BioTalk with Rich Bendis BioHealth Innovation, Inc. (BHI)

Radiological Health (CDRH) at the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). With a distinguished background as a board-certified ophthalmologist and epidemiologist, Dr. Tarver is at the forefront of transforming the evaluation and inclusion of medical devices in underserved and underrepresented populations.


In this episode, Dr. Tarver introduces the FDA and the CDRH Division, explaining the definition of a medical device by FDA standards. She discusses the creation of the Chief Transformation Officer role within the FDA, highlighting its importance and the strategic vision behind it.


We explore the critical importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in evaluating medical devices, and how these efforts are essential for ensuring equitable healthcare for all. Dr. Tarver introduces the innovative “Home as a Health Care Hub” initiative by the FDA/CDRH, explaining its potential to revolutionize healthcare delivery.


Dr. Tarver also addresses the broader transformation needed in the healthcare system to ensure no one is left behind, emphasizing the role of partnerships in achieving this goal. She delves into the role of Virtual Reality (VR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in making the home a central hub for healthcare, discussing this ambitious initiative’s current status, challenges, and long-term objectives.


Additionally, we touch on Dr. Tarver’s impressive background, including her leadership roles within the CDRH and her academic achievements at Spelman College and Johns Hopkins University. Finally, we discuss the value of having the FDA in the BioHealth Capital Region and its impact on advancing healthcare innovation.


Tune in to BioTalk for an insightful discussion with Dr. Michelle Tarver as we explore the future of medical devices, healthcare transformation, and the pivotal role of the FDA in shaping a more inclusive and innovative healthcare landscape.


Dr. Michelle Tarver is a board-certified ophthalmologist and epidemiologist, serving as the Deputy Center Director for Transformation. In this role, Dr. Tarver facilitates the development, implementation, and direction of CDRH’s transformative projects and strategic initiatives. Under her leadership, CDRH is advancing efforts to include underserved and underrepresented populations in the evaluation of medical devices. Her CDRH career has included many leadership roles, including the Deputy Director of the Office of Strategic Partnerships and Technology Innovation and the Program Director of Patient Science and Engagement. Dr. Tarver received a B.S. in Biochemistry from Spelman College in Atlanta, GA and completed the M.D./Ph.D. program at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Bloomberg School of Public Health. 

Join us for an enlightening episode of BioTalk with Rich Bendis as we welcome Dan Berglund, President and CEO of SSTI. With nearly four decades of experience in tech-based economic development (TBED), Dan has been a pivotal figure in shaping the landscape of innovation and entrepreneurship across the nation.
 
In this episode, Dan shares the history and evolution of Technology Based Economic Development, discussing key initiatives in states like Ohio and Pennsylvania, and at the federal level. He highlights the importance of partnerships, detailing a compendium of state and federal cooperative technology programs that have driven progress in the field.
 
We explore the early years of SSTI, looking into its creation, mission, and initial goals, and how it has grown to support a nationwide network dedicated to fostering tech-based economies. Dan discusses the evolution and growth of state TBED programs, and the changing role of the federal government in supporting these initiatives through agencies like STCS, OSTP, Commerce, NIST, and EDA.
 
Dan also emphasizes the importance of private/public TBED partnerships, sharing insights into how these collaborations have bolstered economic growth and innovation. As he prepares to step down from his role after 28 years,and assume a part time role,  Dan discusses the recruitment of a new CEO and reflects on SSTI's achievements, his legacy, and his vision for the organization's future.
 
Additionally, Dan talks about Rich Bendis’s role as an original founding board member of SSTI, and his significant help in the early development of the organization. He also highlights the presence of several SSTI members in the BioHealth Capital Region.
 
Finally, Dan outlines SSTI's current initiatives and projections for the future, offering a glimpse into the ongoing efforts to support prosperity through science, technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
 
Experience an engaging discussion with Dan Berglund, a leader who has dedicated his career to advancing tech-based economic development and is now ready to embark on a new chapter.
 
Tune in to BioTalk to gain valuable insights from one of the most influential figures in the field and learn about the future of tech-based economic development.
 
Dan Berglund is the President and CEO of SSTI, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving initiatives that support prosperity through science, technology, innovation and entrepreneurship. SSTI is the most comprehensive resource available for those involved in technology-based economic development. Leading SSTI since its inception in 1996, Mr. Berglund has helped SSTI develop a nationwide network of practitioners and policymakers dedicated to improving the economy through science, technology and innovation. SSTI works with this network to assist states and communities as they build tech-based economies, conduct research on best practices and trends in tech-based economic development, and encourage cooperation among and between state and federal programs. Prior to joining SSTI, Mr. Berglund worked as a consultant and for the Ohio Department of Development in a variety of positions, including Acting Deputy Director of the Division of Technological Innovation.

Chief of the Biomolecular Measurement Division at the Material Measurement Laboratory, NIST. With a distinguished career in analytical chemistry and extensive experience in biochemical sensing and bioprocess measurements, Michael leads critical initiatives to advance biotechnology and healthcare.
 
In this episode, we delve into the pivotal role of NIST as a non-regulatory agency within the Department of Commerce, highlighting its profound impact on measurement science, gene therapy, gene editing, synthetic biology, and regenerative medicine. Michael shares insights into NIST's collaborations, including local companies like MedImmune/AstraZeneca and Novavax, and the importance of partnerships with academic institutions like the University of Maryland in driving local biotech advancements.
 
We also explore specific technologies and standards such as gene delivery systems, the NIST Monoclonal Antibody Reference Material (NISTmAb), and the National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL). Michael discusses the goals for future research and collaborations and reveals the next big developments we should anticipate in the biotech field.
 
Don't miss this engaging conversation as we uncover the innovations and initiatives at NIST that are shaping the future of biotechnology and healthcare.
 

Join us in this episode of BioTalk with Rich Bendis as we delve into the Baltimore ecosystem with Kory Bailey, Chief Ecosystem Officer (CEO) of UpSurge Baltimore, a trailblazing organization dedicated to fostering equitable economic growth and innovation.
Kory Bailey brings over a decade of leadership experience from both early-stage startups and big tech. He has emerged as a thought leader on equitable economic growth and a champion for Baltimore's tech ecosystem. As the CEO of UpSurge Baltimore, Kory is spearheading the vision for Baltimore to become the first Equitech hub globally, pioneering a new model for American innovation.
In this discussion, Kory unveils UpSurge Baltimore's mission: to cultivate a thriving tech ecosystem for innovators, founders, and talent by fostering culture and connectivity and mobilizing regional and national assets around Baltimore startups.
From exploring what drew him to Baltimore to discussing the evolution and unique aspects of UpSurge, Kory shares insights into the philanthropic landscape in Baltimore and initiatives like the Equitech Accelerator, Techstars, KHU, and CareFirst. He also delves into the primary challenges facing Baltimore and UpSurge's short-term goals focused on accountability, awareness, investment, and early-stage support.
Join us as we envision Baltimore's future in the next five years and the pivotal role UpSurge Baltimore plays in shaping it. Tune in now to be part of the conversation driving equitable economic growth and innovation in Baltimore's tech ecosystem.

Discover the Future of Healthcare with John Sackett, Executive Vice President & COO of Adventist Healthcare, on BioTalk with Rich Bendis.

In this episode, John Sackett shares his insights into the changing landscape of healthcare delivery. From his early days as an administrative assistant to his current role, John's journey offers invaluable lessons on leadership and innovation in the healthcare industry.

Join us as we explore Adventist Healthcare's role in the BioHealth Capital Region (BHCR) and explore the transformative changes in healthcare delivery. Gain valuable insights into the challenges and innovations reshaping healthcare post-COVID and learn how Adventist Healthcare is leading the way in patient-centered care.

In a candid and inspiring segment, John opens up about his personal journey of managing cystic fibrosis while excelling in his career. Discover the remarkable advancements in the treatment and life expectancy of CF patients, highlighting the power of innovation and resilience in overcoming adversity.

Don't miss this enlightening episode as we navigate the evolving landscape of BioHealth Innovation and the BHCR Region with John Sackett, a visionary leader shaping the future of healthcare.

Join us for an engaging episode of BioTalk as we sit down with Lance Kawaguchi, Chief Executive Officer of the Cure Brain Cancer Foundation. Lance's career trajectory from global finance to non-profit leadership is as inspiring as it is impactful, driven by a personal mission to combat brain cancer following the loss of his mother.
 
In this episode, we explore Lance's journey from senior investment banker to non-profit leader, propelled by personal loss and a vision for change. We delve into the SouthPoleTrek4Cancer initiative, spearheading a global effort to raise awareness and funds for brain and rare cancer charities, culminating in a historic journey to the South Pole. We recognize Lance's leadership achievements, including ringing the Nasdaq bell twice as a cancer charity CEO, and his success in bringing the GBM AGILE Clinical Trial Platform from the US to Australia, accelerating breakthrough research efforts.
 
We also discuss Lance's strategic plans for growth and impact in the BioHealth Capital Region, driving forward the Cure Brain Cancer Foundation's mission. Additionally, we introduce the esteemed medical and scientific advisory committee steering the foundation's groundbreaking initiatives.
 
Join us for an insightful discussion as we uncover Lance Kawaguchi's transformative journey and the innovative strides being made in the fight against brain cancer. Tune in to BioTalk and be inspired!