In this podcast episode, Steven D. Leach, MD, discusses academic experiences within higher education, the influence of role models and more.

· Intro 1:11

· Steven D. Leach, MD 1:18

· Tell us about where you grew up and your family. 2:09

· Who were your early influences? 3:43

· Did you know early on that you wanted to focus on science and medicine? 5:03

· What would you say to skeptics who are critical of an Ivy League education? 5:44

· Can you tell us about speaking at the Emory School of Medicine commencement? 10:44

· How hard was it to select the story you told during the commencement speech about your patient with severe necrotizing pancreatitis? 11:56

· Tell us about your time at Yale. 15:38

· What eventually drove you from surgery to a career in basic science? 19:38

· What would you say to young people who are contemplating a career in science and academic medicine? 22:48

· What are the cultural similarities and differences in the many academic institutions you have been at? 25:52

· Was it a conscious choice to go down a more academic career pathway? […] What got you interested in developmental biology and pancreatic cancer research? 31:40

· In each of your leadership roles, how has your thinking and perspective evolved? 35:42

· Thank you, Steven 37:23

· Thanks for listening 37:32

Steven D. Leach, MD, is professor of molecular and systems biology, surgery and medicine and interim dean at Dartmouth's Geisel School of Medicine We'd love to hear from you! Send your comments/questions to [email protected]. Follow us on X @HealioGastro @sameerkberry @umfoodoc.

Disclosures: Berry, Chey and Leach report no financial disclosures.