How This Is Building Me

How This Is Building Me
  • 5.0 (16)
  • SCIENCE
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

World-renowned oncologist D. Ross Camidge, MD, PhD, sits down with guests to discuss the highs and lows, ups and downs of all those involved with cancer, cancer medicine, and cancer science across the full spectrum of life’s experiences. 

  1. How an Interest in Scientific Intricacies Evolved to Transform the Biotechnology Field: With D. Ross Camidge, MD, PhD; and Tim Clackson, PhD

    MAR 4

    How an Interest in Scientific Intricacies Evolved to Transform the Biotechnology Field: With D. Ross Camidge, MD, PhD; and Tim Clackson, PhD

    How This Is Building Me, hosted by world-renowned oncologist D. Ross Camidge, MD, PhD, is a podcast focused on the highs and lows, ups and downs of all those involved with cancer, cancer medicine, and cancer science across the full spectrum of life’s experiences. In this episode, Dr Camidge sat down with Tim Clackson, PhD. Dr Clackson is a biotechnology executive, and was most recently chief executive officer of IDRx.  Drs Camidge and Clackson discussed Dr Clackson’s career journey through the biotechnology field, which began when his innate curiosity about biology and evolution led him to study biochemistry. He then pursued his PhD and was part of the small team that developed antibody phage display libraries, a breakthrough technology that allows scientists to mimic the immune system in a test tube to find specific antibodies. This work was foundational to the discovery of major drugs and contributed to the awarding of a Nobel Prize in 2018. In 1991, Dr Clackson moved to the US to pursue a postdoc at Genentech, where he was inspired by the company's vibrant and optimistic research environment. He then joined Ariad Pharmaceuticals, where he stayed for more than 20 years, evolving from a bench scientist to president of R&D. A major highlight of his tenure was the development of ponatinib (Iclusig) for the treatment of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia. He also navigated significant challenges, including ponatinib's temporary market withdrawal due to safety concerns, which the company eventually resolved by narrowing the drug's clinical application. In the following years, Dr Clackson transitioned into chief executive officer roles at other biotech firms, such as IDRx. He noted that although acquisitions often result in leadership changes—humorously stating, "the higher you are, the quicker you go"—he enjoyed the storytelling aspect of pitching scientific strategies to investors. In the present day, Dr Clackson remains active in the biotechnology industry through board service and entrepreneurship.

    1h 5m
  2. How Patient Prioritization Paved the Way for a Legacy of Oncology Care: With D. Ross Camidge, MD, PhD; and Robert Kantor, MD

    FEB 18

    How Patient Prioritization Paved the Way for a Legacy of Oncology Care: With D. Ross Camidge, MD, PhD; and Robert Kantor, MD

    How This Is Building Me, hosted by world-renowned oncologist D. Ross Camidge, MD, PhD, is a podcast focused on the highs and lows, ups and downs of all those involved with cancer, cancer medicine, and cancer science across the full spectrum of life’s experiences. In this episode, Dr Camidge sat down with Robert Kantor, MD. Dr Kantor is associate medical director of Medical Oncology & Hematology at Private Health Management. Drs Camidge and Kantor reflected on Dr Kantor's decades-long career. Inspired by his father’s devotion to patients, Dr Kantor fast-tracked his education, entering medical school at Wayne State University without completing an undergraduate degree. Following fellowship, he intentionally chose private practice over academic oncology to focus on direct patient care and making a difference in the lives of patients' families. Dr Kantor’s career illustrates the shifting landscape of American medicine. He has navigated various oncology practice models, including a corporate merger that he felt compromised patient care. In 2008, he took the risk of launching his own solo practice, successfully bringing trusted staff and a dedicated patient base with him. Dr Kantor eventually retired from clinical practice due to burnout, which was exacerbated by corporate management challenges and the inefficiencies of electronic medical records. His retirement evolved into an "encore career" as an associate medical director for Private Health Management. In this consultative role, he provides clinical oversight for complex oncology cases, helping patients navigate toward personalized cancer vaccines, clinical trials, and cutting-edge therapies. Dr Kantor expressed that this work has brought him renewed enthusiasm for the field of oncology, as it allows him to use his decades of experience with a basis of a better work-life balance. He remains passionate about how these high-end, personalized technologies will eventually make their way into routine clinical practice to benefit the broader patient population.

    1h 16m
  3. How Physics, Medicine, and Lived Experience Shaped a Career in Breast Cancer Research and Risk Evaluation: With Ross Camidge, MD; and Sofia Diana Merajver, MD, PhD

    FEB 4

    How Physics, Medicine, and Lived Experience Shaped a Career in Breast Cancer Research and Risk Evaluation: With Ross Camidge, MD; and Sofia Diana Merajver, MD, PhD

    How This Is Building Me, hosted by world-renowned oncologist D. Ross Camidge, MD, PhD, is a podcast focused on the highs and lows, ups and downs of all those involved with cancer, cancer medicine, and cancer science across the full spectrum of life’s experiences.In this episode, Dr Camidge sat down with Sofia Diana Merajver, MD, PhD, a physician-scientist whose career bridges physics, medicine, and population health. Dr Merajver is the scientific director of the Breast Cancer Program, director of the Breast and Ovarian Cancer Risk Evaluation Program, and a professor of internal medicine and epidemiology at the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center in Ann Arbor. In this discussion, she reflected on a lifelong journey shaped by immigration, intellectual curiosity, and a commitment to science in service of human health.  

    59 min
  4. How Community Oncology Experience Built the Foundation for a Dedicated Phase 1 Research Program: With D. Ross Camidge, MD, PhD; and Justin Call, MD

    JAN 21

    How Community Oncology Experience Built the Foundation for a Dedicated Phase 1 Research Program: With D. Ross Camidge, MD, PhD; and Justin Call, MD

    How This Is Building Me, hosted by world-renowned oncologist D. Ross Camidge, MD, PhD, is a podcast focused on the highs and lows, ups and downs of all those involved with cancer, cancer medicine, and cancer science across the full spectrum of life’s experiences. In this episode, Dr Camidge sat down with Justin Call, MD. Dr Call is a medical oncologist and hematologist at Utah Cancer Specialists in South Jordan. Dr Call explained that he has taken a unique professional path, transitioning from practicing as a general community oncologist to becoming a full-time phase 1 principal investigator within a community practice setting. He explained that he grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah in a family of educators and accountants, though he was heavily influenced by several uncles who were physicians, including one oncologist. After completing his medical training at the University of Colorado, he chose community oncology over academia because he wanted to remain a generalist who could treat all tumor types rather than being restricted to a specific disease group. A formative rotation at Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers solidified this desire, as Dr Call noted he was impressed by the deep knowledge required to treat various cancers and the positive atmosphere of outpatient care. Dr Call emphasized that his personal life significantly influenced his career choices. His son, Trevor, was diagnosed with autism at 18 months old. This diagnosis eventually led the family to move from a rural practice in Petoskey, Michigan, back to Utah to access better support services and be closer to family. His son’s experience also inspired Call's wife to earn a master’s degree in special education. Upon returning to Utah Cancer Specialists, Dr Call initially participated in phase 3 trials. However, he retained an interest in early-phase research from his fellowship days. In 2016, he began building a boutique phase 1 program, initially starting with just 2 hours of dedicated time per week. In 2020, his practice partnered with START (South Texas Accelerated Research Therapeutics) to launch a dedicated, full-time, community-based phase 1 program. Dr Call noted that this model is rare because phase 1 trials are highly competitive and require specialized infrastructure, such as dedicated pharmacists, coordinators, and equipment for processing pharmacokinetic samples.

    1h 13m
  5. How Biostatistics Expertise Led to a Career of Propelling Ethical Clinical Trial Design: D. Ross Camidge, MD, PhD; and Tom Fleming, PhD

    12/24/2025

    How Biostatistics Expertise Led to a Career of Propelling Ethical Clinical Trial Design: D. Ross Camidge, MD, PhD; and Tom Fleming, PhD

    How This Is Building Me, hosted by world-renowned oncologist D. Ross Camidge, MD, PhD, is a podcast focused on the highs and lows, ups and downs of all those involved with cancer, cancer medicine, and cancer science across the full spectrum of life’s experiences.In this episode, Dr Camidge sat down with Tom Fleming, PhD, a professor of biostatistics at the University of Washington School of Public Health in Seattle.Drs Camidge and Fleming discussed how Fleming's interest in biostatistics led to a multifaceted career in clinical trial design and analysis. Fleming pursued a PhD in math and statistics and spent his early career learning to bridge quantitative sciences with clinical medicine, working on landmark trials for adjuvant colon cancer and debunking megadoses of Vitamin C as a cancer treatment.A primary focus of Fleming’s career was pioneering the use of Data Monitoring Committees (DMCs) in oncology research to safeguard patient interests and trial integrity, later convincing organizations like SWOG to adopt DMCs to prevent premature data releases and biases. He also co-developed the O'Brien-Fleming monitoring boundary, a statistical framework that allows trials to stop early for efficacy only when the signal is undeniably compelling, thereby protecting scientific rigor.After moving to the University of Washington, Fleming expanded his focus into infectious diseases. He led international efforts that revolutionized HIV/AIDS prevention, including demonstrating a reduction in heterosexual transmission of the disease through antiretrovirals and significantly reducing mother-to-child transmission in resource-limited settings.Fleming remains a staunch advocate for confirmatory trials and the use of overall survival as the "gold standard" end point, often expressing skepticism toward surrogate biomarkers like progression-free survival. In the episode, he emphasized that rigorous science is possible even in the most challenging environments, provided there is a commitment to clinical equipoise and high patient retention. Outside of his professional life, Fleming prioritizes family and coaches youth soccer teams, reflecting his belief in the power of collaboration.

    1h 11m
  6. How Compelling Communication Makes Early Cancer Detection Part of Everyday Life: With D. Ross Camidge, MD, PhD; and Keith Singer

    12/10/2025

    How Compelling Communication Makes Early Cancer Detection Part of Everyday Life: With D. Ross Camidge, MD, PhD; and Keith Singer

    How This Is Building Me, hosted by world-renowned oncologist D. Ross Camidge, MD, PhD, is a podcast focused on the highs and lows, ups and downs of all those involved with cancer, cancer medicine, and cancer science across the full spectrum of life’s experiences.In this episode, Dr Camidge sat down with Keith Singer, the founder and executive director of Catch It In Time.Camidge and Singer discussed how Singer's background in broadcasting and cable television has led to a career in promoting cancer awareness. Although Singer initially wanted to be an astronaut, a decline in aerospace engineering jobs during the 1970s and a love for the technical side of high school theater led Singer toward television. He left college early and started his career in Cincinnati, first running a boom microphone and later directing newscasts. Singer explained the career hurdles he faced, noting that they led to opportunities for him to hone his skills and exercise creative freedom.In the mid-1980s, a project involving a new pacemaker sparked Singer's interest in using video for health care education. This fascination led him to co-create an innovative platform that broadcast medical programming for physician continuing medical education. Driven by seeing friends and family struggle with cancer, Singer founded the nonprofit Catch It In Time in 2011. His key communication strategy is that cancer should be the supporting actor, not the lead, allowing stories to appeal to targeted audiences based on their hobbies or professions, with cancer awareness as the secondary message.Catch It In Time is currently developing The User's Guide to Oncology, a software-based program that uses gaming technology to guide patients with lung cancer, providing essential information to help them have better conversations with their care teams. Singer stressed the importance of short video content for garnering views for this type of content.Notably, Catch It In Time recently produced a song titled "Breathe Again" by Lilliana De Los Reyes. "Breathe Again" can be found on all major streaming platforms, and all proceeds are dedicated to cancer awareness and research.

    1h 4m
  7. How An Interest in Translational Research and Drug Development Helps Evolve Regulatory Practices: With D. Ross Camidge, MD, PhD; and Gideon Blumenthal, MD

    11/26/2025

    How An Interest in Translational Research and Drug Development Helps Evolve Regulatory Practices: With D. Ross Camidge, MD, PhD; and Gideon Blumenthal, MD

    How This Is Building Me, hosted by world-renowned oncologist D. Ross Camidge, MD, PhD, is a podcast focused on the highs and lows, ups and downs of all those involved with cancer, cancer medicine, and cancer science across the full spectrum of life’s experiences.In this episode, Dr Camidge sat down with Gideon Blumenthal, MD, vice president of Clinical Development Oncology at Merck in Silver Spring, Maryland.Drs Camidge and Blumenthal discussed Dr Blumenthal's experience serving on both sides of the oncology regulatory divide. Though initially leaning toward humanities during his education, he pursued a career in medicine. During medical school, he shifted his focus from neuroscience to oncology due to the field’s high unmet need, fascinating drug development pathways, and the intensity of patient interaction. He chose to complete his hematology and oncology fellowship at the National Cancer Institute to immerse himself in translational oncology and drug development.Before joining industry, Dr Blumenthal also spent several years working for the FDA. He started there as a medical officer, focusing on all facets of drug development, from ethics and manufacturing to trial design and biostatistics. He emphasized that success at the FDA involves both approving effective agents and identifying drugs that do not work, maintaining transparency through venues like the public Oncologic Drug Advisory Committee meetings. He used FDA data to conduct independent meta-research, such as analyzing the correlation between response rates and overall survival in lung cancer. His proudest achievement at the FDA was helping to establish the Oncology Center of Excellence, which unified drug development reviews across different centers within the agency.Dr Blumenthal left the FDA in early 2020, seeking to gain direct experience in developing new therapeutics. Joining Merck, he first worked in regulatory affairs, navigating international regulations in addition to US filing procedures, which are typically prioritized in oncology. He later transitioned into clinical development, and currently focuses on new assets as Merck evolves its pipeline beyond pembrolizumab (Keytruda). Dr Blumenthal concluded that he is excited by the future of oncology, anticipating radical changes driven by new modalities and advanced biomarkers like artificial intelligence–driven digital pathology.

    55 min
  8. How a Career Dedicated to Patient Connections and Research Advances Has Improved Lung Cancer Care: With D. Ross Camidge, MD, PhD; and Mark Socinski, MD

    11/12/2025

    How a Career Dedicated to Patient Connections and Research Advances Has Improved Lung Cancer Care: With D. Ross Camidge, MD, PhD; and Mark Socinski, MD

    How This Is Building Me, hosted by world-renowned oncologist D. Ross Camidge, MD, PhD, is a podcast focused on the highs and lows, ups and downs of all those involved with cancer, cancer medicine, and cancer science across the full spectrum of life’s experiences.In this episode, Dr Camidge sat down with Mark Socinski, MD, a medical oncologist and the executive medical director of the AdventHealth Cancer Institute in Orlando, Florida.Drs Camidge and Socinski discussed the highlights of Dr Socinski's career trajectory, as well as the personal influences that helped him arrive where he is today. Socinski describes himself as a clinician and clinical investigator with 35 years of focus on lung cancer. His role as executive director of the AdventHealth Cancer Institute involves maintaining an active clinic 1 day a week and dedicating the rest of his time to administrative duties, including recruitment and building infrastructure at the institution.In the interview, Dr Socinski explained that he was influenced to enter a career in medicine because of role of the family practitioner he knew growing up. He went on to receive undergraduate and medical degrees from the University of Vermont in Burlington. After training at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, Massachusetts, he began his career in private general oncology practice in Vermont before seeking a more academic, subspecialty environment. He joined the University of North Carolina to concentrate on lung cancer, where he pioneered dose-escalation trials using conformal radiotherapy.Dr Socinski then described his move to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in Pennsylvania. There, he became the chair of the lung pathway, which limits treatment options to a single, expert-agreed standard of care based on efficacy, toxicity, and cost, thus reducing treatment heterogeneity and controlling costs.Thereafter, Dr Socinski moved to AdventHealth, attracted by the institution's goal to achieve National Cancer Institute designation and build a major cancer program. Dr Socinski shared that he finds it gratifying to care for patients and lead the development of the institute.

    1h 2m
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World-renowned oncologist D. Ross Camidge, MD, PhD, sits down with guests to discuss the highs and lows, ups and downs of all those involved with cancer, cancer medicine, and cancer science across the full spectrum of life’s experiences. 

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