaways on testing and screening, this episode highlights how research and clear communication improve outcomes — with a personal note on the therapeutic craft of bead-making.
Host Matt chats with American genetic counsellor Dr Lisa Schwartz about the evolving professional identity of genetic counsellors, the role of networking and qualitative research (including authors' positionality), and how clinical training translates into lab, policy and education roles.
They also swap stories about travel, outdoor winery concerts, Stevie Nicks, their dogs, and advances in genetics such as Duchenne research, while discussing how training and definitions may need to change as the profession grows.
In this episode Matt Burgess interviews Darryl Beitsch about his lifelong experience with Charcot‑Marie‑Tooth (CMT) and the late discovery that his neuropathy is caused by mutations in the SORD gene.
They discuss diagnosis, nerve testing, genetic testing advances, family implications, volunteering with CMT Australia, and the importance of research, community support, and practical management.
Genetic counsellor Matt talks with Devin Shuman, a fellow genetic counsellor and rare-disease patient, about her family’s diagnosis of mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome, the long diagnostic odyssey from muscle biopsy to a candidate gene discovery, and the realities of genetic testing. Devin discusses the process of a disease causing variant in GUK1 being identified.
They also explore how mito affects day-to-day life, the promise and limits of experimental treatments and compassionate access, the strength of the rare-disease community, and the small joys—service dogs, activism, and creative outlets—that sustain people living with rare conditions.
Welcome to another enlightening episode of Demystifying Genetics, hosted by Matt Burgess. In this episode, we dive deep into the world of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) with Dr. Peter Critchley, who himself is affected by this genetic condition. The conversation uncovers the nuances of CMT, focusing on CMT1A - the specific gene in Peter's family.
Peter shares insights into how this hereditary peripheral neuropathy affects various aspects of life, from physical challenges to societal misconceptions. The episode sheds light on his personal experiences, from childhood nerve conduction tests to day-to-day living with the condition.
Listeners will also learn about the impactful work being done with CMT Aussie Kids, a program that connects children with CMT across Australia, providing support and fostering friendships. This episode offers a profound understanding of how individuals and families navigate life with CMT and underscores the importance of awareness and support for people living with rare genetic diseases.
Join host Matt as he engages in a captivating conversation with his guest, American genetic counselor Erica Ramos. In this episode of Demystifying Genetics, Erica shares insights into her favorite gene, the HFE gene, associated with hereditary hemochromatosis. Their discussion delves into the evolution of understanding this condition and the importance of prevention and proactive health measures.
The episode also explores the diverse roles of genetic counselors beyond clinical settings and Erica’s journey, encompassing her experiences in direct-to-consumer testing and the startup world. Tune in for Erica’s unique perspectives on genetic medicine, the future of preventive healthcare, and her entrepreneurial venture, Alcance Genomics.
With engaging anecdotes and expert insights, this episode serves as an enlightening guide through the world of genetics, highlighting the profound impact of genetic counseling in both traditional and innovative spaces.
In the season finale of Demystifying Genetics, host Matt is joined by fellow genetic counselor and podcaster, Kate Wilson, the voice behind All Access DNA. They delve into the evolving landscape of genetic counseling, exploring Kate's personal journey from rural beginnings to becoming a passionate advocate for equitable access to clinical genetics. This episode highlights the disparities within healthcare systems, the importance of accessible genetic information, and how Kate is breaking norms with her dual role as a counselor and a science communicator. Tune in for a compelling discussion on the responsibilities and opportunities for genetic counselors beyond traditional clinical roles. Enjoy this insightful conversation as Matt concludes the season and hints at exciting changes for the show's future format.
Here is a link to the article (Tschirgi et al., 2023) that we discuss in this episode.
This is Kate's podcast: https://allaccessdna.podbean.com/
Thank you to my sponsor TrakGene.
In this episode of "Demystifying Genetics," host Matt Burgess speaks with English research genetic counsellor Joshua Nolan. They explore topics such as the underrepresentation of males in genetic counselling, the intricacies of direct-to-consumer genetic testing, and the symbiosis between clinical and research work in genetics. Joshua shares his insights into the professional challenges and personal experiences that shape his approach to genetic counseling. They also discuss the importance of emotional intelligence in the field and how genetic counselors play a crucial role in bridging the gap between genetic testing and the broader healthcare system. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that highlights the evolving landscape of genetic counselling.
This episode of the "Demystifying Genetics" podcast features an insightful conversation with Ahmed-Sherrif Kanvela Yussif, one of the first genetic counsellors in Ghana. Host Matt Burgess delves into Ahmed's pioneering journey, exploring the role of genetic counseling in Ghana's healthcare system and its impact on public health, particularly regarding sickle cell disease. Ahmed shares his inspiring transition from teaching to genetic counseling and discusses the cultural and religious dynamics influencing healthcare decisions in West Africa. Despite connectivity challenges, this episode offers a rich perspective on the evolving landscape of genetics in developing countries.
Join host Matt, a seasoned genetic counselor, as he delves into the evolving world of clinical genetics in the latest episode of Demystifying Genetics. With guest Jaime Jessen-Brown, a genetic counselor based in Toronto, Canada, this podcast episode explores their shared journey from studying in Newcastle, Australia, to Jaime's diverse career path.
Jaime shares insights from her experience transitioning from a prenatal clinic to a Medical Science Liaison role, discussing the challenges and advancements in somatic genetic testing and the integration of genetics into oncology. They reflect on the growing understanding of hereditary cancer syndromes and the ever-expanding role of genetic counselors in precision medicine.
In a candid discussion, Matt and Jaime talk about the importance of active listening, the impact of informed patient education, and the ongoing struggle with burnout in the field. Jaime also highlights the significance of mentorship and advocacy in the evolving landscape of genetics and the implications of advancements in technology on the profession.
Tune in for an enlightening conversation that unravels the intricacies of genetic counseling, offering a deeper understanding of the vital role genetic counselors play in modern medicine.
Join Matt Burgess in this episode of Demystifying Genetics as he sits down with Dr. Kylie Morgan, a genetic counsellor from Melbourne, to explore the emerging field of polygenic risk scores. Discover how this new form of genetic testing is shaping clinical practices in both Australia and the United States.
Learn about the personal experiences of genetic counsellors, Matt and Kylie, as they discuss the intricacies of genetic testing and the evolving landscape of genetic counseling. They share anecdotes about their own dogs' quarantine experiences, drawing parallels to their professional lives.
The conversation delves into the challenges faced by genetic counsellors in Australia, including the lack of national guidelines and the importance of personalized patient care. Matt and Kylie also touch on their role in shaping equitable healthcare and the advancements in genetic testing technologies.
Lauren Giannetti-Sferrazza, a genetic counselor from New Jersey, shares her journey transitioning from clinical practice to industry and discusses the evolution of genetic counseling roles. Throughout the conversation, she offers insights into balancing professional responsibilities and personal experience as a pregnant genetic counselor preparing for childbirth.
• Clinical burnout as a catalyst for moving to industry positions
• Shifting perceptions of industry roles from "the dark side" to valuable career paths
• Potential for broader patient impact through industry versus direct clinical care
• Balance between job security in public health versus higher compensation in industry
• Implementing gender-inclusive care in genetic testing companies
• Evolution of non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) and the rise of "gender reveal" culture
• Point-of-care genetic testing models in cancer care
• Need for genetic counselors to support clinician-ordered testing
• Balancing ideal practices with practical realities in genetic healthcare delivery
Support the show
Demystifying Genetics is sponsored by TrakGene
https://www.trakgene.com/
Professor Marion McAllister shares the fascinating journey of developing the Genetic Counselling Outcome Scale, a groundbreaking tool that measures patient empowerment rather than just anxiety reduction. We explore how this simple questionnaire transformed genetic counselling assessment worldwide and evolved to meet changing healthcare needs.
• Creating the first standardised measure for genetic counselling outcomes based on patient-reported benefits
• Translating the scale across cultures and navigating challenging concepts like the English word "condition"
• Developing the shorter Genomics Outcome Scale for economic evaluations and mainstreamed genetic testing
• Evolution of genetic counselling education from traditional face-to-face to blended e-learning formats
• Exploring how AI could complement genetic counselling by handling routine tasks
• Balancing qualitative and quantitative research methods when developing healthcare assessment tools
• Reflecting on research into gender differences in genetic testing for hereditary cancer syndromes
Join me for future episodes of Demystifying Genetics as we continue exploring the human side of genetics and genomics.
Support the show
Demystifying Genetics is sponsored by TrakGene
https://www.trakgene.com/
Scott Weissman shares his journey of building a telehealth genetic counseling private practice, discussing the challenges of insurance contracts, licensing across states, and adapting to technological changes in cancer genetics.
• Opened private practice in 2016 as a side business, now seeing 15-20 patients weekly
• Despite having licenses in 25-26 states, establishing insurance contracts remains a major obstacle
• Pivoted to 100% telehealth during the pandemic, offering after-hours and weekend appointments
• Medicare recognition would be a game-changer for private practice genetic counselors in the US
• Excited about emerging technologies like long-range sequencing that could "fill in the gaps" for what we've been missing
• Works with the Norton and Elaine Sarnoff Center for Jewish Genetics providing education and carrier screening
• Carrier screening has evolved from testing for 6 conditions to 267 conditions over two decades
• Once gave Dr. Henry Lynch (namesake of Lynch syndrome) a "very small manicure" by cutting off his hangnail
Support the show
Demystifying Genetics is sponsored by TrakGene
https://www.trakgene.com/
Matt sits down with Angela Arnold-Ross, an Australian genetic counsellor living in New Jersey, for a candid and heartfelt conversation about professional resilience and personal growth in the field of genetic counselling.
• Sharing the experience of being laid off after 15 years and the emotional impact of unexpected job loss
• The stages of grief following a career disruption and how writing became therapeutic
• Using networking to rebuild a career path through connections with other genetic counsellors
• Navigating the complex landscape of genetic counsellor licensure across different states in America
• How the Cures Act has changed counselling approaches when patients receive results immediately
• Personal health experiences transforming professional counselling styles and enhancing patient empathy
• The importance of advocating for patients and teaching them to navigate complex healthcare systems
• Why accurate medical terminology matters for effective patient communication and appropriate care
Support the show
Demystifying Genetics is sponsored by TrakGene
https://www.trakgene.com/
Dr. Laura Yeates shares her journey as a cardiac genetic counsellor specialising in inherited heart diseases and supporting families affected by sudden cardiac death. We explore her recent PhD research on developing support interventions for these families and discuss the importance of wellbeing for genetic counselling professionals.
• Cardiac genetic counselling focuses on inherited cardiomyopathies and arrhythmias
• Dr. Yeates completed her PhD during COVID, developing support interventions for families affected by sudden cardiac death
• Genetic counsellors need a personalised "self-care toolkit" that evolves throughout their career
• The importance of multidisciplinary team meetings where genetic counsellors provide valuable expertise
• "Mainstreaming" works best when genetic counsellors are embedded within specialty departments
• Being called "stat" to map a complex family tree validated the unique skills genetic counsellors bring to healthcare teams
• Certification is challenging but valuable, making genetic counsellors more reflective practitioners
• The profession requires continuous learning as "the technology we'll be using in 10 years hasn't been invented yet"
Support the show
Demystifying Genetics is sponsored by TrakGene
https://www.trakgene.com/
Sarah Powell, CEO of Inherited Cancers Australia, shares her journey from triple-negative breast cancer diagnosis at age 29 to discovering her BRCA1 mutation and becoming a powerful advocate for others facing inherited cancer risk.
• Diagnosed with breast cancer at 29 with no family history, Sarah later discovered she carries a BRCA1 mutation connected to her Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry
• After treatment, Sarah became involved with Pink Hope (now Inherited Cancers Australia) to find peer support from others who understood the unique challenges of genetic risk
• The "Angelina Jolie effect" dramatically increased awareness about BRCA mutations and genetic testing, helping many families understand their options
• Inherited Cancers Australia recently rebranded from Pink Hope to better include men in the conversation about genetic risk and reflect the wider range of cancers involved
• The recent recommendation to offer genetic testing to all women with breast cancer will identify many more families at risk, but raises concerns about healthcare system capacity
• Long waitlists for preventative surgeries remain a major challenge, with some women developing cancer while waiting for risk-reducing procedures
If you're concerned about your family history of cancer, visit InheritedCancers.org.au for support, information, and connection to others facing similar challenges.
This is a special episode for the 3rd Podcasthon.
Support the show
Demystifying Genetics is sponsored by TrakGene
https://www.trakgene.com/
Dr. Matt Burgess interviews genetic counsellor and researcher Dr. Sibel Saya about integrating genetic testing into primary healthcare settings, focusing on polygenic risk scores as a tool for personalizing cancer screening.
• Genetic counselling principles applied in primary care settings rather than just specialist clinics
• Polygenic risk scores differ from traditional genetic tests by analyzing hundreds of common variants with small individual effects
• Australia and New Zealand have the highest bowel cancer rates globally, making early detection tools particularly important
• Tools like CRISP help assess individual bowel cancer risk using lifestyle factors combined with genetic information
• Cultural differences must be considered when implementing genetic testing in diverse communities
• GPs see genetic risk assessment as within their scope despite time constraints
• Risk information alone doesn't change behaviour – it's the opportunity to discuss screening that matters
• Implementation research happening alongside efficacy trials to speed translation into practice
• Stratified screening approaches could be widely available within 5-10 years
If you'd like to learn more about polygenic risk scores or risk-stratified cancer screening, visit our website or subscribe to Demystifying Genetics for future episodes on these topics.
Support the show
Demystifying Genetics is sponsored by TrakGene
https://www.trakgene.com/
This episode dives into polygenic risk testing, exploring how genetic data can inform healthcare strategies. We discuss the complexities of communicating risk, the role of polygenic scores in identifying disease susceptibility, and the evolving landscape of personalized medicine.
• Introduction to polygenic risk testing and its significance
• Insights from Dr. Erica Spaeth on cancer biology and GeneType
• Engaging analogies to explain complex genetic concepts
• The challenges clinicians face when interpreting genetic data
• The accuracy and reliability of polygenic risk tests
• Discussion of economic impacts and public health implications
• Exploration of how polygenic risk informs prevention strategies
• The evolution of personalized medicine in genetics
• Future prospects for polygenic risk testing in clinical settings
Support the show
Demystifying Genetics is sponsored by TrakGene
https://www.trakgene.com/
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hi.how are you .I'm medical genetic student and I have 23 years old.its had so good .so helpful for me .special when I in the taxi or bus or etc I listening it.i have to say god bless you and continue to your activity. I hope you shine like star. I'm from iran .thanks email: profesor20288202@gmail.com phone:+989130874734