TalkDNA Direct in the News: KQED’s Quest
Last night, our local PBS affiliate aired a segment on “Genetic Testing Through the Web“. (You can view the full segment online here.) Ironically, they spent more time discussing traditional methods of genetic counseling and testing services, as provided by UCSF’s Cancer Risk Program. But, they did a great job explaining what genetic counselors do and why genetic counseling is a critical component of genetic testing. It’s always good to to see GCs getting their props.
As with just about every piece that spotlights genetic testing, they profiled genetic testing for hereditary cancer risk. If it isn’t cancer, then it’s Huntington’s Disease. How come we never hear about carrier screening, and other types of genetic testing that are relevant to a much larger population?
With media coverage, I’m always fascinated to see the story-angle they take and how the final edit plays out. For example, you might find it interesting to know that our Clinical Director was interviewed on camera for almost three hours in addition to multiple phone interviews off camera, yet the two-line clip from her that made it into the segment is about when we refer certain testers back to traditional testing programs. Where was the discussion about what this new, virtual model of genetic services actually offers?
At the end of the day, however, I should be happy that genetic testing made it into the news. Exposure is good. It increases awareness. Hopefully, it reaches people who can benefit.
(For those of you with a cinematic eye, some of the footage of this Quest segment is filmed beautifully.)
Technorati Tags: media, genetics, genetic testing, brca1, brca2, hereditary cancer risk
February 21st, 2007 at 11:19 pm
Congratulations! A bigger audience is always welcome…
February 27th, 2007 at 5:07 am
I saw you in the video!
Elissa and Ryan looked and sounded great. I felt like they came across like very trustworthy people.
Jodi, the woman the profiled, really touched me. *sniff*
February 27th, 2007 at 10:18 am
Thanks for you comments and congrats. Yes, Hsien, I am always amazed and touched when women like Jodi share their stories. It’s very powerful to work with women like Jodi. It really puts things in perspective.
March 2nd, 2007 at 11:27 am
QUEST also produced a guide for formal and informal educators aimed at helpin them use the television story with students. It includes tips for how to use the media in educational situations - check it out on the Education section of the QUEST web site:
http://www.kqed.org/quest/main/education.
March 5th, 2007 at 10:20 am
Thanks Jessica! This is a great tip.
Readers, from the URL above, you’ll need to click on the upper-right tab “Education”. These Educators sheets are great and I’m excited to think that QUEST is helping to get genetics into the classroom — not only the science of genetics, but discussion of the complicated issues that surround genetics, such as “would you want to know?” and “what would you do with this information.”