“The more innovation happens, it doesn’t mean a thing if patients can’t have access to it.” Today’s episode of All Access DNA features Rome Madison. Rome’s podcast- Genetics for Healthcare- aims to educate patients about genetic information and its relevance to their healthcare. Rome shares his personal journey from a sales background to podcasting, emphasizing the need for patient advocacy and access to genetic information. We explore the balance between commercial goals and ethical responsibilities in healthcare, the challenges of navigating insurance coverage for genetic tests, and the role of technology in improving patient access to precision medicine. The discussion highlights the importance of empowering patients with knowledge and encouraging them to advocate for their health.

Key Takeaways:

• Genetics for Healthcare podcast aims to educate people about genetic information
• There is a gap in the US for patient access to precision medicine
• Personal experiences are motivation for healthcare advocacy
• Technology can improve access to precision medicine
• Patient education is crucial for informed healthcare decisions
• Genetics should be a routine part of healthcare conversations

Rome Madison helps people and organizations in the life science industry increase confidence, embrace uncertainty and navigate chaos to rise and win in the market. With over 20 years of experience leading sales teams and go-to market strategy for successful start-ups and new products, Rome has Unreasonable Confidence that cancer and other chronic genetic diseases can be prevented, detected early, treated effectively and cured.

Rome has given more than 500 live speeches and is a charismatic virtual presenter that keeps your audience glued to the screen and engaged with his content. He has appeared on more than 50 tv and radio shows across the US as a precision medicine expert, and has been a featured speaker at the Consumer Electronics Show on The Future of Healthcare.

Rome’s podcast, Genetics for Healthcare: A Podcast for Patients, unites major healthcare stakeholders to close the gap of innovation and patient access to precision medicine. He is co-creator and host of the award-winning Precision Medicine Podcast, Google’s #1 rated podcast on the topic of next-generation cancer care, with listeners in over 108 countries.

Please subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts to stay updated on new episodes of All Access DNA. Listen to past episodes on your favorite podcast play by searching “All Access DNA” or by streaming from our website at allaccessdna.podbean.com

Here are more resources related to today’s topic:

• Genetics for Healthcare: A Podcast for Patients

Any inquiries on the podcast can be sent to AllAccessDNA@gmail.com

Note that this podcast is for entertainment and education and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your physician with any questions you may have regarding your health.

The All Access DNA team includes: host, producer and editor Kate Wilson. The logo is designed by Designs by NKJ. Our Social Media Lead is Casey Lepley.

Prostate cancer, male infertility, and underserved populations. Brittany Szymaniak discusses the complexities of hereditary cancer risks, particularly focusing on prostate cancer and the role of BRCA genes. She emphasizes the importance of genetic counseling and testing, especially for men, and addresses the challenges in male reproductive health and infertility. The discussion also covers insurance aspects related to genetic testing and the significance of family communication regarding genetic results. Brittany highlights the need for increased awareness and research in men's health genetics, particularly for underrepresented populations.

Key Takeaways:

• BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations can affect both men and women.
• Men often overlook the importance of family history in cancer.
• Family communication about genetic results is essential.
• Many men are less likely to pursue genetic testing than women.
• Research in male cancer genetics is lagging behind.
• Diverse populations are underrepresented in genetic research.

Brittany Szymaniak received her PhD in Genetics from the University of Rochester in 2016 and went on to complete her masters in Genetic Counseling from Northwestern University in 2018. That year Brittany joined the Urology Department at Northwestern Medicine as part of the Cancer Genetics Program, where she focuses on prostate/GU genetics, as well as male infertility. She also supports Digestive Health for inherited GI evaluations. Brittany is part of the core team that developed Northwestern’s EDGe (Early Detection in Genetics) Program, which provides follow-up care with patients with inherited cancer predisposition conditions. Under this program she serves as the point of contact for both Northwestern Medicine's BRCA+ Men's Clinic and VHL Clinical Care Center. She also serves as a panel member for the NCCN Genetic/Familial High-Risk Assessment: Colorectal, Endometrial, and Gastric Guidelines. Brittany is a faculty member with Northwestern's Genetic Counseling graduate program, serving as a thesis advisor, lecturer, and supervisor.

Please subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts to stay updated on new episodes of All Access DNA. Listen to past episodes on your favorite podcast play by searching “All Access DNA” or by streaming from our website at allaccessdna.podbean.com

Here are more resources related to today’s topic:

• Findageneticcounselor.org to search for a genetic counselor near you
• HIS Breast Cancer Awareness
• The Prostate Cancer Foundation
• Resolve: The National Infertility Association

Any inquiries on the podcast can be sent to AllAccessDNA@gmail.com

Note that this podcast is for entertainment and education and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your physician with any questions you may have regarding your health.

The All Access DNA team includes: host, producer and editor Kate Wilson. The logo is designed by Designs by NKJ. Our Social Media Lead is Casey Lepley.

Flexibility, pain, and fatigue are part of hypermobility EDS. In this conversation, Dr. Taylor Kerrins discusses Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), particularly hypermobile EDS, covering its definition, symptoms, diagnosis, and management strategies. He shares personal experiences with the condition, the challenges of obtaining a diagnosis, and the importance of physical therapy and exercise. The discussion also touches on genetic testing and available support resources for patients. Taylor emphasizes the need for ongoing research and understanding of EDS, highlighting the complexities of the condition and the importance of community support.

Key Takeaways:

• EDS is a connective tissue disease with various types.
• Joint dislocations are common in individuals with hypermobile EDS.
• There is no specific genetic test for hypermobile EDS.
• Exercise is extremely helpful but must be tailored to the individual..
• Support groups provide valuable resources and community for EDS patients.
• Ongoing research is essential for understanding EDS better.

Dr. Taylor Kerrins is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Medical Genetics & Genomics at the Medical University of South Carolina.

Please subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts to stay updated on new episodes of All Access DNA. Listen to past episodes on your favorite podcast play by searching “All Access DNA” or by streaming from our website at allaccessdna.podbean.com

Here are more resources related to today’s topic:

• The Ehlers Danlos Society
• Information on hEDS from the Marfan Society
• American Academy of Family Physicians handout from 2021
• The Norris Lab at MUSC

Any inquiries on the podcast can be sent to AllAccessDNA@gmail.com

Note that this podcast is for entertainment and education and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your physician with any questions you may have regarding your health.

The All Access DNA team includes: host, producer and editor Kate Wilson. The logo is designed by Designs by NKJ. Our Social Media Lead is Casey Lepley.