Today we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth (Liz) Kearney.
Hi Elizabeth (Liz), so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
When I was 14 years old, my mother, a nurse, explained that my uncle, her brother, had hemophilia A. She explained X-linked inheritance, which meant that she (and I) could be a carrier even though we have no symptoms. I was fascinated that something at a molecular level could have such wide-ranging implications on a family. I researched genetics and learned about genetic counseling. I have been a genetic counselor for over 20 years.
In my time, I have seen so many families who could have benefited from genetic services much earlier than they found them. For example, some people have a family member with an inherited disease. Others might have a healthy family but could have a genetic test to find out if they are carriers of an inherited disease. If they spoke with a genetic counselor before starting their families, they would have more choices. That would mean they could consider options like IVF with genetic testing for embryos, using an egg or sperm donor, or adoption. Sadly, in medicine, the “this is how we do it” approach prevails. Typically, prenatal care providers ask some basic family history questions and offer standard genetic testing, but more than 1 in 10 pregnancies have a genetic risk that typical prenatal care won’t find. A more detailed family history reviewed by a trained genetic counselor would expand their options. I founded Mainstream Genomics, LLC to fill that gap. I want people to learn about how genetics could benefit them as early as possible, so they have more choices available to them. By offering telehealth services, my service is more easily accessed. Consumers can find it on their own instead of depending on a doctor to tell them they should go. It doesn’t matter where in Los Angeles a person lives, they can get the help of a specially trained genetic counselor whether they are just thinking about children or ready now.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Many people feel anxious when they hear about genetics or birth defects, so some people don’t want to consider genetic counseling. It’s understandable that prospective parents don’t want to think about anything going wrong in a pregnancy. Most pregnancies result in a healthy baby. However, if people plan ahead, they can take some common sense steps to get ready for pregnancy. One of those is collecting medical background on family members and sharing them with a genetic counselor. Doing so means they will have more options available.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Mainstream Genomics, LLC helps prospective parents learn whether genetic services could benefit them. It’s a 4-step process. People order the service, and then they fill out a simple health and family questionnaire online. A licensed genetic counselor reviews the health information and generates a Personalized Screening Plan. Finally, the person schedules a phone or video consultation with the genetic counselor. We’re different from what prenatal and fertility care providers do because we offer services much earlier in the family planning process, delve much more comprehensively into the family medical background, and employ expert genetic counselors who are familiar with the latest about genetic disease and genetic testing. We also have free information guides about standard genetic testing and a blog that covers topics related to collecting family medical background and genetic testing. We’re really proud of how we make it easier to understand the basics about genetic services and of being a resource to people who are starting or growing a family. We want people to know that we aren’t here to push anyone into anything they don’t want to do. We just want people to have the best information for them. We will support any decision our customers make about genetic testing or other services.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
Yes, the silver lining for us is that we shifted to communicate directly with consumers. Before the pandemic, we were working with physician offices to ask them to refer patients to us. Although we want to support physicians too, they had their hands full with COVID protocols and now the surge in cases. Therefore, we have created an experience that we believe benefits the consumer. It’s better because many physicians won’t identify all of the patients who could benefit from meeting with a genetic counselor.
Pricing:
- $149 Pregnancy Planning Family Screen
- $149 Prospective Parent Family Screen (For men)
- $149 Health & Wellness Family Screen (for adults who want to manage their own health)
- $199 to combine a Health & Wellness Screen with any other Screen
Contact Info:
- Email: info@mainstreamgenomics.com
- Website: https://www.mainstreamgenomics.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mainstreamgenomics/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MainstreamGene
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MainstreamGene
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