July 23rd 2024 – This week we have the privilege of speaking with Amol Karnick, President and CEO of KA Imaging, spun out of the University of Waterloo, Ontario. Amol and his team are developing high dynamic range and lower dose x-ray detectors for the medical, industrial, and veterinary imaging markets. Their portable x-rays provide a high-resolution view of both hard and soft tissues, which Amol hopes will revolutionize medical imaging.

KA Imaging: KAimaging.com
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Lab Occupier: laboccupier.com

April 16th 2024 – This week we’re speaking with Rob Henderson, the President and CEO of BioTalent Canada, a national not-for-profit organization headquartered in Ottawa. Since Rob assumed leadership in 2011, the organization has expanded from a team of five to now employing 50 staff members and collaborating with over 80 partner organizations. In 2023, BioTalent Canada received accolades, being named a top workplace in healthcare by HRD Canada and recognized as a five-star employer for diversity, equity, and inclusion.

April 9th 2024 – We welcome professor Christine Allen from the University of Toronto, a renowned figure in drug formulation and development, and a distinguished researcher, industry leader, and entrepreneur. A co-founder of NanoVista, recognized in its groundbreaking work in high-precision, image-guided cancer therapy, Christine has held key roles in various biotech and pharmaceutical companies. Recently her startup, Intrepid Labs, has just come out of stealth mode. 

April 2nd 2024 - Join us this week as we welcome Mark Smithyes, President of Janus Life Sciences Consulting and National Director of Life Sciences at Delphic Research. With an extensive background in the industry, including serving as the former chair of Life Sciences Ontario, Mark shares his insights on founding startups, his extensive volunteer work, and his advocacy for Canada's Life Sciences sector. 

March 26th 2024 - Our guest this week is Brad Wouters, Executive Vice-President of Science and Research at University Health Network.  We appreciate Brad talking about his passion for Medical Biophysics, his post-doctoral work at Stanford, his time in the Netherlands  and what inspired his return to Canada to join UHN.

Sep 19, 2023 - Our guest this week is Dave Smardon, who is President and CEO of Bioenterprise, Canada's food and Agri tech engine. We are delighted to have Dave talk about his passion for music, his early years of the insurance sector, how he pivoted into tech, then venture-capital, and eventually into running one of the key Agri tech organizations in Canada's life sciences industry.

Bioenterprise Canada: bioenterprise.ca

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Lab Occupier: laboccupier.com

Sep 12, 2023 - Our guest this week is Gordon McCauley, who is President and CEO of AdMare Bioinnovations.

We talk today about how Gordon navigated from politics to investment banking to becoming one of the key leaders in the Canadian life sciences community. For decades, scaling start ups in Canada's life sciences sector have struggled for funding, facilities, and support. Most cities across Canada with universities that have strong faculties in medicine, business, science and engineering and direct relationships with a research Hospital have had nascent life sciences hubs. The goal of AdMare Bioinnovations is to be a national catalyst for growing these hubs and the community at large.

 AdMare Bioinnovations: admarebio.com

Get Your Tickets to The NGBI Summit: nextgreatbigideas.com

Lab Occupier: laboccupier.com

Aug 29, 2023 - Our guest this week is Cate Murray, who is President and CEO of the Stem Cell Network (SCN) in Ottawa. This organization is a Canadian not-for-profit that supports three main objectives. First, stem cell and regenerative medicine research secondly, training the next generation of researchers and lastly supporting and sharing research in this incredible field. SCN was created in 2001 with support from the federal government and the network has grown from a few dozen labs to include more than 270 world-class research groups and dozens of clinical trials. 

Stem Cell Network: stemcellnetwork.ca

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Lab Occupier: laboccupier.com

Aug 22, 2023 - Our guest this week is Ella Korets-Smith, who is Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Virica Biotech in Ottawa, Ontario. Virica Biotech has developed unique viral sensitizers to turn off antiviral responses in cells. The work they're doing is exciting and another example of the groundbreaking research being done in Canadian life sciences. Ella and her family immigrated to Canada from eastern Ukraine in 1990 and hard work, resilience, recognizing when to pivot, knowing what to do with the door opens, and how to overcome imposter syndrome are some of the topics Ella and  I touch on today. 

Virica Biotech: viricabiotech.com

Get Your Tickets to The NGBI Summit: nextgreatbigideas.com

Lab Occupier: laboccupier.com

July 2nd 2024 – Join us this week as we have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Karen Mossman, a researcher and innovation leader from McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario. Karen previously served as the Vice President of Research at McMaster and was part of the team of researchers who first isolated the COVID-19 virus. We discuss her early aspirations, challenges in academia, and the importance of mentorship and support.

McMaster University: mcmaster.ca
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Lab Occupier: laboccupier.com

Aug 15, 2023 - Our guest this week is Bruce Squires, who is President of McMaster Children's Hospital in Hamilton Ontario. Today's show is a bit of a departure from our regular format. We touch on Bruce's journey but our focus today is about the hospital he now leads which is the organization that the NGBIdeas podcast was created to support. McMaster Children's Hospital is one of the top critical care paediatric hospitals in Canada and it provides support to families in need from Niagara Falls to Waterloo in the north to Owen Sound and Grey County. Like many impressive organizations, the team at MCH focuses on their work rather than telling people about it. So our goal today is to give our listeners a glimpse into the great work being done by the great team at this organization.

McMaster Children's Hospital: McMaster Children's Hospital

Get Your Tickets to The NGBI Summit: nextgreatbigideas.com

Lab Occupier: laboccupier.com

Aug 8, 2023 - The Canadian life-sciences community has a long and growing list of leaders who are personable, incredibly talented, and driven to succeed. Our guest today is on top of that list. Bettina Hamelin is President and CEO of Ontario Genomics and her story is inspiring on many levels. Bettina leads by example, helps whenever called upon, and steers the ship at one of the key organizations in Canada.

Ontario Genomics: ontariogenomics.ca

Get Your Tickets to The NGBI Summit: nextgreatbigideas.com

Lab Occupier: laboccupier.com

Aug 1, 2023 - Our guest today is Parimal Nathwani, President and CEO of the Toronto Innovation Acceleration Partners. Parimal grew up in Calgary, Vancouver, and had his sights set on a career in medicine, but circumstance, timing, and a serendipitous transition from research to business development led to a pivot and a very interesting career path in Canada's life sciences sector. Parimal is one of a handful of people who has a front-row seat at the intersection of innovation and commercialization in Canada's life sciences community that provides a unique perspective on where we are and where we're heading. 

Toronto Innovation Acceleration Partners: tiap.ca

Members: camh.ca , hollandbloorview.ca , marsdd.com , sinaihealth.ca , oicr.on.ca , unityhealth.to , sickkids.ca , sunnybrook.ca , uhn.ca , utoronto.ca 

Simon Fraser University: sfu.ca

University of Calgary: ucalgary.ca

The University of British Columbia: ubc.ca

Get Your Tickets to The NGBI Summit: nextgreatbigideas.com

Lab Occupier: laboccupier.com

July 25, 2023 - Our guest today is Chris Bryson, Founder and CEO of New School Foods in Toronto. Chris grew up in Montreal and his story is similar to many of our guests, that its about learning to trust your inner voice, learning that mistakes are lessons and that failures are just problems that are yet to be solved. Before Chris started New School Foods, he was CEO of a software company he founded in 2011 that is a great Canadian success story. He and his partners eventually sold that company for reported $65 million which was a life-changing event and it provided Chris with an opportunity to look at a global issue he is very passionate about helping change. And that issue is factory farming if you're not aware, many of today's farming techniques account for a significant part of our carbon footprint, and his team are focused on creating the next generation of plant-based meat alternatives that will help create a new and sustainable climate strategy. 

New School Foods: www.newschoolfoods.co

Get Your Tickets to The NGBI Summit: nextgreatbigideas.com

Lab Occupier: laboccupier.com

July 18, 2023 - Our guest today is Michael May, President and CEO of the Centre for Commercialization of Regenerative Medicine. Michael is someone I've had the pleasure of meeting on a number of occasions and he's one of those people you just know you're going to like. He's focused, incredibly generous with his time, and one of the true national leaders in Canada's life sciences community. Michael's story is similar to many of the guests we've had on our show in that it's not a linear path nor was it planned. You'll hear that his success is based on hard work, being open to opportunity when it presents itself, and sometimes learning life lessons from family pets.

CCRM: ccrm.ca

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Lab Occupier: laboccupier.com

July 11, 2023 - Our guest today is Geoff Evans, who is President of Eurofins CDMO Alphora Inc. in Mississauga Ontario. Geoff started his career in the life sciences sector, but he moved to industrial products and then rebounded back to a small research lab that eventually grow into one of Canada's foremost contract development and manufacturing organizations.

Eurofins: eurofins.com

Lab Occupier: laboccupier.com

Summit: nextgreatbigideas.com

July, 4 2023 - Our guest today is Ryan Wiley, President of Shift Health in Toronto. Ryan grew up in Oshawa, Ontario and his original plan was to attend medical school, but like many of our guests, he pivoted in university and now runs one of Canada's premier life sciences consulting firms. His personal journey is one to which many people in Canada will relate, and I'm very thankful Ryan has kindly shared it with us today.

Shift Health: shifthealth.com

Get Your Tickets to The NGBI Summit: nextgreatbigideas.com

Lab Occupier: laboccupier.com

June 27, 2023 - Our guest today is Mitch Sivilotti, CEO of OmniaBio Inc. Mitch grew up in London, Ontario, and his journey has taken him to Quebec City, Los Angeles, Asia, Kingston, Toronto, and finally to Hamilton where he and his team are building what will be one of the next generation of cell and gene therapy manufacturing facilities in Canada. OmniaBio is a subsidiary of CCRM and it’s a contract development in and manufacturing organization (CDMO) that is producing gene-modified cells and  viral vectors that are compliant with current GMP standards. OmniaBio is in the midst of building a 400,000 square-foot facility, which will be the largest CDMO exclusively manufacturing for cell and gene therapies in Canada, Mitch and the team are creating jobs and supporting global therapeutics developers who are advancing pioneering medicine that has the potential to cure many forms of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, Parkinson’s, and diabetes. 

OmniaBio: OmniaBio.com

Get Your Tickets to The NGBI Summit: nextgreatbigideas.com

Lab Occupier: laboccupier.com

June 20, 2023 - Our guest today is Drew Marquardt, an Associate Professor in the department of chemistry and bio chemistry at the University Windsor. His team are developing applying neutron scattering strategies to study membrane structures, and processes. More than 3000 Canadians are diagnosed with brain cancers like glioblastoma multiforme or recurrent head and neck cancer, which is very difficult to treat. One of the most promising treatments for these cancers is boron neutron capture therapy.

Drew: dmarquardt.ca

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Lab Occupier: laboccupier.com

June 6, 2023 - On todays episode is Bruno Paquin from AtomVie Global Radio Pharma. Listen in as Bruno shares behind the scenes details of his professional and personal journey to becoming CEO of one of North America’s leading CDMOs in the radiopharmaceuticals sector. 

AtomVie: atomvie.com

Get Your Tickets to The NGBI Summit: nextgreatbigideas.com

Lab Occupier: laboccupier.com

June 25th 2024 – We are thrilled to announce that this week we will be welcoming Penny Walsh-McGuire from the Canadian Alliance for Skills and Training in Life Sciences (CASTL), based in Charlottetown, PEI. Join us as we delve into CASTL's role in the Canadian life sciences ecosystem, how they are fostering the next generation of biopharmaceutical manufacturing professionals, and learn about Penny’s journey from her roots in Savage Harbour, PEI to the boardroom.

CASTL: castlcanada.ca
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Lab Occupier: laboccupier.com

April 25, 2023 - Our guest for our final show this season is John Lewis, who is the Bird Dogs Chair in Translational Oncology at the University of Alberta, and founder and CEO of Entos Pharma in Edmonton. We're delighted to have John on the show today because he fits into every one of our categories. He's an academic scientist who leads one of the top oncology research organizations in Canada. He's a serial entrepreneur who commercializes innovative research, and he and his team are doing a great job of chipping away at the Canadian Life Sciences status quo.

Entos - entospharma.com

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Lab Occupier: laboccupier.com

April 11, 2023 - The Canadian Life Sciences community contains a broad spectrum of sectors and some of our listeners may be surprised to learn that spectrum includes agriculture and horticulture. The Vineland Research and Innovation Center in Vineland, Ontario is one of the leading organizations in this area and our guest today is Darby McGrath, who is Vice President Research and Development at the center. 

Vineland Research & Innovation Centre: vinelandresearch.com

Get Your Tickets to The NGBI Summit: nextgreatbigideas.com

Lab Occupier: laboccupier.com

April 4, 2023 - Today we're joined by Dr. Lisa Porter from the University of Windsor, who shares her perspective on the growing life sciences sector in Windsor Essex. As Dr. Porter points out, if you're part of Canada's life sciences sector and you do not have Windsor on your radar, you should.

University of Windsor: www.uwindsor.ca

Porter Lab: porterlab.com

We Spark: www.wesparkhealth.com

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Lab Occupier: laboccupier.com

March 28, 2023 - On the show today we're speaking with Glenn McCarthy, president and CEO of Labworks International Inc.
 

Lab Works: labworksinternational.com

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Lab Occupier: laboccupier.com

March 20, 2023 - On todays show today we're joined by Alex Muggah, whose serendipitous journey took him from Hamilton to Boston, not once, but twice. Alex's Executive Director of the Synapse Consortium in Hamilton, Ontario, and he not only accepted the position he occupies when it was offered, he helped create it.

Synapse: synapseconsortium.com

Synapse Twitter: @SynapseLifeSci

Get Your Tickets to The NGBI Summit: nextgreatbigideas.com

Lab Occupier: laboccupier.com

March 14, 2023 - One of the major obstacles for many biotech companies in Canada at the moment is simply finding lab space in which to grow. It's not a regional problem, it's a national problem, and our guest today, Sabrina Fiorellino, CEO of Ferro International, is leading a team that is helping solve that problem. 

Fero: ferointl.com

Get Your Tickets to The NGBI Summit: nextgreatbigideas.com

Lab Occupier: laboccupier.com

March 8, 2023 - There are life sciences organizations across Canada and more than a few hit far above their weight class. The influence of these groups is due in no small part to their membership, but also because of their leadership, and life sciences Ontario is on that list. LSO is a member funded, not-for-profit organization focused on advancing life sciences through advocacy, policy work, educational and networking events, and support services, and our guest today is the president and CEO of Life Sciences Ontario, Jason Field.

LSO: lifesciencesontario.ca

LabOccupier: laboccupier.com

Summit: nextgreatbigideas.com

Feb 27, 2023 - On todays show we speak with Brigitte Nolet, CEO of Roche Canada Pharma. We talk about her professional experience as a tri-sector leader, her personal experience as a patient, the potential of Canada health sciences and life sciences sectors and the importance of being honest with everyone on your team, including yourself.

Roche: www.roche.com

LabOccupier: www.laboccupier.com

Summit: nextgreatbigideas.com

Febuary 21, 2023 - Derek Newton is the Assistant Vice-President, Innovation, Partnerships and Entrepreneurship at The University of Toronto. Listen in as we learn about Derek's journey and how in his position he often gets a glimpse of the future path of life sciences before we do.

University of Toronto: www.utoronto.ca

LabOccupier: laboccupier.com

Summit: nextgreatbigideas.com

June 18th 2024 – This week, we welcome Sarah Howe, Chief Operating Officer of St. Joseph’s Research Center in Hamilton, Ontario. Join us as we delve into Sarah’s journey, from founding Y-Space at York University to her triumphs and challenges in leading the next generation of mental health, lung and chest, kidney, and genitourinary research in Canada.

St. Joe's Research Institute: research.stjoes.ca
Get Your Tickets to The NGBI Summit: nextgreatbigideas.com

Lab Occupier: laboccupier.com

Feb 14, 2023 - Based in Victoria, BC and founded by Scott Phillips, Starfish Medical has grown into one of the largest medical device design and manufacturing companies in North America. Listen in as Scott shares stories about growing up in the Vancouver area, his adventures in travel and business, how goodwill can sometimes backfire and why the Next Great Big Idea on his horizon is about diversification.

StarFish Medical: starfishmedical.com

LabOccupier: laboccupier.com

Summit: nextgreatbigideas.com

February 7, 2023 - The land at the corner of Longwood and Aberdeen in Hamilton has been an industrial manufacturing park for over 100 years. Now the home of McMaster Innovation Park (MIP), manufacturing remains a significant focus here - but it is not the kind of manufacturing most people expect. Our guest today is Ty Shattuck, CEO of MIP, who shares his journey from Calgary to Baker Lake, to RMC in Kingston and ultimately to Hamilton – and he suggests the Next Great Big Idea just might involve small modular reactors.

MIP: mcmasterinnovationpark.ca

LabOccupier: laboccupier.com

Summit: nextgreatbigideas.com

January 31, 2023 - This week our guest is Ian McDermott, Executive Director of Planning and Integration at University Health Network (UHN) in Toronto. We discuss Ian's journey from Ireland to Toronto via northern Ontario, his years at the University of Toronto, the history of UHN, how lab design has changed over the years and why wet lab space is (again) difficult to find in Toronto.

UHN: www.uhn.ca

LabOccupier: laboccupier.com

Summit: nextgreatbigideas.com

January 24, 2023 - Molecular Forecaster is a research-as-a-service company providing computer-aided drug discovery technology to biotechs and pharma companies around the world. CEO Josh Pottel talks about growing up in Montreal, sleeping in class, the importance of being open to advice and where the Next Great Big Idea will likely come from.

Molecular Forecaster: molecularforecaster.com

LabOccupier: laboccupier.com

Summit: nextgreatbigideas.com

January 17, 2023 - This week on the NGBI podcast we speak with Jay Levine from Dialog in Toronto. Learn about Jay's journey, some of the obstacles he has faced and why he believes one of the Next Great Big Ideas in life sciences architecture is focused on clean air.

LabOccupier: laboccupier.com

Dialog: dialogdesign.ca

Summit: nextgreatbigideas.com

Who are today’s visionaries and tomorrow’s disrupters, innovators and leaders in Canada’s Life Sciences sector? What are they doing and how did they get there? Join Jim Wilson as he sits down with notable leaders, innovators and disruptors who are working on the Next Great Big Ideas in Biotech, Medtech and Life Sciences across Canada.

LabOccupier: Laboccupier.com

Summit: nextgreatbigideas.com

June 11th 2024 –  This week, we have the pleasure of speaking with Ivy Parks, President of BD Canada. Ivy's  journey began in a customer service role, and over the past 20 years, she has risen through the ranks to lead the company. Join us as we explore her career path, the challenges she has overcome, and her vision for the future of BD Canada.

BD Canada: BD.com
Get Your Tickets to The NGBI Summit: nextgreatbigideas.com

Lab Occupier: laboccupier.com

May 28th 2024 – Join us this week for a conversation with Dr. Tom Mikkelsen, President and Scientific Director of the Ontario Brain Institute in Toronto, Ontario, and Co-Director of the Hermelin Brain Center at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan. Dr. Mikkelsen is recognized as one of the top 0.04% of scholars researching glioblastoma, the most aggressive form of brain cancer, over the past decade.

Ontario Brain Institute: braininstitute.ca
Get Your Tickets to The NGBI Summit: nextgreatbigideas.com

Lab Occupier: laboccupier.com

May 22nd 2024 – This week we’re thrilled to welcome Nicole Dekort, President & CEO of Medtech Canada. Join us as we dive into Nicole's journey, from her early days with the Ontario Liberal Party to leading Medtech Canada, and the triumphs and losses along the way.

Medtech Canada: medtechcanada.org

Get Your Tickets to The NGBI Summit: nextgreatbigideas.com

Lab Occupier: laboccupier.com

May 14th 2024 – Our guest this week is Raphael Ronen, Director of Business Development at Sunnybrook Research Institute. Sunnybrook holds the designation of being recognized as a Centre of Excellence by the Focused Ultrasound Foundation—the first in Canada, and one of only seven worldwide. Regarded as one of the most comprehensive and globally successful programs, Raphael helps get their technology from the bench and into the hands of doctors.

Sunnybrook Research Institute: sunnybrook.ca/research/

Get Your Tickets to The NGBI Summit: nextgreatbigideas.com

Lab Occupier: laboccupier.com

May 7th, 2024 – Join us this week as we welcome Tamara Seales, President of Seaford Pharmaceuticals, a Canadian-made and family-owned business. Founded in 1991 by the Seales family, Seaford Pharmaceuticals boasts a proud legacy. Today, Tamara leads the company, continuing the vision set forth by her father, Ron Seales. Under her guidance, Seaford Pharmaceuticals is dedicated to developing pharmaceutical solutions for both in-hospital and home settings.

June 13, 2023 - Our guest today is Maura Campbell CEO of the Ontario Bioscience Innovation Organization (OBIO). Listen as Maura shares her thoughts on surviving a severe car accident, some of the obstacles faced as a woman working in life sciences, the disappointment of doing everything right, but still having a company fail, and how keeping an open mind is important to success.

OBIO: obio.ca

Get Your Tickets to The NGBI Summit: nextgreatbigideas.com

Lab Occupier: laboccupier.com

In this episode of NGBI Ideas, host Jim Wilson sits down with Alison Symington, a key leader in the Ontario life sciences community. Alison shares her journey from the UK to Canada, her academic pursuits, and her impactful career in life sciences. Discover how she bridges the gap between industry and academia, and her insights on the future of genomics and AI. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about innovation, collaboration, and the power of storytelling in science.

In this episode of NGBideas, host Jim Wilson sits down with Andrew Casey, the outgoing President and former CEO of Biotech Canada. They discuss Andrew's journey from his early days in Montreal to leading one of Canada's most influential biotech organizations. Andrew shares insights on the challenges and triumphs of his career, the future of the biotech industry, and his thoughts on leadership and innovation. Tune in to hear about the pivotal moments that shaped his path and the next big ideas on his horizon.

Join us as we delve into the remarkable career of Neil Fraser, a visionary leader in the Canadian medtech sector. From his early days growing up in a nomadic family to becoming the president of Medtronic Canada, Neil's journey is one of innovation and leadership. Discover how he transformed Medtronic into a powerhouse in the industry, his insights on value-based healthcare, and his ongoing influence as a policy advisor. Tune in to explore the pivotal moments and lessons from Neil's 38-year career that continue to shape the future of healthcare in Canada.

Join us for an insightful conversation with Matthew Miller, a distinguished scientist and academic leader, as he shares his journey from a small town in Ontario to becoming a key figure in infectious disease research. Discover how serendipity and mentorship shaped his career, the challenges of starting a lab, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on his work. Matthew also discusses the importance of basic science funding, the role of serendipity in scientific discovery, and his vision for the future of health sciences in Canada. Tune in to explore the next great big idea on the horizon and how it could transform the health and economy of Canadians.

In this episode of NGBideas, we sit down with Bharat Srinivasa, Co-Founder of Amplitude Venture Capital, to trace his journey from Bangalore to Canada and into the world of biotech investing. Bharat shares how curiosity, persistence, and networking shaped his path from biology labs to consulting and venture capital, and reflects on the growth of Canada’s life sciences ecosystem, the challenges of company creation, and the exciting future of AI, new biology, and transformative healthcare innovation. Bharat will also be joining our Investment Panel at NGBi25 — hear his perspective live at the Summit. 

Join Jim Wilson as he sits down with Bill Hunter, a pioneering figure in the Canadian life sciences community. From his early days in Mississauga to founding Angiotech Pharmaceuticals, Bill shares his journey of innovation, resilience, and the pursuit of medical breakthroughs. Discover how his passion for science and entrepreneurship led to the development of life-saving technologies and his vision for the future of med-tech. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about leadership, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of progress in healthcare.