Dr. Sue Desmond-Hellmann is a physician, scientist and philanthropist who has devoted her career to improving the human condition. Trained as an oncologist, she spent 14 years at biotech firm Genentech, where she led the development of Avastin and Herceptin, two of the first gene-targeted therapies for cancer. Today, as CEO of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Dr. Desmond-Hellmann leads the organization's vision for a world where every person has the opportunity to live a healthy and productive life.

In this episode, Dr. Sue Desmond-Hellmann shares her work as a pioneer in healthcare for more than 30 years, including her efforts to drive major developments toward the eradication of disease, poverty and inequity.

For more information and full episode transcription go to Contagious Conversations (www.cdcfoundation.org/conversations).

Key Takeaways:

[1:03] The biggest influencers in Dr. Sue Desmond-Hellmann´s career.

[2:50] How did Dr. Sue Desmond-Hellmann become the leader of one of the world largest health philanthropies?

[5:26] Investing in human capital can translate into economic success.

[6:23] The case of Ethiopia.

[7:06] The most important value in public-private partnerships.

[8:32] How a "volume guarantee" enhances philanthropy.

[10:02] Encouraging companies to pay attention to where their future customers are going to be.

[10:55] How does Dr. Desmond-Hellmann relax and recharge?

[12:03] The importance of taking thoughtful risks in philanthropy.

[13:11] Big bold collaborations can improve and save more lives.

[16:02] What areas of global health is Dr. Hellmann most optimistic about?

[16:50] HIV and malaria.

[18:47] Tuberculosis today is one of the hardest diseases to tackle.

[20:13] TB vaccine is closer than ever.

[20:28] Dr. Desmond-Hellmann shares her thoughts about a nationalistic perspective.

[22:30] What keeps her up at night? She worries about people getting the wrong information about vaccines.

[24:50] Dr. Desmond-Hellmann's biggest challenge at the Gates Foundation.

[25:46] It is not easy to change systems.

[27:04] Ethiopia works to change its health delivery system.

[28:10] What's the biggest opportunity for the Gates Foundation?

[28:57] It is possible for anyone around the world to make a difference.

[29:20] Advice for women who want to become CEOs and innovators: Keep learning!

[30:40] Ask for help.

[31:23] Be willing to take risks.

[32:39] Defining point in Dr. Desmond-Hellmann's career: cancer-fighting breakthrough drug Herceptin.

Mentioned in This Episode:

CDC Foundation

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For more information about this episode go to Contagious Conversations.