EP 134: Prenatal genetic testing and the future of AI in genetic counselling with Kira Dineen, host of DNA Today

In episode 134, we welcome fellow genetics podcaster Kira Dineen. Kira is most widely known for her award winning podcast, DNA Today, as well as producing a number of other health and science podcasts. Now running for more than 10 years, DNA Today is the winner of the 2020, 2021, and 2022 Best Science and Medicine Podcast Awards. When not podcasting, Kira works as a Prenatal Genetic Counsellor at Maternal Foetal Care in Connecticut where she supports patients with high-risk pregnancies, and is a certified Cytogenetic Technologist. Tune in for a very interesting episode!

0:00 Introduction

1:00 The backstory of how Kira first started DNA Today in 2012, when she was still in high school!

3:30 Some of Kira’s favourite topics she has discussed on DNA Today, including the legacy of Henrietta Lacks, and the story of a Glee actress with down syndrome

10:00 Kira’s best practices for podcasting, from over 10 years of experience

14:45 Kira’s decision to work in prenatal genetic counselling and how the podcast helped inform her career choice

19:00 The process of prenatal genetic testing

25:00 The reliability of various forms of prenatal testing, especially variations of blood draws

27:40 The potential for using chatbots and AI in genetic counselling

35:30 Up-and-coming developments in genetics, as well as some great wins from the last couple years

40:00 Closing remarks

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