#56-Why is communication important in genetic care?

Dr. Marleah Dean Kruzel explores the critical role of communication in healthcare, emphasizing how effective dialogue between clinicians and patients can improve health outcomes, reduce errors, and foster trust. She shares personal stories, research findings, and practical tips for enhancing health communication, especially around uncertainty and complex medical information.

Key Words: healthcare communication, patient-provider interaction, medical uncertainty, storytelling in science, health literacy, genetic counseling, medical errors, patient engagement, science communication, healthcare research

Topics Covered:

• Importance of communication in healthcare
• Impact of uncertainty on patient decisions
• Role of storytelling in science and medicine
• Barriers to effective patient-provider communication
• Strategies for improving health literacy and trust

Guest Bio:

Marleah Dean Kruzel (PhD, Texas A&M University) is a professor, researcher, and speaker in healthcare communication. Her research focuses on communication of genetic risk information, has been published in numerous peer-reviewed journals, and funded by the National Cancer Institute, American Cancer Society, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute. The daughter of a 28-year-old breast cancer survivor and BRCA2 previvor herself, she is committed to patient engagement and science communication. For example, she participated in the CDC’s “Bring Your Brave” campaign designed to educate and inspire young women regarding breast cancer risk, frequently gives community presentations and is featured on podcasts to disseminate her about research results. Dr. Dean Kruzel is also a Scientific Advisory Board member for the non-profits FORCE and My Faulty Gene.

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marleah-dean-kruzel-ph-d-02062128/

Here are more resources related to today’s topic:

• Marleah's story on CDC's Bring Your Brave campaign: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbDIUIXPsqM
• Marleah's TEDx talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RVpgP_0XTs
• Marleah’s website
• Marleah’s YouTube channel
• Society of Behavioral Medicine website
• University of South Florida Genetic Counseling Program

Please subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts to stay updated on new episodes of All Access DNA. Listen to past episodes on your favorite podcast play by searching “All Access DNA” or by streaming from our website at allaccessdna.podbean.com

Any inquiries on the podcast can be sent to AllAccessDNA@gmail.com

Note that this podcast is for entertainment and education and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your physician with any questions you may have regarding your health.

The All Access DNA team includes: host, producer and editor Kate Wilson. The logo is designed by Designs by NKJ. Our Social Media Lead is Casey Lepley.