How does genetics influence individual responses to medications and what is pharmacogenomics? Jeri explains the significance of pharmacogenomic testing in personalizing medication management, highlighting its potential to improve patient outcomes and reduce adverse effects. Through real patient stories, the discussion emphasizes the importance of genetic information in prescribing practices and the challenges faced in integrating pharmacogenomics into routine healthcare. We talk about how pharmacogenomics can help in prescribing medications for pain, depression, and acid reflux as well as other conditions.

Key Takeaways:

• Pharmacogenomics is the study of how genetics affect medication response.
• Genetic testing can lead to more effective and safer medication prescriptions.
• Genetic information can help avoid severe side effects from medications.
• Pharmacogenomic testing can reduce the trial-and-error approach in medication management.
• Pharmacogenomics has the potential to save lives and healthcare costs.
• The future of pharmacogenomics looks promising but faces integration challenges.

As a pharmacogenomics expert, Jeri Nichols blends over two decades of experience as a pharmacist and genetic counselor to revolutionize personalized medicine. Jeri founded GenePharmer, LLC in 2021, a consulting practice that empowers patients with safer, more effective medication regimens, and often reduces reliance on unnecessary drugs. Throughout her career, her individualized approach, rooted in listening to patients and leveraging genetic insights, has improved countless lives across private practices, medical centers, genetics labs, and community pharmacies. A passionate educator, Jeri advances PGx through lectures for students and presentations at professional healthcare meetings. Jeri invites patients and providers to explore PGx at genepharmer.com, where she is cultivating better health, one genome at a time. You can also connect with GenePharmer on LinkedIn or Facebook.

genepharmer.com

facebook.com/GenePharmerLLC

linkedin.com/company/genepharmer-llc

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
• CPIC guidelines
• Episode 16, Cancer & Chemo: Could DPYD testing save lives?
• Jeri’s company, GenePharmer, LLC

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.

It is a podcast crossover with It Happened to Me: A Rare Disease & Medical Challenges Podcast! It Happened to Me is also part of the Gene Pool Media Network

In this podcast, patient advocates Cathy Gildenhorn and Beth Glassman share their medical challenges living with rare diseases and are joined by fellow advocates and experts on the show.

For this episode, Beth Glassman interviews her co-host Cathy Gildenhorn about her rare disease, Wolfram Syndrome.

Co-host Cathy Zacks Gildenhorn has devoted much of her life to improving the lives of others and connecting women to Jewish life and each other. She has served on several local, national and international boards. Cathy also served as presidential appointee to the United States Holocaust Memorial Council and worked on the opening of the museum. Currently, Cathy serves as editor in chief and designated spokesperson for the book, Redefining Moments: End of Life Stories for Better Living. Several years ago Cathy was diagnosed with a rare, genetic disease. Since then she has passionately dedicated her life to creating this supportive and inspiring podcast so that all in the medically challenged community know…You are Not Alone.

On This Episode We Discuss:

• Defining Wolfram Syndrome

• Frequency of Wolfram Syndrome

• Cathy’s Diagnostic Odyssey

• Symptoms of Wolfram Syndrome

• Current Wolfram Syndrome Treatments

• Research for Wolfram Syndrome

• Cathy’s prognosis

• Processing diagnosis

• CRISPR potential treatment

You can find other episodes of It Happened To Me! on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, streaming on the website, or any other podcast player by searching, “It Happened To Me”.

It Happened To Me is created and hosted by Cathy Gildenhorn and Beth Glassman. Steve Holsonback is our media engineer and co-producer. DNA Today’s Kira Dineen is our marketing lead and co-producer. Ashlyn Enokian is our graphic designer.

About All Access DNA Podcast

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

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

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.

Considerations in genetic testing and IVF. In this conversation, Natalie Richeimer discusses the intricacies of pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT) as part of in vitro fertilization (IVF). She explains the different types of PGT, its accuracy, limitations, and the ethical considerations surrounding genetic testing. The financial burden of IVF and PGT is also addressed, highlighting the lack of insurance coverage and the high costs involved. Richeimer emphasizes the importance of genetic counseling in navigating these complex decisions and shares her personal experiences with IVF, underscoring the emotional impact on patients. The conversation concludes with a call to action for patients to seek genetic counseling and resources available through organizations like JScreen.

Key Takeaways:

• PGT is part of the IVF process
• PGT is a screening test, not a diagnostic test
• The accuracy of PGT results can vary
• Genetic counseling is available for patients undergoing IVF
• Ethical considerations are complex
• Patients often face emotional and financial challenges during IVF and PGT

Natalie Richeimer, MS, CGC, is a board certified genetic counselor at jscreen with clinical experience in adult, pediatric, and reproductive genetic counseling. She holds a master's degree in human genetics and genetic counseling from the Keck Graduate Institute. Natalie is a native Torontonian, who lives in Los Angeles with her husband and two boys. She has published research in the Journal of Genetic Counseling on the impact of orthodox Jewish clergy’s role in prenatal genetic counseling. Prior to her work as a genetic counselor, Natalie worked as a high school STEM teacher for 7 years in Los Angeles. She is passionate about reproductive health education and community engagement. Natalie has a special interest in outreach, with the goal of increasing awareness of and access to genetic counseling. Natalie has partnered with local organizations and high schools to provide community education.

Please subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, 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. Don’t forget to rate us as that helps more people, like you, find the show!

Here are more resources related to today’s topic:

• Find a Genetic Counselor
• American Society for Reproductive Medicine or ASRM
• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) Committee Opinion on Pre-implantation Genetic Testing
• Episode 20- How does music tell the story of genetic hearing loss? With Matt Hay
• Episode 5- Do I need prenatal genetic screening? With Blair Stevens

Any questions, episode ideas, guest pitches, or comments can be sent to AllAccessDNA@gmail.com

The All Access DNA team includes: host, producer and editor Kate Wilson. The logo is designed by Designs by NKJ.

Thanks for listening! And join us next time!.

Hey hey DNA! We are celebrating our first season by being nominated for the Podcast Awards! Please help us win the title as Best Health Podcast.

Just head over to podcastawards.com and click the blue button that says “Signup to Vote Now” and fill out your info. Then a CRUCIAL step is to check off the box that says “Please consider me as one of the listeners that will be randomly selected to vote on the final slate in August”. This means you, our listener, will get to vote in the final round of voting!

Once you fill out this info, you will be taken directly to the nominations page. Scroll down to the “Heath” category and select All Access DNA. Then hit save nominations at the bottom of the page. You will have an email asking you to confirm your email address to try to reduce bot votes. So please confirm and that’s it!

I am so thankful for everyone who has listened and checked out the All Access DNA podcast. We are a very small and independent podcast so it means the world to me that you take the time and vote for us in the People’s Choice podcast awards.

Additionally, we are on a break for July so we can gear up for August with new episodes, new updates, and new experts in genetic medicine. Stay subscribed so you don’t miss the next season.

And take a moment to go to podcastawards.com , fill out your info and select All Access DNA in the Health category. It just takes 30 seconds! And thank you, thank you for listening!

In this conversation, Dr. Chaya Murali discusses the importance of understanding autism, the role of genetic testing, and the impact of misinformation surrounding vaccines and autism. She emphasizes the need for families to seek reliable resources and support while navigating the complexities of neurodivergence. The conversation also highlights the emotional aspects of parenting children with autism and the importance of empathy in medical practice.

Key Takeaways:

• Many genetic conditions can co-occur with autism, highlighting the need for genetic evaluations.
• Autism is partially genetic, but environmental factors also play a role.
• Current genetic testing can identify a known genetic cause in about 30% of autism cases.
• The rise in autism diagnoses may be due to better awareness and changes in diagnostic criteria.
• Boys are diagnosed with autism more frequently than girls, but this may change as awareness grows.
• Genetic testing for autism is not predictive or diagnostic.
• Misinformation about vaccines continues to circulate despite evidence showing that vaccines do not cause autism

Dr. Chaya Murali is a pediatric geneticist and personal essayist in Houston, TX. Her clinical focus includes general genetics and skeletal dysplasias, and her research focus includes quality of life and lived experiences among people with rare disease and their families. She has cultivated a special interest in science communication, particularly around the genetics of autism in particular and human genetics in general. Dr. Murali's personal essays can be found at www.chayanautiyalmurali.com, and she can be found occasionally Instagramming @AkkasHouse

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:

• “Handing the pen to the patient: Reflective writing for children and families affected by genetic conditions” by Chaya Murali, Susan D Fernbach, Lorraine Potocki
• SPARK for Autism Research
• Autism Foundation
• Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN)
• The Color of Autism Foundation

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.

In this conversation, Kim Zayhowski discusses the distinctions between sex and gender, emphasizing that sex is biological while gender is a social construct. She explores the complexities of chromosomes, the fluidity of gender identity, and the implications of societal norms on individual expression. The discussion also touches on the weaponization of scientific terminology in policy-making, the intersection of transphobia and misogyny, and the importance of recognizing diverse gender identities. Zayhowski advocates for active allyship and resistance against discriminatory policies, highlighting the importance of empathy and understanding in fostering a more inclusive society.

Key Takeaways:

• Sex and gender are not interchangeable terms.
• Biological sex is complex and not binary.
• Gender identity is shaped by culture and personal experience.
• Cisgender individuals have a gender identity that matches their assigned sex at birth.
• Scientific misconceptions can be weaponized in policy-making.
• Transphobia is often rooted in misogynistic beliefs.
• Healthcare policies must respect bodily autonomy for all individuals.
• Inclusive language is essential in healthcare discussions.

Kim Zayhowski is a genetic counselor, researcher, and assistant professor at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine. She earned her Master’s in Human Genetics and Genetic Counseling from Stanford University School of Medicine. Her research focuses on the intersection of LGBTQIA+ care and genetics.

Please subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, 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:

• Episode 22 with Kaitlyn Brown- What are sex trait variations and how do we support intersex individuals?
• Tested podcast about sex testing in elite sports from NPR
• Book, Sex Itself by Sarah S Richardson
• Bridging the gap: Time to integrate sex and gender differences into research and clinical practice for improved health outcomes by Roberta Gualtierotti

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.