Out of Patients with Matthew Zachary

In a belated episode channeling March being Autoimmune Awareness Month, my dear friend Erin Moriarty Wade drops by the show today to talk about channeling her inner parental beast mode as a caregiver to her incredible daughter Ansley who lives with a rare autoimmune disease. Erin is also a long-standing freelance healthcare writer, journalist, on-air reporter, and weekend anchor. Our conversations break down the insanity of healthcare communications, how stupid they can be, what works, what's broken, and what you can do about it. Follow Erin on Twitter at @EMoriartyWade and Enjoy the show.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

So my buddy Marty Keiser happened to be in NYC and dropped by OffScrip Health Studios, and we decided to turn on the mics and bromance out since we hadn't seen each other in person in over a year. #ThanksPandemic. Consider this "Very Special Episode of Family Ties" a mental exercise in friendship, camaraderie, purpose, frustration, intent, and belief that the good in the world far outweighs the bad in the world. Yogi Bera said, "If life were easy, we'd all do it." Truer words were never spoken. So that about sums up the episode. I hope you enjoy it.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From dysgeusia to Y10K...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today I chat with Annie Brewster, an assistant professor at Harvard Medical School and a practicing internist at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston. She’s also a patient, diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2001 at age 32.In response to the problems she experienced in healthcare, both as a patient and a provider, Dr. Brewster founded Health Story Collaborative in 2013. It’s a nonprofit organization committed to empowering patients and their loved ones, building community, strengthening patient-provider connections, and transforming healthcare through storytelling. Dr. Brewster recently published The Healing Power of Storytelling: Using Personal Narrative to Navigate Illness, Trauma, and Loss, which tells her own story as a physician and MS patient, the science behind narrative medicine, and tips on how to heal and manage health issues through storytelling. For more information, visit https://OffScrip.com and follow @MatthewZachary, @VaxOnPod, and @OffScripHealth on Twitter. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bar Mitzvahs, Death penalties, and monkeypox.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today's ad-free episode of Out Of Patients is made possible by our friends at Exact Sciences, changing lives together through earlier detection and smarter answers. You know, I always love being the dumbest guy in the room because it bodes well that our discussions will be of the highest caliber of authenticity, trust, and the occasional 80s reference. I am grateful to welcome two genius humans who have uniquely accomplished insanely great things that have changed the world for the better. Dr. Paul Limburg is the Chief Medical Officer at Exact Sciences, and Dr. Nickolas Papadopoulos is a Professor of Oncology and Pathology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Our conversation ranges from "meditainment" and a poor Sean Connery impression to a future where it may be possible for there to be something called MCED, or "Multi-Cancer Early Detection." We've been talking about cancer prevention for decades, but soon it may be possible to nip it in the bud before it gets awful—a future where one test can detect more than one type of cancer. That's progress. And, of course, it wouldn't be an episode with Exact Sciences without mentioning their groundbreaking diagnostic too, Cologuard. Strap in for a lesson on how the sausage is made (pun intended), along with a trip to the past, an examination of the present, and a look into the future. Enjoy the show.To learn how to use Cologuard and for additional Important Risk information, visit www.cologuard.com. Samples for use with Cologuard must be collected with the Cologuard collection kit, including a stool sample for DNA testing and a stool sample for Hemoglobin testing, before returning the sample to EXAS laboratory for testing. MCED technology is under development and is not available commercially. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Shortages of everything everywhere all at once!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today, I speak with board-certified patient advocate and thyroid cancer survivor Vanessa Steil. In 2014, Vanessa founded her company Living in Steil to help coach people through health crises and share what she learned during her experience with thyroid cancer at age 26. She also shares her perspective as a caregiver to someone living with cancer. Vanessa talks about the need to change how we talk about cancer, scan-xiety, antithyroglobulin levels, and other syllables.For more information, visit https://OffScrip.com and follow @MatthewZachary and @OffScripHealth on Twitter. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Pardon me for interrupting today's regularly scheduled episode of VAX ON here on the Out of Patients podcast feed. I promise it's for a good reason, namely, a rebroadcast — for those who may have missed it — of Episode One of The Cancer Mavericks: A History of Survivorship, our acclaimed 8-part narrative history series from 2021. Over 300,000 listeners can't be wrong, and it'd be a disservice not to ensure all of my incredible listeners were made aware of this highly ambitious passion project. 2021 was the 50th Anniversary of The National Cancer Act of 1971, passed by President Richard Nixon, that kicked off "The War on Cancer." What you're going to hear in this inaugural episode lays the fundamental groundwork for what has become the very idea of cancer advocacy in the modern era. This series has made a huge dent in society and culture, further demonstrating a most important key takeaway: Advocacy matters. Your voice matters, for it is the only thing that's ever changed anything. Enjoy Episode One of The Cancer Mavericks: A History of Survivorship. To experience the entire series, search for The Cancer Mavericks wherever you listen to your podcasts, and for more information, visit https://cancermavericks.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today I talk to Dr. Mark Lewis and Dr. Jean Luc Neptune, two brilliant physicians and hosts of the new Offscrip Health podcast, Is It Serious? Mark is also a patient living with a hereditary tumor syndrome and brings his unique point of view from both sides of the exam table. JL is an entrepreneur and practices addiction medicine at his own company Suntra Modern Recovery. Through their conversations, they pull back the curtain on the American Healthcare system and share their doctor knowledge without all the complex doctor talk. Today, JL and I realize that we may or may not have been on the same flight that had to make an emergency landing in Salt Lake City and Mark breaks into his Scottish brogue and recreates the opening scene from the movie Trainspotting. They’re smart. They’re funny. They’re passionate and they are coming to you weekly through their podcast, Is It Serious? on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Testing kit murals, boosters, and PPE.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today, I speak with Clare Matschullat, a self-described cancer sherpa. As someone who was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia as a young person, Clare knows the emotional rollercoaster and logistical nightmares that come with a cancer diagnosis. That’s why she started her own business — Clare the Cancer Sherpa — to help guide patients through treatment, advocate on their behalf with providers, and walk them through the messy business of insurance reimbursements and other challenges. She wishes there wasn’t a need for her services, but until the broken healthcare system gets fixed, she’s here to help you navigate it. For more information, visit https://OffScrip.com and follow @MatthewZachary, @VaxOnPod, and @OffScripHealth on Twitter. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Pandemic storytelling, China's constant lockdowns, and traveling sans masks.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today, I speak with Dr. Ashani Weeraratna. She’s a leading cancer researcher at Johns Hopkins. Ashani was recently appointed by President Biden to the National Cancer Advisory Board. She's also a researcher at the National Cancer Institute AND the author of a new book called Is Cancer Inevitable? Her book takes us inside her research lab and reveals how new insights are leading to major breakthroughs, even for patients with Stage IV cancer. We talk about those breakthroughs, what it was like growing up in South Africa, and seeing Van Gogh in virtual reality, among other things. For more information, visit https://OffScrip.com and follow @MatthewZachary, @VaxOnPod, and @OffScripHealth on Twitter. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Gail Zahtz is many things. Quiet isn't one of them. A fellow alum of 1990s SUNY Binghamton, her early career started in traditional old-school print, radio, and TV journalism. Basically, all things pre-Internet. And life went on its merry way for years, as it should, until a multi-year comedy of terrors befell her with a much-delayed diagnosis of Stage IV breast cancer. Hilarity definitely did not ensue as she faced innumerable and endless rabbit holes of shitness navigating her disease. Learn how she went to literal "cancer jail" and fought her way out, among other blitheringly insane experiences no one asks for. Now five years cancer-free, Gail's hill to die on is "value-based care," which is jargon for actually making healthcare suck less for millions. Enjoy the show.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today, I talk to the brain trust behind Frunutta, a company that’s disrupting the vitamin market. Their dissolvable vitamins are ultra-absorbent and get nutrients into your bloodstream more efficiently than vitamins that go through your digestive system. Plus, Frunutta is made from simple, all-natural ingredients, so you aren’t consuming any bad stuff along with the good.Dr. Ali Alavi is a medical doctor who founded the company in order to help his son, who has major nutrient deficiencies related to autism. Joining him is Tonya Skurzynski, Frunutta's Chief Revenue Officer, to answer questions like do multivitamins work? (the answer will surprise you), why do most vitamins have cancer-causing ingredients?, and how do I find out if I'm vitamin deficient?///For more information on us, visit https://OffScrip.com and follow @MatthewZachary, @VaxOnPod, and @OffScripHealth on Twitter. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dexellent, masks, and better ventilation...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today I talk to Gene Gurkoff, the founder and CEO of Charity Miles. It’s a fitness app that helps people raise money for their favorite charities through corporate sponsorships. Gene started running marathons to raise funds for Parkinson’s research after his grandfather was diagnosed with the disease, and he helped to found the Fox Foundation with Michael J. Fox. Later Gene founded Charity Miles to help employees convert their steps into money for places like the Fox Foundation and other charitable groups. Gene gives his tips for healthy living: eat right, exercise, and don’t make an app. He also recommends two of his favorite books: Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things by William McDonough and Once a Runner by John Parker.For more information about us, visit https://OffScrip.com and follow @MatthewZachary, @VaxOnPod, and @OffScripHealth on Twitter. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Baby variants and Scottish plays.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today I talk to global citizen, digital diplomat, and health entrepreneur Sehreen Noor Ali. Sehreen left her job as a technology executive to become a caretaker for her daughter, who was diagnosed with a serious pediatric illness. Seeing the pitfalls of healthcare up close, Sehreen was compelled to launch Sleuth, a database that crowdsources the experiences of parents of sick children. She worked for Obama. She speaks five languages. Her EQ score is off the charts. She’s an award-winning tech innovator. And she’s a fierce mama bear, which is why she named her company Sleuth (sleuth is the name of a group of bears). Between healthcare topics, we talk about the blunders of Crystal Pepsi, Die Hard, and startup culture.For more information, visit https://OffScrip.com and follow @MatthewZachary, @VaxOnPod, and @OffScripHealth on Twitter. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

FDA, No effing way!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today I speak with Anne Marie Mercurio, a firebrand patient research advocate. She comes to her line of work with lots of personal experience as both a patient and a patient caregiver. She survived her Stage-3 cancer diagnosis, but she watched both of her parents die from the disease. And that’s why Anne is so committed to making sure patients come first in all medical decision-making. She’s funny, she’s fiery, and she’s highly effective in her deployment of F-bombs. Follow her on Twitter at chemobrainfog.For more information, visit https://OffScrip.com and follow @MatthewZachary, @VaxOnPod, and @OffScripHealth on Twitter.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this special episode of Vax On, Matthew Zachary and Elura Nanos talk with Ms. Information and Krishna Stone from Gay Men's Health Crisis, the world's first HIV/AIDS service organization. They Discuss Ms. Information's unique approach to busting myths and how the LGBTQ community has been affected by COVID-19.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the show, I talk to Effie Parks, a fierce podcaster raising a child with a rare disease. After giving birth to her first child, Ford, Effie was dismissed by the medical community over concerns she had about her son's health. Almost a year later, Ford was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder called CTNNB1 syndrome, which impairs speech and neurodevelopment. Effie had no handbook and no one to turn to, so she picked up a microphone and sounded the rallying cry for parents of disabled children and other caregivers. Her podcast, Once Upon a Gene, won the 2021 WEGO Health Award Winner for Best in Show: Podcast. Effie's here to talk about growing up in Montana, why language matters, and all of life's unexpected pivots.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Obama has Covid, China has Covid, and school HVACs have Covid.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dr. Tania Small is the Vice President and Global Medical Oncology Head at GSK. She started her career as a pediatric oncologist and realized that her passion for helping patients would drastically accelerate by transitioning to the R&D side of healthcare. She did just that, as you'll hear in this episode when she describes how it felt to see her first FDA-approved medication prescribed to treat thousands more patients than she could have ever helped individually. Her latest passion is serving the GYN/ONC research community and sharing with Matthew the many new challenges and opportunities industry is tackling head-on to put the patient more at the center of care. Also, what role can women take in getting ahead of these diseases, and how can we collaborate to help patients survive and thrive? Also, what does she see as the most revolutionary biotech innovations on the horizon for women living with cancer? Medical progress can only do so much if patients have trouble accessing care, and Covid-19 has made us painfully aware of the racial and socioeconomic gaps in healthcare access. How do we break down those access barriers and help underserved communities get the services they need?This ad-free episode of Out of Patients is made possible by our partner, GlaxoSmithKline(GSK), a science-led global healthcare company with a special purpose to improve the quality of human life by helping people do more, feel better, live longer. For more information, please visit https://www.gsk.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On the show today, I talk to Zach Fink, CEO and Co-Founder at VyTrac, a telehealth company. Zach started his career out as an EMT before using his emergency medical skills as a disaster relief worker. Deeply passionate about healthcare access, he founded VyTrac to use remote technology to bring medical services to underserved populations. Zach is ALSO passionate about ’90s pop culture so we go deep on everything millennial from the proto-Internet to Olive Garden breadsticks and boy bands before we seamlessly transition to a discussion on the dark underbelly of our health care system, NBD.For more information, visit https://OffScrip.com and follow @MatthewZachary, @VaxOnPod, and @OffScripHealth on Twitter. Follow Zach on Twitter @FinkingOutLoud1.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we’re dropping a very special bonus episode. Out of Patients is just one of many shows on the OffScrip Health network – and we want to make sure all of our excellent podcasts are on your radar!The Heart of Healthcare is a show that explores the social determinants of health, including our food system, housing, climate change, and more. It’s hosted by long-time healthcare advocate Halle Tecco. Halle recently had the opportunity to welcome Mark Cuban to the show. The two hit it off and talked about the soaring costs of prescription drugs and his new venture – Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The return of Queen Elizabeth, the importance of curmudgeon filters, and our incredible shrinking brains.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today I talk to Carly Flumer, two-time thyroid cancer survivor, Director of Medical Engagement at MMG, and Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer torch bearer. Carly was diagnosed with stage I, metastatic papillary thyroid cancer in January 2017 at the age of 27. She went through treatment, got her masters degree in health communication, and has been blowing up the twitterverse and blogosphere with her story and advice on how to manage a cancer diagnosis. For information on us, visit https://OffScrip.com and follow @MatthewZachary, @VaxOnPod, and @OffScripHealth on Twitter. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ukraine is going through a lot right now…See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today I speak with Frank Licciardi, a cancer survivor and an award-winning healthcare advocate. Frank was diagnosed with metastatic gastric cancer in his early thirties and given a one percent probability of survival. Not only did he beat the odds, but he’s 12 years cancer-free. Since then, Frank left his job in finance to serve as Chair Emeritus of the “Patient and Family Advisory Council for Quality” at Memorial Sloan Kettering, where he underwent his cancer treatment. And in 2020 Frank won the United Hospital Fund’s Excellence in Health Care Award. He’s here to talk about life without a stomach, Italian mothers, life without a stomach when you have an Italian mother, and his passion for patient-centered care and end-of-life issues.For more information, visit https://OffScrip.com and follow @MatthewZachary, @VaxOnPod, and @OffScripHealth on Twitter. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

England and Ikea have a lot in common...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On the show today I speak with Mel Mann, the longest living person who participated in the clinical trial for Gleevec. When Mel Mann was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia at age 37 in 1995, he was told he had three years to live. But he’s here some 26 years later and still going strong. Mel served as a major in the U.S. Army.  He kickstarted blood marrow drives all across the country. He started running marathons to raise money for cancer research. He went back to school to become a high school English teacher. And now Mel serves as a cancer advocate and patient activist. He's here to talk about his epic journey.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trudeau, the calming magic of stroking sheep, and Super Bowl lunacy.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On the show today, I speak with Alan Russell, Vice President of Research at Amgen. He’s got a long list of esteemed creds: He previously served as the Highmark Distinguished Career Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Director of the Disruptive Health Technology Institute at Carnegie Mellon University. He is the Founding Director of the McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh. He received the U.S. Army’s Greatest Invention Award, three Carnegie Awards for Excellence, and Rolling Stone Magazine ranked Dr. Russell #32 on the “Top 100 People Who Will Change America” list. Despite being a baller of the highest order, Alan Russell talks about the importance of humility, starting his career on the factory floor, and how to master serendipity. He’s not great at doing a southern accent but he has practically mastered everything else. Enjoy the show!For more information, visit https://OffScrip.com and follow @MatthewZachary, @VaxOnPod, and @OffScripHealth on Twitter. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Got orange sauce?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today I talk to patient advocate, digital health influencer, and podcasting maven Grace Vinton. She hosts HITeaWithGrace on the HIT Like a Girl podcast, which celebrates women leaders in healthcare and health IT. She’s the smartest person in the room at any given time and she’s here to let us in on how the sausage gets made in the medical tech world. Follow Grace @HITeaWithGrace on Twitter. For more information, visit https://OffScrip.com and follow @MatthewZachary, @VaxOnPod, and @OffScripHealth on Twitter. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

I talk to David and Robin Dubin, founders of the cancer advocacy organization AliveAndKickn, about Biden's new Cancer Moonshot initiative, which aims to reduce cancer deaths by half over the next 25 years. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Be well, John Spartan...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Gil Bashe, the Nostradamus of healthcare (says Matthew), predicted the rise of digital health in 2000 with his book Branding Health Services: Defining Yourself in the Marketplace. In addition to being an ordained rabbi and former combat medic, Gil is a patient advocate, a champion of health innovation, and a promoter of human compassion. He currently serves as the Chair of Global Health at Finn Partners, a marketing agency, where he advocates for brands that improve the lives and health of their communities. Gil talks about the need to put more care into healthcare, the importance of being present, and books that are at his bedside.For more information, visit https://OffScrip.com and follow @MatthewZachary, @VaxOnPod, and @OffScripHealth on Twitter. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You’d have to CBD it to believe it…See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today I talk to Michael Buller, the Senior Director of Content and Creative Services at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. He’s a ten-year cancer survivor, a SUNY alum, writer, editor, and media producer. And Michael oversees Dana Farber’s amazing new podcast Unraveled about the mysteries of the science of cancer. He talks about the show and the importance of speaking human to patients. For more information, visit https://OffScrip.com and follow @MatthewZachary, @VaxOnPod, and @OffScripHealth on Twitter. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Find out why you shouldn't kiss your chinchillas.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today I talk to author and addiction physician Carl Erik Fisher. Carl is an assistant professor of clinical psychiatry at Columbia University, where he works in the Division of Law, Ethics, and Psychiatry. He also maintains a private psychiatry practice focusing on complementary and integrative approaches to treating addiction. He is the author of a new book – The Urge: Our History of Addiction, which is out now on Penguin Press. He is the host of the amazing podcast “Flourishing After Addiction.” And last but not least, Carl Erik Fisher is a recovering high school marching band geek. Find out more about Carl’s book and podcast at carlerikfisher.com. For more information on us, visit https://OffScrip.com and follow @MatthewZachary, @VaxOnPod, and @OffScripHealth on Twitter. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of Vax On, Matthew Zachary and Elura Nanos discuss the Supreme Court’s COVID-19 precautions during Tuesday’s oral arguments. They also discuss a nationwide COVID-19 testing shortage and NYC Mayor Eric Adams’ questionable remarks about the city’s workforce.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today I talk to Kasey Altman, an intrepid 25-year-old living with late-stage cancer. Before her diagnosis, Kasey landed her dream job working as an Account Executive for Google. She crisscrossed the country. She was an athlete with an active fitstagram. Then in October 2020, at age 24, Kasey was diagnosed with a rare cancer - stage IV pediatric soft tissue sarcoma, fusion positive alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma. Since then, Kasey started her own podcast, Reroute, about life’s unexpected detours. She launched a hackathon to help develop a cure for her type of cancer. And she’s now roadtripping across the U.S. enrolling in different clinical trials. She’s wise beyond her years and has an infectious laugh and lust for life. Follow Kasey on Instagram @kasey.altman. For more information on us, visit https://OffScrip.com and follow @MatthewZachary, @VaxOnPod, and @OffScripHealth on Twitter. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today, we revisit one of our favorite episodes from 2021 featuring Glen DeVries, Co-CEO at Medidata, the most used platform for clinical trials worldwide. Tragically, Glen died in a plane crash in November. We remember him for his great work, including his book, "The Patient Equation: The Precision Medicine Revolution in the Age of COVID-19." Glen was unique in the annals of woke brainiacs who lived in the hyper multi-syllable world of science, data, and related semantic geekery AND YET he was hyperaware that average Jane's and Joe's like you and me prefer to actually understand the words emanating from the mouths of "science people" that may or may not be critical in helping us make life-altering medical decisions. Enjoy our conversation about Moore's Law and how it applies to the intersection of biology and technology, how we might need to reframe the concept of an impending robot apocalypse, and whether HAL from 2001: A Space Odyssey could be our future gatekeeper to a clinical trial. More on Metadata at medidata.com. More on us at OffScrip.com and @MZOutofPatients, @MatthewZachary, @VaxOnPod, and @OffScripMedia on Twitter. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today, we revisit one of our favorite episodes from 2021 featuring Michele Rhee, young adult cancer survivor of thyroid cancer, whose ordeal left her having over a dozen major surgeries, including open-heart surgery for a related underlying rare disease. Michele received both her MBA and MPH in three years and, because she’s such an underachiever, went on to pursue a storied career representing the voice of the patient at every company she’s worked for including The National Brain Tumor Society, Takeda Oncology, Bluebird Bio, and now as the VP of Patient Affairs at X4 Pharma. She’s also traversed all seven continents in a quest to find herself, make sense of the madness, and live her life on her terms. For more information on us, visit https://OffScrip.com and follow @MZOutofPatients, @MatthewZachary, @VaxOnPod, and @OffScripMedia on Twitter. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As 2021 draws to a close, we reflect on important moments in patient advocacy, listenership growth, and new additions to our OffScrip family. Thank you for listening! We'll see you in 2022 with lots of new and exciting content. Excelsior!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.