Impactful Breakthroughs

In this episode of the Leap Together podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Raymond Douglas, a world-renowned oculoplastic surgeon and Chief Scientific Officer at Sling Therapeutics. Known for his pioneering work in thyroid eye disease (TED), Dr. Douglas was a lead developer of Tepezza, the first FDA-approved treatment for TED; ushering in a new era of patient-centered innovation.

Dr. Douglas shares how his early work in oncology and immunology laid the foundation for breakthroughs in ophthalmology, and how deeply personal patient experiences inspired him to challenge the limitations of traditional care. We explore his journey from lab research to global impact, the growing role of personalized medicine, and how collaboration, mentorship, and empathy have shaped his mission.

Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on the future of TED, reducing barriers to clinical trial access, and how translational science, when paired with compassion, can redefine what’s possible in modern medicine.

In this special episode of Leap Together, we flip the mic and put our very own CEO, Zach Gobst, in the guest seat. Interviewed by Chad Franzen of Rise25, Zach shares the personal story that led him to launch Leapcure and the values that continue to guide the company nearly a decade later.

Zach dives into:

• How a family health scare sparked his commitment to clinical research
• The evolution of Leapcure from a tech startup to a purpose-driven services company
• The power of true partnerships with sponsors, sites, and advocacy groups
• Why empathy, equity, and patient understanding are the future of clinical trials
• Lessons in leadership, company culture, and building a team that leads with impact

This episode offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the heart and mission of Leapcure and why we believe clinical trials work best when everyone’s voice is heard.

In this episode of the Leap Together podcast, we’re honored to feature Taleena Koch, founder of the Breathe Support Network. Driven by personal experience caring for her mother diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), Taleena transformed her journey into a powerful advocacy network supporting thousands navigating respiratory diseases.

Join us as Taleena shares how personal caregiving challenges sparked her passion for advocacy, the critical gaps she discovered in patient support, and her remarkable effort in building a global community dedicated to education, empowerment, and connection. We also dive into the evolving landscape of clinical research, insights into lung transplantation advancements, and how advocacy plays a pivotal role in shaping more patient-centric trials.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation on turning personal trials into impactful triumphs, and discover how collaborative advocacy can genuinely transform lives.

In the first Leap Together episode, host Zach Gobst talks with Christine Gustafson, founder and CEO of the Thyroid Eye Disease (TED) Community Organization. Christine shares her journey from isolated patient to global advocate, emphasizing the power of community in overcoming fear and isolation. They discuss parallels between entrepreneurship and advocacy, highlighting the importance of flexibility, curiosity, and authenticity. Christine’s insights underscore the vital role patient advocacy plays in clinical research and treatment advancements for TED. 

Welcome to the Leap Together podcast, where we highlight top leaders driving breakthroughs in clinical research and life sciences.