The Genetics Podcast
EP 182: Demystifying genetic counseling with Matt Burgess
Published: 10 April 2025 at 10:45 Europe/London
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Episode notes
This week on The Genetics Podcast, Patrick is joined by Matt Burgess, genetic counselor, host of the Demystifying Genetics podcast, and Adjunct Professor at Bay Path University. They discuss the evolution of genetic counseling, ethical challenges in gene therapy, and Matt’s experiences with his podcast.
Show Notes:
0:00 Intro to The Genetics Podcast
00:59 Welcome to Matt
02:09 Matt’s run-ins with Olivia Newton John while working at Austin Hospital in Melbourne
04:34 Matt’s background and path to genetic counseling
06:58 The evolution of the field of genetic counseling over time and the role of counselors
12:47 Matt’s work on rare disease AP-4 hereditary spastic paraplegia (AP-4-HSP) and the ethical considerations of gene therapy
20:22 Balancing the needs and expectations of individuals and families in counseling
23:06 Rebranding negative connotations of the word “counseling”
26:58 Memorable episodes from Matt’s podcast Demystifying Genetics
34:31 Differences in genetic counseling and healthcare in the US versus Australia and the UK
40:00 Matt’s current work on writing a novel, starting a company called Rosalind Genetics, and being involved in genetic education
42:47 The potential and drawbacks of AI models in the context of genetic counseling and information
46:46 Closing remarks
Find out more
Demystifying Genetics (https://demystifying-genetics.buzzsprout.com/)
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