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Welcome to the Chair’s Corner

As researchers unlock the secrets of the human genome, testing and treatment for genetic diseases has improved tremendously. This series takes a look at genetic diseases and what we understand about them today, featuring UNC experts who provide up to date information for listeners.

With a leading episode focused on genetic testing and technology, seven specific diseases will be described in-depth throughout this series on questions and concerns that people often have. They explore topics related to genetic testing and when it’s most helpful, and talk about how the incredible advances in technology have changed the testing, treatment, and outlook for many diseases.

The Chair’s Corner is an educational podcast hosted by Dr. Ron Falk, Department of Medicine Chair at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. We hope you’ll join Dr. Falk, a caring physician, world-renowned researcher and mentor of young physicians and scientists. He is passionate about helping patients and their caregivers have access to information that’s empowering and vital to managing their health conditions.

We welcome your feedback.

  • Manish Saha, MD

    Thrombotic Microangiopathy (TMA) – with Dr. Manish Saha

    Dr. Manish Saha talks with Dr. Ron Falk about thrombotic microangiopathy, or TMA. They discuss two types of TMA, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and hemolytic syndrome, and the symptoms associated with each. They also talk about the testing and treatment for TMA. Dr. Saha is an Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Division of Nephrology and Hypertension.

  • Amy Mottl, MD, MPH

    Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) – with Dr. Amy Mottl

    What is polycystic kidney disease, or PKD, and how is it diagnosed and treated? Dr. Amy Mottl talks about this genetic disorder with Dr. Ron Falk, and the complications it can cause. She also discusses new treatments available for patients. Dr. Mottl is an Associate Professor of Medicine in the Division of Nephrology at UNC.

  • Gehi-receives-UMCMD-quality-safety-award

    Long QT Syndrome – with Dr. Anil Gehi

    What is Long QT syndrome? Dr. Anil Gehi describes this genetic condition, the different types of Long QT, and the treatments. Dr. Gehi is an Associate Professor of Medicine in the Division of Cardiology and is Director of Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology lab at UNC.

  • Raj Kasthuri, MD

    Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT) – with Dr. Raj Kasthuri

    Dr. Raj Kasthuri talks about hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia, also known as HHT, with Dr. Ron Falk. Dr. Kasthuri describes the symptoms, how it can affect internal organs, and treatment for HHT. They also discuss some of the reasons that many people who have HHT are not aware of what they have. Dr. Kasthuri is an Associate Professor of Medicine in the Division of Hematology … Read more

  • sidney-barritt

    Hereditary Hemochromatosis – with Dr. Sid Barritt

    What is hereditary hemochromatosis? Dr. Sid Barritt discusses this disease with Dr. Ron Falk. This genetic condition causes excess iron to deposit in different parts of the body. They talk about the symptoms and how one can be tested, and the treatment for hereditary hemochromatosis. Dr. Barritt is an Associate Professor of Medicine in the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatol … Read more

  • Nigel S. Key, MB, ChB, FRCP

    Hemophilia – with Dr. Nigel Key

    What is hemophilia? Dr. Nigel Key discusses this genetic disease with Dr. Ron Falk. They talk about how the disease is inherited, the effectiveness of the treatment, and what’s on the horizon for gene therapy. Dr. Key is the Harold R. Roberts Distinguished Professor of Medicine in the Division of Hematology and Oncology, and is the Director of the UNC Hemophilia and Thrombosis Ce … Read more

  • Nigel S. Key, MB, ChB, FRCP

    Hemophilia – with Dr. Nigel Key

    What is hemophilia? Dr. Nigel Key discusses this genetic disease with Dr. Ron Falk. They talk about how the disease is inherited, the effectiveness of the treatment, and what’s on the horizon for gene therapy. Dr. Key is the Harold R. Roberts Distinguished Professor of Medicine in the Division of Hematology and Oncology, and is the Director of the UNC Hemophilia and Thrombosis Ce … Read more

  • Jim Evans, MD, PhD

    Genetic Testing & Technology – with Dr. Jim Evans

    What is new in genetics as it relates to your health? This episode features Dr. Jim Evans and is the first of a series of episodes focused on genetic diseases. Dr. Evans talks with Dr. Ron Falk about what is new in genetic testing and when it is most helpful for patients. They also discuss concerns and risks of direct-to-consumer genetic tests and CRISPR technology. Dr. Evans is … Read more

  • Jerry Walter

    Fabry disease – with Jerry Walter and Dr. Gerald Hladik

    Fabry disease is an inherited disorder related to an enzyme deficiency and causes many symptoms. This discussion on Fabry disease features both a patient who has this condition, Jerry Walter, and a nephrologist, Dr. Gerald Hladik. Dr. Hladik is the Doc J Thurston Distinguished Professor of Medicine and Chief of the UNC Division of Nephrology and Hypertension.

  • Scott Donaldson, MD

    Cystic Fibrosis (CF) – with Dr. Scott Donaldson

    Dr. Scott Donaldson talks with Dr. Ron Falk about cystic fibrosis, the testing and treatment for CF, and how people are living longer with the disease today. Dr. Donaldson is Professor of Medicine in the Division of Pulmonary Diseases and Critical Care Medicine. He serves as Director of the UNC Adult Cystic Fibrosis Care Center, and he is also the Medical Director for UNC Pulmona … Read more