Living Proof: How a Practitioner Uses Genetic Testing to Guide Patient Care

Featuring Jaimee Arroyo

“Everybody deserves to know these things about their bodies.”

In this Living Proof interview, Jaimee Arroyo, a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner, shares how genetic testing has become a foundational tool in her practice and why understanding DNA can help patients make sense of their symptoms and health patterns.

Watch the Full Interview

Listening First, Then Connecting the Dots

Jaimee serves as the lead provider at Hopewell Family Care, where she works alongside a team of nurse practitioners focused on listening to the full patient story.

Rather than treating isolated symptoms, her approach centers on understanding what may be happening beneath the surface and helping patients put the pieces together.

Genetic testing plays a key role in that process.

“MaxGen Labs is a huge part of what we do,” she explains. “It’s a tool we use routinely to help us understand what’s actually going on.”

What Genetic Testing Looks At

The MaxGen Labs test analyzes DNA collected from cheek cells. Within that DNA, the report looks at common genetic variations, often referred to as SNPs.

In simple terms, these variations can affect how certain genes function. Many people carry these variations without realizing they may influence how their body responds to nutrients, environmental exposures, or everyday stressors.

Understanding this information can help explain why someone may be more sensitive to certain triggers and how they might better navigate daily life with fewer symptoms.

When the Report Matches the Patient

One of the things that continues to stand out to Jaimee is how often the genetic report aligns with what she sees clinically.

She describes reviewing results with families and recognizing patterns that mirror real-life behavior, reactions, or health challenges.

Even after reviewing thousands of tests, she says she is still surprised by how closely the genetics match what patients and parents describe.

Making Genetics Understandable

Jaimee also highlights how MaxGen Labs presents genetic information in a way that is accessible.

Rather than overwhelming patients with technical language, the reports clearly explain what a gene may impact and how it relates to everyday health considerations.

She notes that patients can actually read and understand their reports, which helps shift knowledge into their own hands.

A Focus on Privacy

Patient privacy is another aspect Jaimee values deeply.

She explains that MaxGen Labs allows testing without attaching identifying names to samples, offering an additional layer of protection for individuals and families.

In her experience, the emphasis on privacy goes beyond industry norms and reflects a genuine commitment to safeguarding patient information.

When Knowledge Changes Outcomes

Jaimee also shares how understanding her own genetics impacted her personal health journey.

After learning about a genetic variation related to DAO, she discovered research suggesting that targeted support could be helpful. Applying that knowledge made a meaningful difference for her and later informed how she supports other women navigating similar situations.

For her, the takeaway is simple.

“All it’s supposed to be is knowledge,” she says. “And knowledge is power.”

Why Genetics Comes First

Throughout the conversation, one theme remains consistent. When people understand how their body works, they are better equipped to make informed decisions.

Genetic testing is not about diagnosis. It is about education, awareness, and giving people a clearer starting point.

As more individuals learn how genetics can inform health decisions, Jaimee believes more people will seek out this information for themselves.

That, she says, is how real change happens.

Learn More

MaxGen Labs works with thousands of practitioners and also offers genetic testing directly to consumers. The goal is simple: help people understand their genetics so they can make more informed choices about their health.

• Explore the practitioner program
  
  
• View a sample genetic report
  
  
• Learn about The Works Panel - Genetic Methylation & MTHFR