INTERVIEWS

Returning guest, Dr. Eric Klein, Chairman of the Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute at Cleveland Clinic discusses new 20-year outcomes from a development study of the Oncotype DX Genomic Prostate Score® (GPS) test that was recently published in JCO Precision Oncology (March 2021).  The study highlights the role of the GPS test, the only genomic test for prostate cancer with 20-year outcomes, in assessing the risk of long-term distant metastases (DM) and prostate cancer-specific mortality (PCSM) for patients with localized prostate cancer. 

Addiction specialist, Dr. Melissa Fritsche, discusses what she has observed firsthand within her private practice pertaining to the pandemic exacerbating symptoms of alcohol-related addiction. She also explains why the doctor-patient connection built through in-person engagement is difficult to achieve using telehealth only methods when working with people on a deeply personal recovery journey.

Dave Ross, VP of Commercial Operations – North America at Seqirus discusses the recent FDA approval of FLUCELVAX® QUADRIVALENT, Seqirus’ cell-based quadrivalent influenza vaccine (QIVc), for an expanded age indication in children two years of age and older.

Dr. Travis Mickle, PhD, President and CEO of KemPharm, Inc., discusses the FDA approval of their new ADHD drug AZSTARYS™ (serdexmethylphenidate and dexmethylphenidate capsule) for ages 6 to adult, a once-a-day pill with rapid onset of 30 mins and lasts 13 hrs without the side effects associated with the current standard of care.

Returning guest, Larry Kemp, owner of Kemp and Sons General Services discusses how he’s had to restructure his business to stay afloat during COVID-19.  He offers guidance on cleaning and disinfecting businesses, public spaces, workplaces, schools and homes.

For Sleep Awareness Week®, Dr. Michael Breus, a board-certified clinical psychologist and also known as “The Sleep Doctor” discusses insomnia, the causes, and what some experts are calling “coronasomnia” due to the psychological effect of the pandemic on sleep.  Through Merck’s “Why So Awake” program, Dr. Breus is helping adults implement lifestyle changes and encouraging them to talk to a health care professional about steps they can take to get more sleep.

Suzanne Graney, Executive Director at Four Diamonds, a pediatric cancer charity, discusses the work the organization is doing to conquer childhood cancer by assisting children and their families through superior care, comprehensive support, and innovative research.  They cover 100 percent of all medical expenses related to cancer care not covered by insurance for eligible Four Diamonds children.  Since its creation in 1972, Four Diamonds has helped more than 4,000 children and families and supported a diverse platform of childhood cancer research at Penn State Children’s Hospital, seeking improved treatments and cures to benefit kids around the world.

Scott Storrer, CEO of Affinity Empowering, Inc., and Dr. Michael Tkach, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Behavioral Health Officer of Affinity Empowering, Inc., discuss the launch of the COVID Clinic™ service around the country. Affinity is partnering with retail stores nationwide, placing 20’ x 8’ full-service COVID support stations in parking lots within local communities. The sites offer rapid testing (15-minute turnaround) and gold-standard PCR testing (16-hour turnaround on average).  All of the above is coordinated through Affinity’s integrated tech platform, called Assure™, which not only lets people schedule appointments and receive test results but also allows free access to behavioral health resources designed to help individuals cope through the pandemic. 

Dr. Stephen Brannan, Chief Medical Officer at Karuna Therapeutics discusses positive data recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine from their Phase 2 EMERGENT-1 clinical trial evaluating KarXT in adults with schizophrenia. The publication builds on previously reported Phase 2 trial results in which KarXT demonstrated clinically meaningful and statistically significant improvements in treating the positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia. Dr. Brannan talks about how Karuna is taking a new approach to treating schizophrenia, the disease burden of schizophrenia and the unmet need among patients for a differentiated treatment option that is safe and minimizes side effects.

Returning guest, Michael Morgan, President of Updox, a complete healthcare communication platform for in-person and virtual care, discusses the biggest challenges practices are facing when implementing a virtual care strategy, how virtual care technology can further increase workflow efficiencies, what a comprehensive virtual care strategy looks like and how to seamlessly implement one.