#346 - Scaling biotech and improving global health: lessons from an extraordinary career in medicine | Susan Desmond-Hellmann, M.D., M.P.H.
In this episode of The Peter Attia Drive, Susan Desmond-Hellmann shares her career path from treating AIDS patients in San Francisco to developing cancer treatments at major biotech companies and leading the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Her experiences in Uganda, where she helped expand oncology care and address the AIDS crisis, shaped her approach to combining patient care, epidemiology, and policy in global health.
The discussion covers Desmond-Hellmann's role in developing cancer drugs like Taxol and Herceptin, her leadership at UCSF and the Gates Foundation, and her current work with OpenAI. She and Attia examine AI's potential impact on drug development and healthcare, while addressing the challenges of maintaining public trust in science through clear communication and defined roles for scientists and advocates.
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Sue Desmond-Hellmann's Journey: Medicine, Oncology, Biotech, Global Health
Sue Desmond-Hellmann's career spans from treating AIDS patients in San Francisco to pioneering cancer treatments and leading major health organizations. Her journey began in Reno, where she trained at the University of Nevada before moving to UCSF during the AIDS crisis of the 1980s.
Early Medical Career and Global Health Impact
During her time in Uganda, Desmond-Hellmann encountered the devastating impact of HIV/AIDS and related cancers, which shaped her understanding of combining epidemiology, patient care, and policy in addressing global health crises. Her work there included doubling the country's oncologist population and implementing public health measures to combat the AIDS crisis.
Pioneering Work in Biotech
At Bristol-Myers Squibb and later at Genentech, Desmond-Hellmann played a crucial role in developing groundbreaking cancer drugs including [restricted term], [restricted term], and [restricted term]. She brought her expertise in data programming and patient safety to these roles, though she notes that one significant oversight was not developing diagnostics alongside [restricted term]'s development.
Leadership in Healthcare and Global Health
As UCSF's chancellor, Desmond-Hellmann prioritized philanthropy and financial stability, successfully engaging donors despite the institution's limited alumni network. Later, as CEO of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, she managed diverse initiatives in global health and development while focusing on building a positive organizational culture.
Future of Medicine and AI Integration
Desmond-Hellmann, who serves on OpenAI's board, expresses optimism about AI's potential to revolutionize drug development and healthcare. She believes AI could significantly accelerate the preclinical phase of drug development while emphasizing that it should complement, not replace, human expertise. Reflecting on the COVID-19 pandemic, she and Peter Attia discuss the importance of restoring public trust in science through transparent communication and clear separation between scientific messaging and advocacy roles.
1-Page Summary
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Clarifications
- Sue Desmond-Hellmann played a crucial role in developing groundbreaking cancer drugs like [restricted term], [restricted term], and [restricted term] during her time at Bristol-Myers Squibb and Genentech. Her expertise in data programming and patient safety contributed to the success of these drugs. However, she noted an oversight in not developing diagnostics alongside [restricted term]'s development. Her work in the biotech industry significantly advanced cancer treatment options.
- Doubling Uganda's oncologist population was significant because it helped address the severe shortage of cancer specialists in the country. This increase in oncologists allowed more patients to receive timely and specialized care for cancer, improving treatment outcomes. It also contributed to building a stronger healthcare infrastructure to combat the growing burden of cancer and related diseases in Uganda. Sue Desmond-Hellmann's efforts in this area aimed to enhance the country's capacity to diagnose, treat, and manage cancer cases effectively.
- Desmond-Hellmann's role in data programming involved utilizing data analysis and computational tools to enhance drug development processes and ensure patient safety in the creation of innovative cancer treatments at Bristol-Myers Squibb and Genentech. She leveraged her expertise in data management to optimize research outcomes and improve the efficiency of drug discovery efforts within these biotech companies. This aspect of her work focused on integrating technology and analytics to drive evidence-based decision-making and advance precision medicine initiatives in oncology. By incorporating data programming into her responsibilities, Desmond-Hellmann contributed to the development of groundbreaking therapies like [restricted term], [restricted term], and [restricted term].
- Engaging donors at UCSF despite a limited alumni network was challenging because alumni typically form a significant source of donations for universities. Without a large alumni base, UCSF had to focus on other fundraising strategies such as cultivating relationships with philanthropists, foundations, and corporations. Sue Desmond-Hellmann's efforts in prioritizing philanthropy and financial stability helped UCSF overcome this obstacle by diversifying its donor pool. This approach involved highlighting the institution's impactful research, healthcare initiatives, and potential for global health contributions to attract external funding.
- Desmond-Hellmann managed diverse initiatives at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, focusing on global health and development. These initiatives included projects related to infectious diseases, maternal and child health, nutrition, and access to healthcare in underserved regions. She worked on programs to improve vaccine delivery, combat malaria and tuberculosis, and enhance healthcare systems in developing countries. Additionally, she supported efforts to address issues like sanitation, family planning, and gender equality to advance overall global health and well-being.
- AI could revolutionize drug development and healthcare by analyzing vast amounts of data to identify potential drug candidates more quickly, accurately predicting drug interactions and side effects, and personalizing treatment plans based on individual patient data. Additionally, AI can assist in streamlining clinical trials, optimizing drug dosages, and even discovering new uses for existing medications. This technology has the potential to significantly speed up the research and development process in the medical field, leading to more efficient and tailored healthcare solutions.
- Desmond-Hellmann and Peter Attia discussed the importance of rebuilding public trust in science post-COVID-19 by emphasizing transparent communication. They highlighted the need for a clear distinction between conveying scientific information objectively and engaging in advocacy. This separation ensures that scientific messaging remains unbiased and credible, fostering trust in scientific institutions and experts. By maintaining this distinction, they aim to strengthen public confidence in scientific findings and recommendations.
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Sue Desmond-Hellmann's Journey: Medicine, Oncology, Biotech, Global Health
Sue Desmond-Hellmann's career reflects a commitment to compassionate care and a relentless pursuit of medical innovation. From her roots in Reno to her groundbreaking work in global health, oncology, and biotech, Desmond-Hellmann's path is marked by a dedication to integrating science, patient care, and policy to address pressing health crises.
Sue’s Medical and Oncology Journey During the San Francisco Aids Crisis
Sue Grew Up In Reno, Trained At University of Nevada & UCSF During Aids Epidemic In 1980s
Desmond-Hellmann grew up in Reno and undertook her medical training at the University of Nevada, followed by UCSF during the AIDS crisis beginning. The stark reality of this experience would profoundly influence her future endeavors in medicine and public health.
Sue Specialized In Oncology to Merge Her Compassion For Patients and Interest in Cancer Science
Her residency in Reno introduced her to an oncologist who inspired her to pursue the specialty, uniting her compassion with a deep interest in the science behind cancer. She was instrumental during a time when common therapies like [restricted term] and [restricted term] hadn’t seen innovation for decades.
Sue’s Oncology Work in Uganda Highlighted the HIV/AIDS Impact and the Need to Integrate Epidemiology, Care, and Policy for Global Health Crises
In Uganda, she encountered HIV/AIDS and its related cancers, which emphasized the critical importance of combining epidemiology, patient care, and policy. She focused on adult oncology, doubling the country's oncologist population and facing a significant AIDS crisis before the advent of antiretrovirals. She also worked on public health measures like the Zero Grazing campaign and aided in treating sexually transmitted diseases that could exacerbate the HIV epidemic.
Sue's Transition to Biotech and Pioneering Cancer Drugs
Sue Joined Bristol-Myers Squibb to Develop Major Cancer Drugs Like [restricted term], [restricted term], and [restricted term]
After her work in global health, Desmond-Hellmann took her expertise to Bristol-Myers Squibb, where she became a consultant focused on drug safety for [restricted term]. This role evolved, and she eventually led the project team, securing [restricted term]’s approval for breast cancer in the US and Europe. She tackled problems from severe allergic reactions to post-approval surveillance while also contributing to the development of other significant drugs like [restricted term], [restricted term], and, later at Genentech, [restricted term].
Sue Guided Cancer Therapy Development, Focusing On Dosing, Patient Selection, and Diagnostic Testing
Her experience in Uganda provided her with valuable skills in data programming for safety labeling, which she employed in her roles in the biotech industry. Desmond-Hellmann's attention to detail was evident in her ...
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Sue Desmond-Hellmann's Journey: Medicine, Oncology, Biotech, Global Health
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Actionables
- You can explore the intersection of healthcare and technology by volunteering with telemedicine initiatives in your community. By assisting in the setup or facilitation of telehealth services, you contribute to expanding patient access to treatments, much like the efforts to ensure patient access to life-saving treatments in oncology. For example, you might help seniors navigate telemedicine platforms at a local clinic, thereby improving their ability to receive care remotely.
- Consider starting a book club focused on medical narratives and public health issues to deepen your understanding of the human side of medicine. This can foster empathy and awareness similar to the compassion for patients that drove Sue's specialization in oncology. You could select books that cover personal stories of those affected by diseases like cancer or HIV/AIDS, and discuss the implications on healthcare policy and individual lives.
- Engage with local cancer support grou ...
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Cancer Treatment and Global Health Innovations Driven by Sue's Experiences
Susan Desmond-Hellmann's leadership in healthcare and global health has been characterized by her roles at UCSF and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Her efforts have influenced innovations in both cancer treatment and the broader scope of global health initiatives.
Sue's Roles at UCSF & Gates Foundation: Innovating Healthcare & Global Health
Chancellor Sue Prioritized UCSF's Finances, Research, and Partnerships to Advance Its Mission
Susan Desmond-Hellmann, as chancellor of UCSF, focused on philanthropy which was critical for the institution’s financial success. The university gained from donations from wealthy individuals, particularly during the period of economic recovery. Desmond-Hellmann cites philanthropy as key to UCSF’s success during her tenure and notes that her successor continues to benefit from this approach. UCSF’s efforts to engage donors were crucial; the institution does not have a broad alumni network like Stanford due to the lack of an undergraduate program. The donor base comprised primarily of grateful patients and individuals interested in science and technology. Desmond-Hellmann learned from John Ford, a former head of Stanford's fundraising, that sharing hopes and dreams with potential donors to find a mutual passion was the key to successful fundraising. Her commitment to using money wisely and the engaging fundraising approach that allowed her to meet great people contributed to her success at UCSF.
Sue, CEO of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Aligned Global Health and Development Priorities, Leveraging Her Expertise in Medicine, Oncology, and Biotech
She accepted the CEO role at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation after receiving an unexpected email from Melinda Gates and discussions with the Gates couple, who valued her extensive background in clinical work, research, epidemiology, and management. Although she recognized differing views between Bill and Melinda Gates on the foundation's operation, Desmond-Hellmann felt she resonated with both perspectives. She believed UCSF would thrive without her due to potential successors and the financial stability she helped achieve and thus embarked on the new role.
Desmond-Hellmann's tenure as CEO at the Gates Foundation included building culture and managing diverse initiatives encompassing global health, global development, and financial services for the poor. She emphasized understanding people, ensuring their well-being, and building a culture that brings out the best in individuals while allowing them ownership.
Sue's Gates Foundation Tenure: Building Culture and Managing Diverse Initiatives
Managing people and culture at the Gates Foundation was a challenge she addressed through various means, including enhancing business processes and enabling personal interactions within the organization. She placed a high value on people thriving at work and promoted a positive work environment. Reflecting on her time at Genentech concerning [restricted term], she recalls reinforcing company culture by prioritizing patient benefit over profit, and at the Gates Foundation, she supported presenters during rigorous questioning, helping them thrive and reinforcing a positive culture.
Sue's Perspectives on Future Medicine, Including AI Impact
Sue Is Optimistic About AI Streamlining Drug Developme ...
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Cancer Treatment and Global Health Innovations Driven by Sue's Experiences
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Clarifications
- Desmond-Hellmann served as the Chancellor of UCSF, focusing on financial strategies and donor engagement to support the institution's mission. At the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, she held the position of CEO, overseeing initiatives in global health, development, and financial services for the underserved. Her roles involved aligning priorities, building culture, and managing diverse programs to advance healthcare and global health innovations.
- Susan Desmond-Hellmann has played significant roles at UCSF and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, focusing on healthcare and global health initiatives. At UCSF, she prioritized philanthropy for financial success, while at the Gates Foundation, she aligned global health and development priorities leveraging her expertise in medicine and biotech. Her leadership emphasized building culture, managing diverse initiatives, and embracing the potential of AI in healthcare and drug development.
- At UCSF, fundraising strategies involved engaging primarily with grateful patients and individuals interested in science and technology due to the university's lack of a broad alumni network like Stanford. Susan Desmond-Hellmann emphasized sharing hopes and dreams with potential donors to establish mutual passion, a key aspect of successful fundraising. Her approach focused on using funds wisely and fostering personal connections with donors to support the institution's financial stability and success. The engagement of donors through philanthropy played a crucial role in advancing UCSF's mission and initiatives during Desmond-Hellmann's tenure.
- Managing people and culture at the Ga ...
Counterarguments
- While philanthropy played a significant role in UCSF's financial success under Desmond-Hellmann, it could be argued that reliance on philanthropy may not be sustainable or replicable for all institutions, especially those without access to wealthy donors or those in regions with less emphasis on philanthropic giving.
- The focus on engaging donors based on shared passions and dreams is commendable, but it might also be critiqued for potentially prioritizing the interests of donors over the broader needs of the institution or the community it serves.
- Desmond-Hellmann's alignment with the Gates Foundation's priorities is a strength, but it could be argued that her background might have also led to a particular focus that may have overlooked other important areas in global health that do not align as closely with her expertise.
- The emphasis on building culture and managing people at the Gates Foundation is important, but some might argue that the effectiveness of such initiatives is difficult to measure and that the actual impact on global health outcomes should be the primary metric of success.
- Desmond-Hellmann's optimism about AI in healthcare is shared by many, but critics might point out that the integration of AI into drug development and healthcare systems faces significant challenges, including data privacy concerns, potential job displacement, and the need for robust re ...
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Medicine's Present and Future: Ai's Impact
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in medicine promises to revolutionize healthcare by improving drug development and healthcare access.
Covid-19 Lessons: Restoring Trust in Science and Medicine
Covid-19 Pandemic Revealed Weaknesses in Public Health Response, Highlighting Communication Issues and Blurred Science-Advocacy Line
As discussed by Peter Attia, the Covid-19 pandemic has revealed significant issues in public health, such as the fast development of vaccines against distrust caused by communication failures. Susan Desmond-Hellmann expresses her dismay at the current public health narrative and its communication issues during the pandemic.
Concern Over Erosion of Public Trust in Science and Medicine
Attia and Desmond-Hellmann share concerns about the public’s eroding trust in science and medicine that has emerged following the response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Attia worries that pandemic preparedness may not have improved since 2019.
Restoring Trust Requires the Medical Community to Be Transparent About Mistakes, Acknowledge Science's Evolving Nature, and Separate Roles of Communicators and Advocates
Attia criticizes the decision to have one individual, such as Dr. Fauci, handle both science and advocacy roles, blurring necessary distinctions. To restore confidence, Attia insists on an honest admission of mistakes and a willingness to adapt to new scientific information. Desmond-Hellmann stresses the need to communicate scientific changes transparently. She participated in the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology and co-chaired a report on the future of public health, likely influenced by such insights.
Ai's Role in Transforming Drug Development and Healthcare Access
Desmond-Hellmann, who sits on the board of OpenAI, shares her excitement about the potential of AI in streamlining drug development pipelines and accelerating preclinical research.
Sue excited to use AI for streamlining drug development pipeline, automating data analysis, and accelerating preclinical research
She suggests that AI could significan ...
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Medicine's Present and Future: Ai's Impact
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Counterarguments
- AI integration in medicine may not be a panacea due to potential biases in data, lack of transparency in algorithms, and the risk of over-reliance on technology.
- The weaknesses in public health response during the Covid-19 pandemic may not solely be attributed to communication issues; factors such as resource allocation, political interference, and global coordination also played significant roles.
- Erosion of public trust in science and medicine might also stem from broader societal trends, such as the rise of misinformation and disinformation on social media, rather than just the actions of the medical community.
- While transparency and acknowledging mistakes are important, restoring trust also requires systemic changes, including better education on scientific literacy and critical thinking for the public.
- Streamlining drug development with AI could lead to unintended consequences, such as reduced thoroughness in safety evaluations or overlooking complex biological interactions that AI does not yet fully understand.
- Enhancing human expertise with AI in clinical trials and patient care must be carefully managed to avoid deskilling professionals and to ensure that AI supports rather ...
Actionables
- You can foster trust in science by starting conversations about recent health-related topics with friends and family, focusing on the evolving nature of scientific understanding. By discussing how scientific recommendations can change with new evidence, you help normalize the idea that science is a process of learning and refinement, not a static set of facts.
- Enhance your healthcare literacy by using AI-powered health apps that provide personalized insights based on your data. These apps often use the same AI principles mentioned for drug development and can give you a hands-on understanding of how AI supports health decisions, without needing any medical expertise.
- Advocate for AI transparency ...
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