Like, Share, Care: Social Media and Patient Engagement for Genetics Professionals

Description

In this engaging presentation, Dena Goldberg, MS, CGC—aka Dena DNA — the most-followed genetic content creator on social media—shares her unique insights on how healthcare professionals can leverage social media to expand awareness of genetics and genetic counseling. Attendees will explore the power of social media as a tool for education, advocacy, and connection by understanding the difference between traditional and social media, examining real-life examples of patient engagement and the reach of impactful content, discovering practical ways to create infographics, short-form videos, and live streams that resonate with diverse audiences and unpacking the pros and cons of social media use, including the potential for misinformation. Through compelling statistics, case studies, and actionable strategies, this talk empowers genetic counselors to begin or improve their presence online, extending their impact beyond the clinic to serve patients where they are—on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook and more.

Level of Instruction
Intermediate - Refresher course; some basic knowledge of subject recommended

Learning Objectives

  1. Demonstrate the benefits of using social media as a tool to enhance patient education, awareness, and engagement in genetics.
  2. Understand patients' needs and expectations for reliable health information while addressing the risks of misinformation in the digital age.
  3. Identify three effective strategies that genetics professionals can implement on social media to reach and serve individuals with hereditary conditions
Course summary
Available credit: 
  • 0.10 NSGC CEU
  • 1.00 PACE Contact Hour
Course opens: 
01/23/2025
Course expires: 
01/23/2027
Cost:
$0.00

Presenter: Dena Goldberg, MS, CGC

Genetic Counselor and Founder at Malibu Genetics LLC

Dena is a board-certified genetic counselor with 9 years of clinical experience, a content creator, science communicator and healthcare thought leader. Formerly the Endowed Counselor of Hereditary Gastrointestinal Cancer Prevention with the UCSF Cancer Genetics and Prevention program, she left clinic to grow her personal brand, Dena DNA, a media brand with a mission to spread awareness of medical genetics and genetic counseling to the general public through media and marketing techniques not typically used by the medical community. Dena has consulted for major laboratories and creates sponsored content for companies and organizations in the genetics and healthcare space. Dena draws, animates, writes, voices, films, and edits many different forms of content. As the most followed genetic counselor on social media, with over 75,000 followers across platforms, and her years of social media experience, she has her finger on the pulse of trending health topics. Dena is also a sibling of an adult with a chromosome abnormality, an undiagnosed disease patient and a fertility/IVF warrior. Her exposure to the healthcare system as a patient AND provider has given her valuable insights and a unique perspective on the future of healthcare and educational needs. She has also appeared as an expert on TV news segments and as a media personality. She currently sees patients via telemedicine through her private practice, Malibu Genetics Concierge, where she specializes in cancer genetics and preventive medicine.

 

Moderator: Victoria Suslovitch, MS, CGC

Genomic Science Liaison, Rare Disease at Ambry Genetics

Victoria joined Ambry Genetics in 2023 as a Genomic Science Liaison for the Rare Disease team. In her role, she educates healthcare providers about genetic testing and genomic medicine, and aims to advance access, equity, and quality of genetics services. Prior to joining Ambry, Victoria was a research genetic counselor at Boston Children's Hospital, for a study that develops genomically targeted therapies for children with rare neurological diseases. She received her Master of Science in Genetic Counseling degree from Boston University, and is certified by the American Board of Genetic Counseling

Educational Independence and Disclosure Policy

EducateNext is committed to providing independent, objective, and evidence-based educational content. None of the individuals in control of this content—including our planners, reviewers, and approval faculty—have any financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose. For all educational sessions, speaker-specific disclosures regarding any potential conflicts of interest are required and will always be shared directly with learners at the beginning of their respective presentations.

Ambry Genetics is approved as a provider for continuing education program by NSGC and ASCLS P.A.C.E ® Programs.

 

Available Credit

  • 0.10 NSGC CEU
  • 1.00 PACE Contact Hour

Price

Cost:
$0.00
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