On today's episode of InsideOut, I'm joined by guest Diana Brainard, SVP and Virology Therapeutic Area Head at Gilead, to talk about the challenges and triumphs of launching a new therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

We dive into Remdesivir, an antiviral originally designed to target Ebola and later tested against a suite of lesser-known respiratory viruses. We discuss how Gilead moved the therapy into the clinic as quickly as possible to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. The outcome? It was one of only a few therapies granted emergency use authorization to treat severe COVID-19 patients in the pandemic’s earliest days.

Despite being worlds apart, guest Andrew Rigie, Executive Director at NYC Hospitality Alliance, spent some time discussing the similarities between the restaurant biz and the healthcare world. Joined by guest co-host Kaycee Kalpin, the Vice President of Strategic Marketing at Premier Inc, the trio talked about the increasing need for PPE, the recent hospitality resurgence, and where the two industries converge.

On today's episode of InsideOut, I'm joined by guest Chrissy Farr, Principal at OMERS Ventures along with guest co-host Dr. Jonathan Slotkin, Chief Medical Officer at Contigo Health a Premier company, to talk about all things healthcare investing. What makes Farr's perspective unique—and definitely worth the listen—is because she's newer to the investing world, having spent her career covering healthcare and recently the COVID pandemic. Most important to Farr's strategy, though? Transparency, in both journalism and investments.

Carla Tardif, CEO and founder of Family Reach, as well as Yousuf Zafar, MD, Chief Quality and Innovation Officer at Duke Cancer Institute—who also works with the charity—joined me on the podcast to discuss the pandemic, COVID's impact on cancer treatments, and the other big problem with cancer that doesn't get as much attention: the often insurmountable financial burden the disease places on patients and their families. 

On this episode of InsideOut, I had the pleasure of speaking with Ruud Dobber, the EVP & President of AstraZeneca's BioPharmaceuticals Business Unit. The Dutch born immunologist and I talk about COVID-related care costs, when to expect a vaccine and how great leadership requires having a little bit of fun.

NorthShore University HealthSystem CEO J.P. Gallagher is communicating with trust, leaning into purpose, and emphasizing the power of technology, community and connection as he leads one of the nation’s largest teaching hospitals through the uncertainty and challenges of the coronavirus. Join Inside Out host Mike Alkire, President of Premier Inc., as he speaks with J.P. about big learnings, leadership and the importance of inspiring connection and resilience in the COVID era. 

In her recent op-ed, former George W. Bush presidential advisor Karen Hughes writes about the importance of clear, consistent communication, wearing a mask and the moral responsibility we all have to come together to protect others, especially when lives are on the line. Join Inside Out host Mike Alkire, President of Premier Inc., as he speaks with Karen about the pandemic’s epic test of character for business leaders and how companies are coping with extraordinary communication demands and challenges with employees and stakeholders.

Can technology and data improve the experiences of screening and surveillance of such diseases as breast cancer to the point that more people are engaging in preventative care and communities are healthier?   How can we help improve understanding across social, economic and ethnic populations? Join Inside Out host Mike Alkire, President of Premier Inc., as he speaks with Agnes Berzsenyi, President and CEO of Women’s Health and X-Ray at GE Healthcare on advancements in women’s health and how learnings can apply to other demographic groups.

While COVID-19 crisis has created unprecedented challenges for MedTech, it is also a time for companies and leaders to live their values amid civil unrest and social justice. Join InsideOut host Mike Alkire, President of Premier Inc., as he speaks with Medtronic CEO Geoff Martha on how the pandemic is reshaping MedTech, the role of healthcare innovation in charting a recovery amid uncertainty, and how the company is working to address racial disparities and advance social justice.