From Values to Gene Therapy: Charting the Future of Genetic Counselling – A Conversation with Sara Pirzadeh-Miller
In the latest episode of Demystifying Genetics, host Matt Burgess sits down with Sara Pirzadeh-Miller – genetic counsellor, researcher, educator, and current President of the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC). With nearly two decades of experience in research and academia, Sara brings a thoughtful, future-focused lens to the profession. What unfolds in this conversation […]
PGT Unpacked: Ethics, Linkage and Hard Choices in Reproductive Genetics. Demystifying Genetics with Erica Pai
Pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT) has reshaped the reproductive journey for many families, offering the possibility of creating embryos free from specific genetic conditions. But behind the promise of this technology lies a complex mix of science, ethics, uncertainty, and emotion. In a recent episode of Demystifying Genetics, host Matt Burgess sat down with Canadian genetic […]
Building Trust and Equity in Genomic Medicine: A Conversation with Barbara Harrison
In a recent episode of Demystifying Genetics, host Dr Matt Burgess spoke with Assistant Professor Barbara Harrison from Howard University, Washington DC, about the intersection of genomics, culture, and health equity. Their discussion explored how genetic counselling can bridge gaps in trust and access to emerging therapies, especially in conditions that disproportionately affect people of […]
The Real-World Impact of Genomics on Healthcare: A Conversation with Mary-Anne Young
In this episode of Demystifying Genetics, Dr Matt Burgess sits down with Mary-Anne Young, a leading genetic counsellor and researcher, to explore how genomics is reshaping healthcare, clinical practice, and the genetic counselling profession. Their discussion spans the evolution of BRCA testing, the rise of rapid genomic diagnostics, and how polygenic risk is personalising medicine […]
When Genes Meet Heart: Inside Cardiac Genomics. Demystifying Genetics with Dr Jodie Ingles
In the latest episode of Demystifying Genetics, host Matt Burgess sits down with Dr Jodie Ingles, one of Australia’s leading cardiac genetic counsellors and researchers, to explore the fast-evolving world of cardiac genomics. With a career dedicated to understanding inherited heart conditions, Jodie shares insights from her clinical and research work, her passion for mentoring […]
Huntington’s Unlocked: Ethics, Exclusion Testing & New Gene Therapies
In the latest episode of Demystifying Genetics, host Matt Burgess sits down with Sandra Peacock, a laboratory-based genetic counsellor whose favourite gene – HTT, is at the centre of one of the most well-known inherited neurodegenerative disorders: Huntington disease (HD). Together, they unpack the ethical complexities, emotional challenges, and scientific breakthroughs shaping how we approach […]
Lessons from a Global Career: A Conversation with Canadian Genetic Counsellor Rachel Vanneste
In the latest episode of Demystifying Genetics, host Dr Matt Burgess speaks with Canadian genetic counsellor Rachel Vanneste about the lessons learned along her professional journey, from early-career mistakes to the unexpected role of business and communication skills in modern genetic counselling. Rachel’s story offers valuable insights for anyone interested in the evolving genetic counselling […]