In this episode, we talk to two genetic counselors about their recent publications in a special edition of the Journal of Genetic Counseling focused on research methods in genetic counseling. First, Benjamin Helm delves into statistical approaches and discusses how transparency and honesty in research can lead to more meaningful scientific contributions. Then Kennedy Borle explores the challenges and benefits of integrating qualitative and quantitative approaches in genetic counseling research.

Segment 1: “Research methods in genetic counseling: Statistical approaches and resources”

Benjamin M. Helm, PhD, MS, CGC, is an Associate Professor of Clinical Medical & Molecular Genetics at Indiana University with specific interests in cardiovascular genetics, epidemiology, and public health genomics. He works within the Cardiovascular Genetics program at IU School of Medicine/Indiana University Health. His clinical and academic interests include genetic arrhythmias, congenital heart disease, familial hypercholesterolemia and lipoprotein (a), polygenic score methods, and assessment of population screening for genetic cardiovascular disorders. Additional work extends into public health, improving investigation of genetic risk factors for sudden death in infants and children and birth defect surveillance in Indiana.

In this segment we discuss:

• Importance of systematic bias and robust study design
• Understanding parametric research: assumptions, sample size, and data behavior
• Common misconceptions, such as the over-reliance on p-values for legitimacy and the pitfalls of p-hacking
• Encouragement for genetic counselors to engage with statistical research

Segment 2: “Using mixed methods for genetic counseling research”

Kennedy Borle is a board-certified genetic counsellor and PhD Candidate in Interdisciplinary Studies at the University of British Columbia. Her research is focused on understanding unmet need for clinical genetic services to improve equitable access to care. Kennedy is also passionate about promoting high quality and justice oriented genetic counselling research practices.

In this segment we discuss:

• The complexities and advantages of using mixed methods in genetic counseling
• Challenges of integrating qualitative and quantitative data
• The importance of rigorous planning and study design
• How collaboration can enhance research outcomes

Would you like to nominate a JoGC article to be featured in the show? If so, please fill out this nomination submission form here. Multiple entries are encouraged including articles where you, your colleagues, or your friends are authors.

Stay tuned for the next new episode of DNA Dialogues! In the meantime, listen to all our episodes Apple Podcasts, Spotify, streaming on the website, or any other podcast player by searching, “DNA Dialogues”.

For more information about this episode visit dnadialogues.podbean.com, where you can also stream all episodes of the show. Check out the Journal of Genetic Counseling here for articles featured in this episode and others.

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

DNA Dialogues’ team includes Jehannine Austin, Naomi Wagner, Khalida Liaquat, Kate Wilson and DNA Today’s Kira Dineen. Our logo was designed by Ashlyn Enokian. Our current intern is Stephanie Schofield.

In this episode, we explore the motivations, findings, and clinical implications of a recent study examining patient understanding of the terms “sex” and “gender” in the context of prenatal testing, particularly non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT).

“Patient understanding of fetal sex versus gender in the context of routine cell-free DNA screening”

Mindy Kolodziejski (she/her) is a Senior Genetic Counselor at University of Kentucky (UK) HealthCare and a graduate of the UTHealth Houston Genetic Counseling Program (UTGCP). She is the first author of "Patient understanding of fetal sex versus gender in the context of routine cell-free DNA screening," published in the Journal of Genetic Counseling, and presented this research at the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) conference in 2024. As a queer genetic counselor, Mindy is passionate about LGBTQIA+ issues in genetic counseling and strives to improve care, inclusion, and accessibility for transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) individuals. She also provides genetics services in the UK Differences of Sex Development (DSD) clinic. Connect with Mindy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mindy-kolodziejski-a07573186/

In this segment we discuss:

- Why the terms sex and gender are different, but are often used interchangeably

- Factors influencing patient understanding of sex and gender

- Ways to help patients understand the information being presented while balancing being accurate and appropriate with the language being used

- Specific content and approaches that can be added to prenatal education programs

Would you like to nominate a JoGC article to be featured in the show? If so, please fill out this nomination submission form here. Multiple entries are encouraged including articles where you, your colleagues, or your friends are authors.

Stay tuned for the next new episode of DNA Dialogues! In the meantime, listen to all our episodes Apple Podcasts, Spotify, streaming on the website, or any other podcast player by searching, “DNA Dialogues”.

For more information about this episode visit dnadialogues.podbean.com, where you can also stream all episodes of the show. Check out the Journal of Genetic Counseling here for articles featured in this episode and others.

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

DNA Dialogues’ team includes Jehannine Austin, Naomi Wagner, Khalida Liaquat, Kate Wilson and DNA Today’s Kira Dineen. Our logo was designed by Ashlyn Enokian. Our current intern is Sydney Arlen.