Health Professional Radio - Podcast

Scott Megaffin, CEO of Adastra Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a company focused on the treatment of cancers with high unmet needs (such as high-grade gliomas), discusses positive top-line data from their Phase 1b clinical trial conducted by the National Cancer Institute evaluating zotiraciclib (ZTR/TG02) in combination with temozolomide (TMZ) in patients with recurrent high-grade gliomas, which have a near-100% mortality rate and very limited therapeutic options. He also talks about Adastra's plans for the future development of ZTR. Scott Megaffin, Chief Executive Officer at Adastra Pharmaceuticals Inc. Mr. Megaffin has more than 30 years of related experience in the pharmaceutical industry. Scott plans and directs all aspects of Adastra operational objectives, policies and initiatives. He is responsible for the development of the functional business strategy of Adastra, including investor relations and communication of the corporate vision and supporting values. Prior to joining Adastra, Mr. Megaffin served as

Astellas Oncology has announced the three finalists for the 2020 C3 Prize (Changing Cancer Care). One of the finalists, Lisa McKenzie is here to share her vision in Changing Cancer Care with "You Night Empowering Events: A narrative therapy storytelling course that helps cancer patients articulate their life’s journey, find their inner strength, and encourage others with cancer". The finalists will pitch their ideas to an expert judging panel of leaders in business, innovation, and cancer care, with cancer activist and entrepreneur Bill Rancic serving as emcee, at a virtual pitch event on March 23, 2021 Lisa McKenzie is an entrepreneur from Louisiana, passionate about empowering others in her community. Lisa founded an organization to help women embrace life beyond cancer. She believes in the power of storytelling and wants to remind people that they are more than their cancer diagnosis. C3 Prize Idea: A narrative therapy storytelling course that helps cancer patients articulate their life’s journey, find

Marc Meachem, Head of External Affairs U.S. at ViiV Healthcare, discusses a recent report released by ViiV Healthcare called “Tal Como Soy/Here as I Am” which analyzed multiple factors that contribute to the disproportionate impact on Latinx LGBTQ+ men’s ability to access preventive care and HIV treatment. He talks about how this report and learned insights can help healthcare professionals improve care and access. With more than two decades of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, Mr. Meachem has held leadership roles in various therapeutic areas across commercial development, marketing, and communications. He earned a B.A. in French language and literature and a B.S. in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania, and an M.B.A. from the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University. As head of External Affairs US at ViiV Healthcare, Mr. Meachem directs all U.S. external public affairs activities. He is committed to grounding the work in deep insights based on the lives of people living with and affe

Returning guest and study author, Steve Shak, Chief Medical Officer at Exact Sciences discusses results presented at SABCS (San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium) from the Phase 3 RxPONDER (Rx for Positive Node, Endocrine Responsive) study, one of the largest randomized, prospective clinical trials in women with node-positive, hormone receptor-positive (HR+), HER2- early-stage breast cancer. Dr. Steve Shak is the Chief Medical Officer for Exact Sciences. Joining the company in 2019 upon the closing of the Genomic Health / Exact Sciences combination, his key responsibilities include leading strategy for the company’s clinical development plans, building relationships with key leaders and institutions in the cancer community, and ensuring the voice of patients and physicians are heard at all levels of the organization. Before serving as Chief Medical Officer, he was the Co-Founder, Chief Medical Officer, and Chief Scientific Officer at Genomic Health, driving Oncotype DX assay development in breast, prostate and

John Huemoeller, CEO of AXIM® Biotechnologies, an international healthcare solutions company based in San Diego targeting oncological and COVID-19 research, discusses three first-of-their-kind COVID-19 neutralizing antibody tests. They have developed the world's first rapid diagnostic test for detecting COVID-19 neutralizing antibodies and are waiting on EUA approval based on its proven test's accuracy in blood and serum. John Huemoeller currently serves as CEO of AXIM Biotechnologies, Inc. Mr. Huemoeller has over 35 years’ experience in investment banking, finance, sales and marketing. He began his career as an investment advisor in 1982 with M.L. Stern & Company a municipal bond firm in California and became a registered principal in 1985. He has previously been registered with various state insurance boards, as well as with the Chicago Board of Trade as a commodities broker. Mr. Huemoeller has worked for Smith Barney, Drexel Burnham, Prudential Securities, and Paine Webber and has extensive experienc

Dave Marver, CEO of ONWARD, discusses the work they are doing with both non-invasive and implantable neuromodulation technologies to improve the quality of life for people with spinal cord injury. The company just enrolled the first patient in its clinical trial, Up-LIFT, which is testing the safety and effectiveness of ARC Therapy™ in restoring hand and arm function in people living with spinal cord injury. Dave Marver became the CEO of ONWARD in July of 2020. He has a substantial track record in the medical technology industry, driving success as a senior executive across a range of companies in the United States and Europe. He spent nearly 15 years in a variety of executive positions at Medtronic, a global leader in medical technology. He was also CEO of Cardiac Science Corporation, then a NASDAQ-listed manufacturer of automated external defibrillators, stress test treadmills, and electrocardiograph machines. Dave also co-founded two startup companies, one in orthopedics and another in sports technology

Paul Brennan, President and CEO of NervGen Pharma Corp, developer of treatments related to nerve damage and neurodegenerative diseases, discusses the struggle for financial backing for the development of drugs to treat conditions such as traumatic brain injury and stroke. He compares this to the 'money' available to finding an effective treatment and cure for Alzheimer’s disease. President and Chief Executive Officer. Paul Brennan has over 30 years of experience in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries working in leadership roles in general management, corporate strategy, commercial planning, business development and regulatory affairs in Canada, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Most recently Mr. Brennan’s experiences include senior business development and management positions in various biotech companies, including Aquinox Pharmaceuticals, Arbutus Biopharma, Aspreva Pharmaceuticals, and AnorMED Inc. Mr. Brennan has a comprehensive list of business development and licensing transactio

Steven Engle, CEO of CohBar, Inc, a clinical stage biotechnology company discusses his article in "Grit Daily" (Jan 8, 2021) on NASA's breakthrough study published in "Cell" (Nov 25, 2020) on the effects of space travel on mitochondria. Mr. Engle joined CohBar as Chief Executive Officer and Director in 2019. From 2011 to 2019, he served as the Chief Executive Officer of Averigon, an advisory firm to the life science industry. From 2007 to 2011, Mr. Engle was Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of XOMA Corporation (NASDAQ: XOMA), a publicly traded biotechnology company developing antibody therapeutics for multiple diseases. From 1993 to 2006, he held several executive management roles including serving as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at La Jolla Pharmaceutical Company (NASDAQ: LJPC), a publicly traded biotechnology company developing therapeutics for autoimmune diseases. Mr. Engle is chairman of Prescient Therapeutics (ASX: PTX), and a director on the boards of AROA Biosurgery (AUS: ARX) a

Dr. Mike, a clinical psychologist discusses the podcast he is hosting called "Going There". presented by Sound Mind Live and Consequences of Sound. The weekly podcast aims to create a safe space for musicians to have honest, healthy conversations about mental health. Each episode covers the experience of artists and creatives as it pertains to specific issues, be it depression, anxiety, addiction, whatever they bring to the table. The goal is to de-stigmatize these topics and learn from each other. Dr. Mike is a clinical psychologist and executive coach. He has over 30 years of experience in the study and practice of helping people with mental and physical health issues as well as personal and interpersonal growth. He attended the University of Pennsylvania as an undergraduate, Yale University for his Ph.D. in clinical psychology, and Brown University for his clinical internship and post-doctoral fellowship. During that time, he was fortunate to learn a range of approaches to the understanding and modificat

Dr. Tania Gonzalez-Rivera, MD, BENLYSTA Global Medical Affairs Lead at GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) discusses the recent FDA approval of BENLYSTA (Belimumab) the first and only approved biologic treatment for both lupus and adult patients with active lupus nephritis who are receiving standard therapy. This approval builds on 10 years of clinical evidence. Tania C. González-Rivera, MD, BENLYSTA Global Medical Affairs Lead at GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), has a deep breadth of experience in Medical Affairs spanning a variety of therapeutic areas. As a board-certified rheumatologist with clinical expertise in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and other complex autoimmune diseases, she also has extensive knowledge regarding clinical trials and a background in translational research for SLE and lupus nephritis (LN). Dr. González-Rivera earned her Doctor in Medicine and completed her Residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, and completed her Rheumatology Fellowship at the University o

Dr. Ed Baker, FACOG, an OB/GYN and Senior Director, Medical Affairs, Cervical Cancer Solutions at Roche Molecular Diagnostics, discusses advanced biomarker technology that provides evidence and insights that simplify testing, find cervical cancer earlier, and give physicians more definitive information for confident diagnosis and decision-making. He talks about how this technology substantially lowers the risk of missed disease in HPV positive women and the critical role the medical lab plays in cervical cancer prevention. Dr. Baker trained and received his medical training at Loma Linda University. After completing his specialty training in Obstetrics and Gynecology, he practiced in the San Francisco bay area as a community physician for nearly 10 years.

Dr. Louis Aronne, MD, FACP, Chief Medical Officer of Intellihealth and medical director of the Comprehensive Weight Control Center at Weill Cornell, discusses the latest medical obesity treatment: Intellihealth’s Evolve -- a technology platform for medically-supervised weight management. Louis J. Aronne, MD, FACP is a leading authority on obesity and its treatment. He is the Sanford I. Weill Professor of Metabolic Research at Weill-Cornell Medical College and directs the Center for Weight Management and Metabolic Clinical Research, a state-of-the-art, multidisciplinary obesity research and treatment program. He has an adjunct appointment at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. Dr. Aronne is Founder and CEO of BMIQ, a weight control program that is delivered by health care providers to their patients during office visits. Dr. Aronne graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Trinity College with a BS in biochemistry and from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He completed his internship an

There has been a drastic drop in breast and colorectal cancer screenings. Hospitals that are overrun and overwhelmed have prolonged and, in many cases, halted the diagnosis and treatment of serious illness. Dr. Bhoomi Mehrotra, MD, Director of Oncology and Director of The Cancer Institute at St. Francis Hospital in NY, discusses how they are continuing to screen, diagnose and treat patients, and the importance of encouraging communities to not postpone their annual exams or checkups. Bhoomi Mehrotra, M.D., is both Director of Oncology and Director of The Cancer Institute at St. Francis Hospital, The Heart Center. Before coming to St. Francis, Dr. Mehrotra was the Associate Chief of Oncology at North Shore LIJ Department of Medicine. Prior to that, he served as section chief of Medical Oncology and Director of the Adult Autologous Stem Cell Program at Long Island Jewish Medical Center in New Hyde Park, New York. He is currently an Associate Professor of Medicine at the Hofstra-North Shore-LIJ School of Medic

Dr. Ernest J. Grant, Ph.D., RN, FAAN, President of the American Nurses Association discusses the COVID-19 HCP vaccine education effort featuring a video series with healthcare professionals and an introduction from Dr. Anthony Fauci. This is a partnership with the Ad Council and the COVID Collaborative supported by 18 leading health organizations. He talks about why he got involved, ways nurses can best prepare to address patient questions about COVID-19 vaccination, and his personal experience in a COVID-19 clinical trial. The Q+A video is available on the Ad Council’s YouTube page.

Katherine Wilemon, founder of the Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) Foundation, who had a heart attack at age 39 due to undiagnosed and unmanaged FH, and Dr. Pamela Taub, an Associate Professor of Medicine in the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine at the University of California San Diego, discuss the risks associated with poorly managed cholesterol, risk factors for FH and treatment approaches that can make a difference for people who struggle to reach their cholesterol goals. Katherine Wilemon is the Founder, President & CEO of the FH Foundation, a leading research and advocacy non-profit organization focused on reducing heart disease by driving scientific understanding and evidence-based care of familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). FH is a common, but vastly under diagnosed, genetic disorder. After being turned away from the ER several times and having a heart attack at the age of 38, Katherine set out to raise awareness of FH and help others to receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate care. The

Lead author, Dr. Klaus Witte, Senior Lecturer and Consultant Cardiologist, University of Leeds and Leeds General Infirmary, discusses findings from a new economic study titled "Cost-effectiveness of an insertable cardiac monitor to detect atrial fibrillation in patients with cryptogenic stroke". Results were recently published in the Journal of Comparative Effectiveness Research. Klaus Witte is a Senior Lecturer and Consultant Cardiologist in the Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine at the University of Leeds. He has his own group investigating the relationship between pacemaker therapy and heart failure and also is the Head of the Department of Clinical and Population Science in the Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine with line management responsibilities for over 40 investigators, fellows and technical staff. His research interests include vitamin D in CHF, and he was principle investigator of VINDICATE, the largest study of vitamin D supplementation in CHF patien

Oncologist Dr. Tim Dorius shares how he provided a second opinion for a stage 4 lung cancer patient using Caris Life Sciences® full molecular profiling to identify the best treatment option. Tim Dorius, M.D. Dr. Dorius received his medical degree from the University of Oklahoma. He completed his internal medicine residency and hematology/oncology fellowship at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, serving as Chief Fellow during his final year of fellowship. He is board-certified in medical oncology, hematology, and internal medicine. He is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, American Society of Hematology, Nebraska Medical Association, Nebraska Oncology Society, and the Metro Omaha Medical Society. Dr. Dorius lives in Omaha with his wife and their six children.

Studies show that by the second week of February, 80% of people have already given up on their New Year’s resolutions. Bob Raleigh, founder of PathSight Predictive Science and author of "The Search for Why: A Revolutionary New Model for Understanding Others, Improving Communication, and Healing Division" (Simon & Schuster's Tiller Press; Jan 19. 2021) explains how we can use a new scientific model, that classifies people into 5 unique Individual Behavioral Patterns and how this model can help to fulfill future goals and become more successful in life. Bob Raleigh is the founder and managing partner of PathSight Predictive Science. Previously, he was CEO of Rockefeller Consulting and a longtime television executive at Carsey-Werner. He holds a PhD in psychology from Syracuse University.

Nancy Duitch, CEO of The Sera Labs, and Chief Strategic Officer of CURE Pharmaceutical discusses Sera Labs' wellness, beauty and CBD products, what makes them unique, and partnering with Nicole Kidman as a strategic partner. She also talks about Sera Labs' newest product line, Nutri-Strips which deliver supplements and vitamins on an oral thin film for on-the-go, easy consumption. Nancy Duitch joined CURE Pharmaceutical in September 2020 as the CEO of wholly-owned subsidiary, The Sera Labs, and as Chief Strategic Officer of CURE’s Wellness Division after selling the company she founded and ran as CEO to CURE. Nancy has more than 30 years as an entrepreneur and leader in the consumer products industry and is responsible for building successful global branding campaigns that have generated more than $3 billion in consumer product sales for some of the most well-known and beloved national and international brands, including Ab Roller, Ab Trainer, Biotopical Skin Care, Bun & Thigh Max, Ab Revolutionizer, Ult

Dr. Susan Bailey, President of the American Medical Association, discusses her involvement in the Ad Council’s latest COVID Vaccination video resource for healthcare professionals, the important role providers can play in inspiring a better understanding and confidence, and key questions to be prepared for. The video, developed by the Ad Council and the COVID Collaborative, supported by 18 leading health organizations, features a Q&A video series from Dr. Anthony Fauci.