Oncology Voice Network (OVN) Podcast

What does it take to advance cancer care—not just in the lab, but in real lives? 

In this episode of the Oncology Voice Network Podcast, Host Dr. Kirk Shepard welcomes Christi Shaw and Shelley Shaw, sisters, industry leaders, and co-founders of the More Moments, More Memories Foundation.

Inspired by personal loss and driven by empathy, the Shaw sisters share their intertwined journeys as executives, caregivers, and advocates determined to create more time and hope for families facing cancer. Hear how their mother and sister’s experiences led them to champion access to clinical trials, break down silos in oncology teams, and focus on patient-centered solutions.

Discover the keys to successful launches, organizational alignment, and building meaningful partnerships with doctors, compliance, and advocacy groups. Plus, explore how AI and cross-collaboration are reshaping the future of oncology.

Tune in for a moving, practical conversation on purpose-driven leadership, teamwork, and what it means to do “one good thing for a patient” every single day.

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Ever wonder why some medical affairs professionals consistently rise to the top?

In this episode of Oncology Voice Network podcast, host Dr. Kirk Shepard talks with Tom Caravela, whose three decades in life sciences and hundreds of placements have revealed what really moves careers forward in medical affairs—especially in the world of oncology.

Explore how the Medical Science Liaison role has evolved from generalist to subject matter expert, why your network is as crucial as your scientific expertise, and the career advice you should never follow. Tom Caravela shares how developing intentional relationships, effective cross-functional communication, and a growth mindset can make the difference whether you’re leading, building teams, or charting the next step in your field medical career.

Packed with actionable takeaways, book and podcast recommendations, and candid stories of both failures and breakthroughs, this is your roadmap for thriving in today’s high-stakes medical affairs landscape.

Want to know how to stand out and make a lasting impact? Tune in to the voices shaping the future of oncology.

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www.oncologyvoicenetwork.com

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How do world-changing cancer treatments go from concept to reality? 

In this episode of the Oncology Voice Network Podcast, host Dr. Kirk Shepard welcomes Dr. Roy Baynes, the Chief Medical Officer of ICON Therapeutics and the architect behind the clinical strategy for Keytruda (pembrolizumab), one of the most transformative cancer therapies of our time.

Listen as Dr. Baynes shares his personal journey from academia to industry, his leadership and collaboration philosophy, and the critical decisions that accelerated one drug to impact millions. He reveals how adaptive trials, bold partnerships, clear strategy, and relentless patient focus set new standards—not only for science, but for access and equity in cancer care.

From lessons learned at Amgen, Gilead, and Merck, to navigating regulatory relationships and cross-functional teamwork, this episode is a masterclass in what it takes to drive rapid oncology innovation. Dr. Baynes also looks ahead to the future, sharing his optimism for breakthroughs, actionable insights for teams, and why patient-centered purpose should lead every step.

Tune in and discover how strategy, leadership, and heart unite to change lives in oncology—listen now.

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What does it mean to be the true “voice of commercial” in oncology, and why does it matter more than ever?

In this episode of Oncology Voice Network Podcast, join Dr. Kirk Shepard as he welcomes Daniel Switzer, Head of U.S. Oncology at Daiichi Sankyo, for a revealing look inside the commercial engine that drives cancer innovation from the lab all the way to the patient. With two decades of leading launches, transformations, and cross-functional teams, Daniel Switzer shares his most pivotal moments, from high-stakes encounters with patients to standing ovations at ASCO Congress.

Discover why commercial is about so much more than sales, how ethical responsibility and clear alignment can truly change outcomes, and what happens when teams get it wrong. Daniel Switzer discusses breaking down silos, building bridges with R&D, and the necessity of early, unified collaboration in launching life-changing therapies. Plus, hear why the Oncology Voice Network and industry-wide learning are the next frontiers in elevating patient care.

Whether you're in pharma, research, or just passionate about innovation, this episode will reframe what commercial leadership means in today’s oncology world.

Tune in now and get inspired to bridge the gaps that matter most.

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Is AI the answer or just another obstacle in hiring the talent that transforms cancer care?

In this episode of Oncology Voice Network Podcast, Host Dr. Kirk Shepard welcomes Stacey Benefiel, PharmD, Head of Global Clinical and Medical Affairs at Canopy, for a candid exploration of what it really takes to build the future oncology workforce. With 25+ years across pharma and biotech, Stacey shares her personal journey through layoffs, hiring, and the challenge of finding the right fit.

Together, they dig into how COVID, downsizing, financial pressures, and the rise of AI have turned talent search into a rollercoaster, creating “black holes” where great candidates disappear. Stacey explains why human judgment, empathy, and nuance can’t be replaced by tech, especially when every hiring decision ultimately impacts patients.

Hear stories from the front lines, get real examples of the ups and downs of automation, and learn what responsible AI adoption should look like.

In the age of AI, the human touch isn’t optional—it’s essential. Tune in now.

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www.oncologyvoicenetwork.com

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How does real innovation in cancer therapy begin? Step into the world of preclinical drug discovery, where every molecule—and every lesson—matters. 

In this episode of Oncology Voice Network Podcast, Host Dr. Kirk Shepard sits down with Dr. Jay Fine, a renowned immunologist and President of R&D at Evolve Immune Therapeutics and a Forbes-published author in Voices of Oncology, for a candid look at how discovery truly connects to patient care. 

Together, they explore how personal stories, cross-functional teamwork, and the willingness to share both successes and failures can reshape outcomes for cancer patients.

Dr. Fine reflects on the human inspiration behind his decades of work, breaks the myth of the lone scientist by emphasizing the power of collaboration, and explains how preclinical data guides every step of a therapy’s path to patients. He also emphasizes the importance of open partnerships among pharma, biotech, payers, and patient advocates. Looking ahead, they discuss big ideas shaping the future, from data sharing and adaptive trials to more patient-centered strategies.

Discover why a new era of shared innovation is essential to accelerating breakthroughs and ensuring no patient is left behind. Tune in now.

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Presented by Oncology Voice Network 
www.oncologyvoicenetwork.com

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What happens when true experts break down walls to speed up cancer cures?

In this episode of the Oncology Voice Network Podcast, host Dr. Kirk Shepard welcomes Rebecca Goldstein, VP of Strategy and Communications at OVN and a self-described “oncology lifer.” Dive into a raw, real-world conversation about the often-overlooked role of innovation partners in pushing oncology drug development forward.

Rebecca shares her journey from the lab bench to shaping cross-sector collaboration, revealing what sets innovation partners apart from traditional service providers. She and Dr. Shepard explore why transparent and timely communication isn’t just nice-to-have—it’s essential for real progress. They break down the high cost of information silos, why trust is a two-way street, and how the OVN community is opening new doors for experts, manufacturers, and innovators to learn from each other.

You’ll gain practical takeaways on building powerful, trust-based relationships that break through bureaucracy and accelerate patient impact, plus a behind-the-scenes look at the making of Voices of Oncology and how competition gave way to collaboration.

Ready to see how a new culture of partnership can transform cancer drug development? Tune in and join the conversation.

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www.oncologyvoicenetwork.com

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What happens when the brightest minds in oncology drug development unite around a single goal: to break down silos and transform cancer care?

In the premiere episode of the Oncology Voice Network Podcast, hosts Dr. Ramin Farhood and Dr. Kirk Shepard reveal the origins of the OVN movement and the inspiration behind their book, Voices of Oncology. Hear how interviewing 33 trailblazers, spanning pharma, biotech, advocacy, and academia, led to the creation of a living network designed to share best practices and accelerate innovation.

Discover why collaboration is crucial, what unique challenges face oncology teams, and how open communication—across 200+ functions—can speed up drug development and deliver breakthroughs to patients faster. The hosts unpack the four pillars of successful teamwork, the critical role of external partners, and how patient involvement now reshapes every phase of the process.

Tune in now and discover the real costs of siloed work, the art of constructive disagreement, and how leaders can foster cultures of synergy. 

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Presented by Oncology Voice Network 

www.oncologyvoicenetwork.com

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Are you ready to hear how tomorrow’s cancer breakthroughs begin?

Welcome to the Oncology Voice Network Podcast. On this show, hosts Dr. Kirk Shepard and Dr. Ramin Farhood unite influential voices from every corner of oncology drug development: clinical research, regulatory, safety, advocacy, commercial, and beyond. Dive into powerful, real stories that fuel change, and discover the bold ideas and lessons learned that propel innovation and deepen collaboration between disciplines.

Each episode takes you beyond the pages of medical journals and the walls of conference rooms, revealing oncology’s human side — where passion, partnership, and empathy converge. From discovery to patient access, see how a chorus of expertise is changing the future of cancer care for patients and their families, one voice at a time.

Subscribe now to Oncology Voice Network and join us at the front lines of oncology innovation.

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Presented by Oncology Voice Network

www.oncologyvoicenetwork.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.