Seen and Unseen: The Roles That Hold Healthcare Together (Feat: Jessica Everett)

In this episode of Val-You Based Care, Dr. Kimberly Ku sits down with genetic counselor Jessica Everett to explore the often unseen roles that quietly hold healthcare together.From their shared work within the PRECEDE consortium—a global effort advancing early detection for pancreatic cancer—to the evolving landscape of cancer genetics, this conversation highlights the critical contributions of professionals who spend the most time with patients, yet are often underrecognized within the system.Jessica reflects on her journey as a genetic counselor, a field that has transformed from being largely unknown to increasingly central in patient-driven care. Together, they discuss the “double-edged sword” of frontline roles—deep patient connection paired with limited visibility and mobility—and the broader implications this has on workforce sustainability.The episode also examines shifting communication dynamics, the importance of reading today’s patient audience, and the power of public-private partnerships in advancing large-scale research efforts like PRECEDE. At its core, this conversation is about partnership—what it looks like when physicians and care teams elevate one another, and how that collaboration ultimately shapes trust, innovation, and better patient outcomes.Chapters:0:00 - Introduction1:35 - Jessica's research with pancreatic cancer5:56 - Past observations15:25 - Private and public sectors working together26:50 - The diamond in the rough36:20 - Increasing the advocacy behind cancer research43:25 - Helping people feel heard47:53 - Closing remarks