Genetic Counseling Conversations with Kahlen Darr

Today we’re joined by Kahlen Darr, a genetic counselor at Mayo Clinic who specializes in inherited retinal and complex genetic disorders. We’re diving into how genetic testing works in ophthalmology and what clinicians need to know. Don’t miss this one! Subscribe to the podcast:  https://MayoClinicOphthalmology.podbean.com  Follow and reach out to us on X and IG: @mayocliniceye 0:00 Introduction to Genetic Testing 1:43 Genetic Counseling Patient Encounter 3:33 Referral Expectations and First Visit 4:47 Family History and Pedigree Review 7:32 Pre-Test Counseling and Patient Trust 8:37 Partnering With Genetic Counselors 11:54 Sponsored Testing and Patient Choice 13:46 First Steps in Retinal Disease 16:59 Genetic Testing Yield and Limitations 18:52 Negative Results and Broader Sequencing 21:38 Genome Reanalysis Over Time 23:25 Reading Genetic Reports Carefully 28:26 Reclassifying Uncertain Variants 30:07 Counseling Through Difficult Results 33:12 When to Involve Medical Geneticists 37:10 Family Implications and Cascade Testing 39:55 Common Testing and Communication Mistakes 42:09 Risks and Benefits of Genetic Testing 45:03 Future of Genetic Care Models 47:47 Closing Remarks and Podcast Outro From Mayo Clinic to your inbox, sign-up for free: https://mayocl.in/3e71zfi Visit Mayo Clinic: https://mayocl.in/2COVmlm Like Mayo Clinic on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mayoclinic/ Follow Mayo Clinic on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayoclinic/ Follow Mayo Clinic on Twitter: https://twitter.com/mayoclinic