DNA Today: A Genetics Podcast

#329 Preventive Genomic Medicine: Saving Lives and Healthcare Costs with MyOme

How can preventive genomic medicine save $200 billion annually in healthcare costs? Dr. Matthew Rabinowitz breaks it down in this episode.
Dr. Rabinowitz—a true pioneer in genetics, diagnostics, and AI—who’s been at the forefront of transforming how we approach health and medicine. Dr. Rabinowitz isn’t just a scientist; he’s a visionary who’s helped create groundbreaking technologies, from revolutionizing pregnancy care to tracking cancer through blood tests. In 2024, he was named R&D Leader of the Year by R&D World. Now, he’s tackling preventative genomic medicine, showing us how tools like whole genome sequencing (WGS) and polygenic risk scores (PRS) are turning healthcare from reactive to proactive.
Dr. Rabinowitz is the co-founder and Executive Chairman of MyOme and has played a key role in developing cutting-edge genomic technologies. His work has shaped the fields of reproductive genetics, cancer diagnostics, and precision medicine. With over 100 patents and publications, including papers in Science and Nature, his impact on healthcare is undeniable.
Topics Covered:
How whole genome sequencing (WGS) is reshaping healthcare and risk assessment
The power of polygenic risk scores (PRS) in cancer prevention and early detection
MyOme’s Breast Cancer Polygenic Risk Score (PRS) and its implications for proactive medicine
The economic benefits of genomic medicine in early intervention and disease prevention include potentially saving $200 billion annually in healthcare costs
Ethical considerations and the importance of inclusivity in genomic research
The future of preventive genomic medicine—will WGS become standard care? Will it start with newborns?
Resources and Links:
Learn more about MyOme and its work in preventive genomic medicine: myome.com
Get ready, genetic nerds—another brand-new episode of DNA Today drops this Friday! You can always count on us to deliver fresh content every Friday. 
While you wait, why not dive into our library of over 300 episodes? Binge them all on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, our website, or wherever you love to listen—just search “DNA Today.”
Prefer watching? We’ve got you covered! For the past four years, we’ve been recording episodes with video, including some filmed at the iconic NBC Universal Stamford Studios. Check them out on our YouTube channel! 
DNA Today is hosted and produced by Kira Dineen, MS, LCGC, CG(ASCP)CM . Our Video Lead is Amanda Andreoli. Our Social Media Lead is Kajal Patel. Our Outreach Intern is Liv Davidson. And our logo Graphic Designer is Ashlyn Enokian, MS, CGC. 
 
See what else we are up to on Instagram, X (Twitter), BluSky, Threads, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube and our website, DNAToday.com. Questions/inquiries can be sent to info@DNAtoday.com. 

#328 Breakthrough Biotech: CAR-Ts for Solid Tumors & Engineered Bacteria for Rare Diseases

This week, I attended BIO’s CEO and Investor Conference in New York City—one of the largest investor gatherings in the biotech industry. The conference, organized by BIO (Biotechnology Innovation Organization), brings together institutional investors, industry analysts, and senior executives to discuss the latest biotech advancements and investment opportunities.
At the conference, I attended insightful panel discussions and company presentations where biotech CEOs shared their latest breakthroughs, research progress, and investment potential. After their presentations, I had the chance to sit down with two biotech leaders to dive deeper into their work: Dr. Premal Patel of Cellinfinity Bio and Dr. Travis Whitfill of Azitra.
Guest Bios:
Dr. Premal Patel
A physician-scientist with 15 years of experience in medical oncology drug development, Dr. Patel has worked with major biotech companies like Genentech, Pfizer, and Juno Therapeutics. He specializes in CAR-T therapy, a groundbreaking approach to engineering immune cells to fight cancer. Now, as CEO of Cellinfinity Bio, he’s focused on tackling one of cancer treatment’s biggest challenges: using CAR-T to treat solid tumors.
Dr. Travis Whitfill
A serial biotech entrepreneur and venture capitalist, Dr. Whitfill co-founded Azitra, a company pioneering the use of synthetic biology to engineer skin bacteria for treating rare genetic skin diseases. He has led multiple biotech startups, served on the boards of several healthcare companies, and was named to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 (Healthcare) list in 2018.
Interview Highlights:
Dr. Premal Patel – CAR-T Therapy for Solid Tumors
CAR-T cell therapy has revolutionized blood cancer treatment, but treating solid tumors remains a major challenge.
Dr. Patel explains how Cellinfinity Bio is re-engineering T cells to overcome the barriers posed by solid tumors, making them more effective at infiltrating and attacking cancer cells.
His team’s gene engineering approach aims to make CAR-T therapy more accessible and affordable, potentially bringing costs down to the range of antibody-based treatments.
The ultimate goal: a game-changing, in-body T-cell reprogramming approach that could expand access to CAR-T therapies globally.
Dr. Travis Whitfill – Engineering Skin Bacteria for Rare Diseases
Azitra is developing synthetic biology solutions for rare genetic skin diseases, like Netherton syndrome, which currently has no FDA-approved treatments.
Their novel therapy aims to treat skin rashes in cancer patients taking EGFR inhibitor drugs, reducing the need for high-dose antibiotics and steroids.
Genetically modified bacteria (Staphylococcus epidermidis) are used to deliver missing proteins directly to the skin, a groundbreaking approach in dermatology and rare disease treatment.
By integrating precision genetic engineering with synthetic amino acid control, Azitra ensures the therapy is both effective and safe.
Resources & Links:
Learn more about BIO’s CEO & Investor Conference here
Explore Cellinfinity Bio’s CAR-T research here
Discover Azitra’s work in synthetic biology here
Get ready, genetic nerds—another brand-new episode of DNA Today drops this Friday! You can always count on us to deliver fresh content every Friday. 
While you wait, why not dive into our library of over 300 episodes? Binge them all on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, our website, or wherever you love to listen—just search “DNA Today.”
Prefer watching? We’ve got you covered! For the past four years, we’ve been recording episodes with video, including some filmed at the iconic NBC Universal Stamford Studios. Check them out on our YouTube channel! 
DNA Today is hosted and produced by Kira Dineen, MS, LCGC, CG(ASCP)CM . Our Video Lead is Amanda Andreoli. Our Social Media Lead is Kajal Patel. Our Outreach Intern is Liv Davidson. And our logo Graphic Designer is Ashlyn Enokian, MS, CGC. 
See what else we are up to on Instagram, X (Twitter), BluSky, Threads, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube and our website, DNAToday.com. Questions/inquiries can be sent to info@DNAtoday.com. 

#327 How Patient Advocacy is Changing Rare Disease Research

February marks Rare Disease Month, and we’re kicking it off with an incredible advocate in the rare disease community—Gay Grossman!
Gay is the co-founder of ADCY5.org, a foundation dedicated to supporting individuals with ADCY5-related movement disorder. Her advocacy journey began with her daughter, Lilly, who went undiagnosed for 15 years before becoming the first known patient with a full-body presentation of ADCY5-related movement disorder.
Since then, Gay has transformed her personal experience into global action, building a rare disease community that has directly influenced research and treatment options. Her efforts have bridged the gap between patients, families, researchers, and industry stakeholders, leading to groundbreaking advancements in genetic testing, patient data sharing, and treatment development.
Gay now works at GeneDx, where she continues to empower families through genetic testing and data-driven research.
On This Episode We Discuss:
- Raising a child with an undiagnosed rare disease – The emotional and practical challenges of a 15-year diagnostic journey- The power of community in rare disease research – How ADCY5.org changed the research landscape- Genetic testing and patient data – Why it’s crucial for rare disease families and how to leverage it- Life after diagnosis – How Lilly manages symptoms and what treatments have been most effective- How YOU can support the rare disease community – Advocacy, awareness, and action
If you are in the San Diego area, join Gay Grossman, Effie Parks and other rare disease advocates at their event downtown on Feb 28th (aka Rare Disease Day), more info here. If you are not in San Diego, find an event more local to you here. 
 
Speaking of Effie Parks, be sure to check out her podcast Once Upon A Gene, and stick around until the end to hear her son Ford’s adorable laugh. Effie was on Episode #203 of DNA Today and our host Kira Dineen was a guest on her podcast in Episode #143. 
 
During this episode we also mentioned another parent of a kid with a rare disease that includes sleep disturbances. Scotti Taylor shared about her daughter’s Smith Magenis Syndrome on Episode #293. 
 
Get ready, genetic nerds—another brand-new episode of DNA Today drops this Friday! You can always count on us to deliver fresh content every Friday. 
While you wait, why not dive into our library of over 300 episodes? Binge them all on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, our website, or wherever you love to listen—just search “DNA Today.”
Prefer watching? We’ve got you covered! For the past four years, we’ve been recording episodes with video, including some filmed at the iconic NBC Universal Stamford Studios. Check them out on our YouTube channel! 
DNA Today is hosted and produced by Kira Dineen, MS, LCGC, CG(ASCP)CM . Our Video Lead is Amanda Andreoli. Our Social Media Lead is Kajal Patel. Our Outreach Intern is Liv Davidson. And our logo Graphic Designer is Ashlyn Enokian, MS, CGC. 
See what else we are up to on Instagram, X (Twitter), BluSky, Threads, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube and our website, DNAToday.com. Questions/inquiries can be sent to info@DNAtoday.com. 

#326 How DNA Solves Crimes: The Forensic Science Behind True Crime

True crime dominates the podcasting world, but what about the genetic aspects behind these cases? In this episode of DNA Today, we dive into the pivotal role of DNA in forensic science with Dr. Henry Erlich, a pioneer in DNA analysis and a key figure in developing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology. His work has transformed the criminal justice system, from solving cases to overturning wrongful convictions.
Dr. Henry Erlich has authored over 450 publications and spent decades applying DNA analysis to criminal investigations, missing persons cases, and ancestry research. His lab performed the first DNA case in the US and, in 1988, the first DNA exoneration. Erlich was the Director of the Department of Human Genetics and Vice-President of Discovery Research for Roche Molecular Systems, Inc until 2013. He is currently a Senior Scientist at Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Institute. He has published > 450 articles and is the recipient of numerous awards.
After reading his book Genetic Reconstruction of the Past, I had countless questions about how PCR reshaped the justice system, its impact on exonerations, and the ethical implications of forensic DNA databases.
Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of murder and sexual assault, which may not be suitable for young listeners.
Topics Covered:
The development of PCR technology and its revolutionary impact on forensic genetics
How PCR outperformed older methods like RFLP in criminal case investigations
Pennsylvania vs. Pestinikas (1986), the first criminal case using DNA analysis
Key forensic DNA terms explained: inclusion, match, exclusion, and random match probability
The role of DNA evidence in exonerations and wrongful convictions
How forensic labs analyze DNA from multiple individuals at crime scenes
The establishment of the FBI’s National DNA Index System (NDIS) and who is included
The ethical concerns surrounding partial DNA matches and familial searching
How public DNA databases like GEDmatch helped identify the Golden State Killer
Dr. Erlich’s insights into the O.J. Simpson case and its impact on public perception of forensic DNA
Resources and Links:
Read Genetic Reconstruction of the Past by Dr. Henry Erlich
Explore the National DNA Index System (NDIS) and CODIS
The Innocence Project: Fighting wrongful convictions with DNA evidence
GEDmatch and its role in forensic investigations
Get ready, genetic nerds—another brand-new episode of DNA Today drops this Friday! You can always count on us to deliver fresh content every Friday. 
While you wait, why not dive into our library of over 300 episodes? Binge them all on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, our website, or wherever you love to listen—just search “DNA Today.”
Prefer watching? We’ve got you covered! For the past four years, we’ve been recording episodes with video, including some filmed at the iconic NBC Universal Stamford Studios. Check them out on our YouTube channel! 
DNA Today is hosted and produced by Kira Dineen, MS, LCGC, CG(ASCP)CM . Our Video Lead is Amanda Andreoli. Our Social Media Lead is Kajal Patel. Our Outreach Intern is Liv Davidson. And our logo Graphic Designer is Ashlyn Enokian, MS, CGC. 
See what else we are up to on Instagram, X (Twitter), BluSky, Threads, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube and our website, DNAToday.com. Questions/inquiries can be sent to info@DNAtoday.com. 

#325 Revolutionizing Variant Curation with MAVEs

We explore cutting-edge technologies transforming genetic variant curation: multiplexed assays of variant effect (MAVEs). 
Joining us are two leading experts in the field:
Dr. Lea Starita, Associate Professor at the University of Washington and Co-Director of the Brotman Baty Advanced Technology Lab.
Dr. Douglas Fowler, Professor of Genome Sciences and Co-Director of the Center for the Multiplexed Assessment of Phenotype.
Together, they break down how these groundbreaking methods work, their advantages over traditional approaches, and their potential to advance precision medicine. From the challenges of interpreting MAVEs data to their role in reducing health disparities and resolving variants of uncertain significance (VUS), this episode offers a comprehensive look at the future of genomics.
Dr. Lea Starita is an Associate Professor in the Department of Genome Sciences at the University of Washington and the Co-director of Brotman Baty Advanced Technology Lab. She earned her Ph.D. from Harvard Medical School before coming to the University of Washington to train in functional genomics with Stan Fields and Jay Shendure.
Dr. Douglas Fowler is a Professor of Genome Sciences and an Adjunct Professor of Bioengineering at the University of Washington. Dr. Fowler is co-Director of the Center for the Multiplexed Assessment of Phenotype, an NHGRI Center of Excellence in Genome Sciences. He is also a founder and current co-chair of the Atlas of Variant Effect Alliance executive committee.
 
Key Topics Covered:
What are MAVEs, and why are they revolutionary for variant curation?
How MAVEs allow for simultaneous testing of thousands of genetic variants.
Real-world applications of MAVEs in understanding specific genes and conditions.
How MAVEs resolve VUS and accelerate precision medicine.
Ethical and practical considerations in moving MAVEs from research to clinical practice.
The role of collaboration and initiatives like the Atlas of Variant Effect Alliance in advancing the field.
 
Resources: Atlas of Variant Effects Alliance: Precision medicine at nucleotide resolution
Variants and Us (VUS) Podcast 
Introduction to Deep Mutational Scanning (Animation)
An Atlas of Variant Effects to understand the genome at nucleotide resolution
Understanding haemophilia, one amino acid at a timeWill variants of uncertain significance still exist in 2030?
Mutational Scanning Symposium 2025 in Barcelona in May 2025
Impact of Genomic Variation on Function (IGVF) Consortium
N-Lorem developing ASOs for nano-rare diseases
NIH’s ClinVar Database 
 
Get ready, genetic nerds—another brand-new episode of DNA Today drops this Friday! You can always count on us to deliver fresh content every Friday. 
While you wait, why not dive into our library of over 300 episodes? Binge them all on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, our website, or wherever you love to listen—just search “DNA Today.”
Prefer watching? We’ve got you covered! For the past four years, we’ve been recording episodes with video, including some filmed at the iconic NBC Universal Stamford Studios. Check them out on our YouTube channel! 
DNA Today is hosted and produced by Kira Dineen, MS, LCGC, CG(ASCP)CM . Our Video Lead is Amanda Andreoli. Our Social Media Lead is Kajal Patel. Our Outreach Intern is Liv Davidson. And our logo Graphic Designer is Ashlyn Enokian, MS, CGC. 
See what else we are up to on Instagram, X (Twitter), BluSky, Threads, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube and our website, DNAToday.com. Questions/inquiries can be sent to info@DNAtoday.com.

#324 Genetic Contraindications for Ozempic and Wegovy (GLP-1 Agonists)

With millions of people now taking GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic and Wegovy, I was curious to learn if there are known genetic mutations that predispose people to have serious side effects from these medications. So exploring the pharmacogenomic aspects of Ozempic and Wegovy. 
 
To answer these questions Dr. Josiah Allen is joining the show. Josiah Allen, PharmD, has spent over 15 years in the field of pharmacogenomics, beginning at the Mayo Clinic where he helped develop the GeneSight test. As a founding employee and the first medical science liaison at Assurex Health, he helped GeneSight become one of the fastest growing molecular diagnostic tests in history.
 
He later served as director of medical affairs at OneOme and now works at St. Elizabeth Healthcare in Edgewood, KY, as a precision medicine pharmacist and PGY2 Clinical Pharmacogenomics pharmacy residency program director. He earned his bachelor's degree in psychology from Wheaton College and his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Minnesota.
 
In the recording, Dr. Allen teases that the Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS), the post-licensure certification organization serving the pharmacy profession, will issue a call for petition in pharmacogenomics. The board will be reviewing the petition and evaluating pharmacogenomics as a pharmacy specialty. In the days after we recorded this was released and you can find the full press release here.
Topics Covered:
The basics of pharmacogenomics and its role in personalized medicine.
How genetic mutations, like those in the RET gene, influence medication risks.
The pharmacogenomics of GLP-1 agonists (like Ozempic and Wegovy), including their contraindications for patients with RET mutations.
Insights into the overlap between ACMG secondary findings and pharmacogenomic implications.
Case studies illustrating the real-world impact of pharmacogenomics.
Key Takeaways:
GLP-1 agonists, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, carry a black box warning due to an association with thyroid cancer, particularly in individuals with RET gene mutations.
Over one-third of the ACMG secondary findings genes have pharmacogenomic implications, emphasizing the need for clinicians to integrate genetic insights into prescribing practices.
Pharmacists and geneticists need closer collaboration to bridge the gap between clinical genomics and pharmacogenomics for safer medication use.
Resources:
GeneReviews
PharmGKB
Table of Pharmacogenomic Biomarkers in Drug Labeling
FDA Black Box Warning on GLP-1 Agonists
Get ready, genetic nerds—another brand-new episode of DNA Today drops next Friday! You can always count on us to deliver fresh content every Friday. 
While you wait, why not dive into our library of over 300 episodes? Binge them all on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, our website, or wherever you love to listen—just search “DNA Today.”
Prefer watching? We’ve got you covered! For the past four years, we’ve been recording episodes with video, including some filmed at the iconic NBC Universal Stamford Studios. Check them out on our YouTube channel! 
DNA Today is hosted and produced by Kira Dineen, MS, LCGC, CG(ASCP)CM . Our Video Lead is Amanda Andreoli. Our Social Media Lead is Kajal Patel. Our Outreach Intern is Liv Davidson. And our logo Graphic Designer is Ashlyn Enokian, MS, CGC. 
See what else we are up to on Instagram, X (Twitter), BluSky, Threads, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube and our website, DNAToday.com. Questions/inquiries can be sent to info@DNAtoday.com.

#323 Supporting Ongoing Urea Cycle Disorder (UCD) Care

Urea cycle disorders (UCDs) are rare inborn errors of metabolism (IEMs) caused by enzyme or transporter deficiencies in the urea cycle, which is responsible for protein metabolism. These conditions can present at any age with acute, chronic, and intermittent symptoms of hyperammonemia. The first UCD was described over 50 years ago and while many “unknowns” about UCDs still remain, the way we think about and treat these conditions today is evolving.
 
In this first episode of a series focused on the evolution of UCD management, we discuss the current state and importance of UCD management, and how clinicians can support their patients to sustain their daily UCD care. Joining us for the discussion are two renowned biochemical genetics experts with direct UCD patient care experience.
 
Holly Bernal, RN, MSN, FNPc is the nurse practitioner with Stanford Biochemical Genetics and has been in that role for the last 8 years. She originally earned her bachelor’s degree at San Francisco State University in 1991 followed by her master’s degree at UCSF in 1999. In 2016 she returned to San Francisco State and earned her FNP certificate and started her role in biochemical genetics. She has a passion for metabolic genetics and also coordinates Stanford’s newborn screening program.
 
Laurie Bernstein, MS, RD, FADA, FAND is a metabolic dietitian and Professor Emerita of the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Her significant contributions to the field of biochemical genetics include helping to found the professional organization Genetic Metabolic Dietitians International (GMDI) and co-founding Metabolic University, a training forum for new metabolic genetics clinicians. She is a co-editor and author of the textbook, Nutrition Management of Inherited Metabolic Diseases: Lessons from Metabolic University, and has also co-authored various other educational modules for families with IEMs.
 
 
On This Episode, We Discuss:
The importance of tailoring UCD management plans based on the emerging and evolving needs of today’s patient population
How clinicians can support patients with sustaining daily UCD management
Strategies clinicians can use to better engage patients in their own UCD care
 
Stay tuned for the next new episode of DNA Today next Friday! New episodes are released every Friday. In the meantime, you can binge over 300 other episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, streaming on the website, or any other podcast player by searching “DNA Today.” Episodes since 2021 are also recorded with video, which you can watch on our YouTube channel; this includes some episodes recorded at NBC Universal Stamford Studios.
 
DNA Today is hosted and produced by Kira Dineen. Our social media lead is Corinne Merlino. Our video lead is Amanda Andreoli. Our Outreach Intern is Sanya Tinaikar. Our Social Media Intern is Kajal Patel, and our Logo Graphic Designer is Ashlyn Enokian. This episode is sponsored by AMGEN.
 
See what else we are up to on Instagram, X (Twitter), Threads, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, and our website, DNAToday.com. Questions/inquiries can be sent to info@DNAtoday.com. USA-RABU-80013 01/25

#322 Susannah’s Nano-Rare Journey: 2 Years of Treatment and Triumph

Two years of treatment—two years of strength, courage, and blazing a trail for other nano-rare patients! 
 
In this special episode drop, we’re revisiting the inspiring journey of Susannah, whose story was the first ever shared on the Patient Empowerment Program podcast. Now, two years later, Susannah’s father, Luke Rosen, and her physician, Dr. Jennifer Bain, join us to share her remarkable progress since beginning regular treatments. They highlight incredible improvements in Susannah’s motor skills, cognition, energy, and overall quality of life.
 
This episode originally aired on the Patient Empowerment Program podcast, where our host, Kira Dineen, serves as a producer. You might even recognize her voice in some of the promos and ads for the show!
 
For long-time listeners of DNA Today, you might recall that we shared the pilot episode of the Patient Empowerment Program podcast featuring Susannah’s story back in Episode 186. Now, we’re thrilled to bring you this heartwarming update to see how far Susannah has come and to celebrate her incredible resilience.
 
Be sure to check out more episodes of the Patient Empowerment Program podcast, which focuses on empowering nano-rare patients and their families. Search for the podcast in your favorite podcast app or visit its listing on n-Lorem’s website.
 
Get ready, genetic nerds—another brand-new episode of DNA Today drops this Friday! You can always count on us to deliver fresh content every Friday. 
 
While you wait, why not dive into our library of over 300 episodes? Binge them all on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, our website, or wherever you love to listen—just search “DNA Today.”
 
Prefer watching? We’ve got you covered! For the past four years, we’ve been recording episodes with video, including some filmed at the iconic NBC Universal Stamford Studios. Check them out on our YouTube channel! 
 
DNA Today is hosted and produced by Kira Dineen, MS, LCGC, CG(ASCP)CM . Our Video Lead is Amanda Andreoli. Our Social Media Lead is Kajal Patel. Our Outreach Intern is Liv Davidson. And our logo Graphic Designer is Ashlyn Enokian, MS, CGC. 
 
See what else we are up to on Instagram, X (Twitter), BluSky, Threads, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube and our website, DNAToday.com. Questions/inquiries can be sent to info@DNAtoday.com. 

#321 Reuniting Amerasian Families: John Haines' Story & Father Founded's Mission

On Episode 310, we explored the powerful work of Father Founded, an organization dedicated to reuniting Amerasian families separated by war. We shared the heartwarming story of Scott McMullen, a retired firefighter and veteran, who discovered his long-lost daughter through the group's efforts. With how popular this episode was, we wanted to share another story from Father Founded. So we are going to hear from John Haines about his family’s story and volunteer Angela Simmons-Jones’s role. 
John’s journey began in 2012 when he received a life-changing message from a woman claiming to be his daughter, sparking his mission to reconnect families and advocate for Amerasians in the Philippines. Angela, a U.S. Air Force veteran and genealogist, has been volunteering with Father Founded since 2020, using her skills to help families reunite through DNA and genealogy.
Angela Simmons-Jones was born and raised in Illinois and after retiring from the United States Air Force, she settled in Georgia. She works for a public library system and has been volunteering her graphic design, genealogy and organization skills for Father Founded since 2020.  Angela has been working on her own family tree since 2012 and has taken Advanced Genetic Genealogy for Librarians with the American Library Association.  Angela has a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Management with an emphasis on Logistics from Ashford University.  She is married to another USAF retiree, has a teenage son, too many pets, and raises monarchs. 
Together, they’ll share John’s personal story, the challenges Amerasians face, and how their work is making a difference for families around the world.
Takeaways:
John Haines was diagnosed with stage four lymphoma, which changed his perspective on life.
He received a message on Facebook from a woman claiming to be his daughter, leading to a DNA test.
The Amerasian Homecoming Act allowed some children to reunite with their American fathers, but many were left out.
There are an estimated 50,000 Amerasian children in the Philippines who are seeking connection with their American fathers.
Legislative advocacy is crucial for including the Philippines in the Amerasian Homecoming Act.
Father Founded provides DNA kits to help families connect and navigate legal hurdles.
Many veterans are unaware of their biological children due to the complexities of relationships during wartime.
The process of reuniting families often involves significant legal challenges and emotional struggles.
John emphasizes the importance of love and connection in pursuing family reunification.
Advocacy efforts continue to push for legislative changes to support Amerasian families.
You can learn more about Father Founded here including donating to their amazing cause. This is the closed Facebook group that Father Founded uses to connect people. 
 
Stay tuned for the next new episode of DNA Today next Friday! New episodes are released every Friday. In the meantime, you can binge over 320 other episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, streaming on the website, or any other podcast player by searching, “DNA Today”. Episodes since 2021 are also recorded with video which you can watch on our YouTube channel, this includes some episodes recorded at NBC Universal Stamford Studios. 
 
DNA Today is hosted and produced by Kira Dineen. Our video lead is Amanda Andreoli. Our social media lead is Kajal Patel. Our Outreach Intern is Liv Davidson. And our logo Graphic Designer is Ashlyn Enokian, MS, CGC. 
 
See what else we are up to on Instagram, X (Twitter), Threads, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube and our website, DNAToday.com. Questions/inquiries can be sent to info@DNAtoday.com. 

#320 Genetics in Neuromuscular Disorders: Diagnosis and Treatment with Dr. Robert Bucelli

“DNA Today” isn’t the only podcast that Kira Dineen produces. She also is involved on the production of other genetics shows like the Journal of Genetic Counseling’s new podcast “DNA Dialogues”, n-Lorem’s “Patient Empowerment Program”, Know Rare’s “Rare Insights”, The PhenoTips’ Speaker Series, and relevant to this episode, she is the Executive Producer of “It Happened To Me” explores rare diseases and medical challenges. 
One of the other shows is called “It Happened To Me” which explores rare diseases and medical challenges. This week the show released its 50th episode and wrapped its second year of episodes; to celebrate we are releasing this special interview on DNA Today’s feed! 
This milestone episode of “It Happened To Me” features Dr. Robert Bucelli who explores neuromuscular neurology including the role of genetics in diagnosing and treating neuromuscular disorders. 
Over the last two years and 50 episodes, “It Happened To Me” co-hosts Cathy Gildenhorn and Beth Glassman draw on their own health challenges as they interview patient advocates and experts who share stories and knowledge to help listeners succeed in the face of difficult health obstacles.
In this episode, Dr. Bucelli shares his wealth of knowledge on neuromuscular neurology, exploring topics such as:
What neuromuscular neurology entails and who is affected.
The role of genetics in diagnosing and treating neuromuscular disorders.
Common symptoms, risk factors, and diagnostic approaches.
How therapies like physical and occupational therapy play a role in management.
Lifestyle modifications, including diet and exercise, to minimize risk.
The latest advancements in research and treatment, including ASO therapy.
Strategies for coping with the challenges of living with neuromuscular conditions.
Dr. Bucelli has been a practicing neurologist at the ALS Clinic since 2011. He is an Associate Professor of Neurology at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis where he serves as the Site Principal Investigator on several clinical studies relating to ALS.
After graduating summa cum laude from Canisius College in Buffalo, New York with a degree in biology, Dr. Bucelli went on to receive his medical degree and PhD from the State University of New York at Buffalo as part of the Medical Scientist Training Program. He then completed an internship in internal medicine and postgraduate residency in neurology at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and the Washington University School of Medicine, followed by a postgraduate Clinical Fellowship Training Program in the Department of Neurology’s Neuromuscular Section, also at Barnes-Jewish and Washington University. He is also a graduate of the Washington University and Barnes-Jewish Hospital Academic Medical Leadership Program for Physicians and Scientists.
Dr. Bucelli is expert in diagnosing and treating neuromuscular disorders including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. He also reads and interprets muscle and nerve biopsies to aid in the diagnostic evaluations of patients seen at Washington University and many additional outside institutions. Dr. Bucelli’s clinical expertise guides exemplary multidisciplinary ALS care in the neuromuscular clinic. His skill in delivering drugs to the fluid surrounding the spinal cord has enabled Dr. Bucelli’s and Washington University’s leadership in trials using to turn off the production of harmful genes that cause ALS.
Dr. Bucelli has received numerous awards for excellence in teaching and clinical work at Washington University. He is a five-time recipient of the Eliasson Award for Teaching Excellence and has authored over 40 peer-reviewed manuscripts. He is a frequently invited guest lecturer and presenter at regional and national conferences.
Loved this episode? Make sure you follow this show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, streaming on their website, or any other podcast player by searching, “It Happened To Me”. The next new episode will drop on January 6th, 2025, but don’t wait, you can listen to 50 other episodes in the meantime. 
“It Happened To Me” is created and hosted by Cathy Gildenhorn and Beth Glassman. DNA Today’s Kira Dineen is our executive producer and marketing lead. Amanda Andreoli is our associate producer. Ashlyn Enokian is our graphic designer. Questions/inquiries can be sent to ItHappenedToMePod@gmail.com. 
Stay tuned for the next new episode of DNA Today on December 27th! New episodes are released every Friday. In the meantime, you can binge over 320 other episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, streaming on the website, or any other podcast player by searching, “DNA Today”. Episodes since 2021 are also recorded with video which you can watch on our YouTube channel, this includes some episodes recorded at NBC Universal Stamford Studios. 
DNA Today is hosted and produced by Kira Dineen. Our video lead is Amanda Andreoli. Our social media lead is Kajal Patel. Our Outreach Intern is Liv Davidson. And our logo Graphic Designer is Ashlyn Enokian, MS, CGC. 
See what else we are up to on Instagram, X (Twitter), Threads, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube and our website, DNAToday.com. Questions/inquiries can be sent to info@DNAtoday.com.