How This Is Building Me

How This Is Building Me
  • 5.0 (19)
  • 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 Strategic Focus Translates to Forward Momentum Across Cancer Immunology Frontiers: With D. Ross Camidge, MD, PhD; and Nora L. Disis, MD

    Jun 24

    How Strategic Focus Translates to Forward Momentum Across Cancer Immunology Frontiers: With D. Ross Camidge, MD, PhD; and Nora L. Disis, 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 Mary (Nora) L. Disis, MD, a professor in the Clinical Research Division at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center; as well as a professor in the Division of Hematology and Oncology, an adjunct professor of pathology in obstetrics and gynecology, holder of the Helen B. Slonaker Endowed Professorship for Cancer Research, director of the Cancer Vaccine Institute, and associate dean for Translational Health Science at the School of Medicine at the University of Washington in Seattle. Drs Camidge and Disis discussed Dr Disis’s evolution from a science-focused student to a global leader in cancer immunology. Raised in a family that prioritized education, Disis found her passion for chemistry as a young adult before pursuing an MD and a master’s degree. Although deeply drawn to practicing medicine in rural communities, she ultimately chose to focus on the field of tumor immunology. In the discussion, Disis offered a candid look at the strategic discipline required to succeed as a clinician-scientist. She emphasized the importance of protecting research time and refusing to let clinical duties overshadow her lab work. Her pioneering research involved identifying HER2 as a tumor antigen and developing vaccines that demonstrated significant long-term survival through intermolecular epitope spreading. Beyond the lab, Disis highlighted how her editorial roles allow her to observe scientific trends and maintain a broad understanding of the clinical landscape. Ultimately, Disis emphasized that the path to cancer prevention and vaccine licensing requires finance, focus, fortitude, and fearlessness. Having witnessed immunotherapy become a standard of care, she remains dedicated to climbing the mountain of vaccine development. By sifting through scientific “buzz” and maintaining deep focus, Disis believes the next frontier of cancer research lies in immunizing individuals to prevent cancer from ever developing.

    1h 12m
  2. How Curiosity and Empathy Build a Life of Meaningful Accomplishments and Deep Connections: With Erin Schenk, MD, PhD; and D. Ross Camidge, MD, PhD

    Jun 10

    How Curiosity and Empathy Build a Life of Meaningful Accomplishments and Deep Connections: With Erin Schenk, MD, PhD; and D. Ross Camidge, 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, guest host Erin Schenk, MD, PhD, at the University of Colorado Anschutz in Aurora, an associate professor of medicine in the Division of Medical Oncology, sat down with D. Ross Camidge, MD, PhD, to highlight Dr Camidge's storied career and life. Driven by a relentless curiosity that often manifested in him "interrogating" those around him, Camidge chose a career in medicine because of the immediate effect he saw it could have on people's lives. His path included a formative gap year working at McDonald's and serving as a caregiver for a man with cerebral palsy. After studying at Oxford, he faced a significant professional and personal low when pursuing his PhD at Cambridge. Struggling with a difficult project, he persevered by pivoting his research and finding resilience through peers, eventually returning to practicing clinical medicine and finding his calling in oncology due to its unique overlap of molecular biology and opportunities for deep patient connection. Seeking further opportunities, Dr Camidge moved to the United States to lead the lung cancer program at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. He became a pivotal figure in the development of targeted therapies, specifically crizotinib for ALK-positive lung cancer. Beyond drug development, he championed the use of molecular profiling and established a global remote second opinion program. In 2022, Dr Camidge’s perspective shifted profoundly following his own lung cancer diagnosis. This experience forced him to evolve from a "questioning machine" into someone more amenable to accepting love and support. He now integrates this dual perspective into his work, emphasizing that oncology must go beyond science to address the human experience of treating real people.

    1h 6m
  3. How Cancer Caregiving Shifts Perspectives in Oncology Practice: With D. Ross Camidge, MD, PhD; and Karen L. Reckamp, MD

    May 27

    How Cancer Caregiving Shifts Perspectives in Oncology Practice: With D. Ross Camidge, MD, PhD; and Karen L. Reckamp, 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 Karen L. Reckamp, MD, director of Medical Oncology, associate director of Clinical Research, and the medical oncology director of the Lung Institute at Cedars Sinai in Los Angeles, California. Drs Camidge and Reckamp discussed Dr Reckamp's journey as an oncology specialist and now a caregiver for her husband, who has cancer. Reckamp’s career was inspired by her family’s history with BRCA-related cancers. She pursued an academic path that eventually led her to Los Angeles, where she became a leader in thoracic oncology during an era of genomic breakthroughs. In late 2024, her husband, a fellow oncologist, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer shortly after a clear annual scan. Reckamp described the jarring transition of receiving the diagnosis and the ensuing emotions balanced with medical pragmatism. Bob underwent intensive treatments that have affected his physical health and daily life. Reckamp offered a candid look at the dual role of a physician-caregiver. She continues to work, however, her husband's cancer diagnosis has changed her practice. Now, she is more sensitive to chemotherapy toxicities in her patients that she might have previously minimized. She also highlighted the invisible load of caregivers who must manage their own emotions and remain available for patient needs. Ultimately, Reckamp emphasized the necessity of a support network, crediting their long-time nanny and overall community with maintaining her family’s stability. By allowing different people to hold different pieces of the emotional burden, Reckamp shared that her family is finding a way to move forward amidst the uncertainty of this cancer diagnosis.

    1h 19m
  4. How Reimagined Research Endeavors Intersect With Dignified End-of-Life Care: With D. Ross Camidge, MD, PhD; and Charles D. Blanke, MD, FACP, FASCO

    May 13

    How Reimagined Research Endeavors Intersect With Dignified End-of-Life Care: With D. Ross Camidge, MD, PhD; and Charles D. Blanke, MD, FACP, FASCO

    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 Charles D. Blanke, MD, FACP, FASCO, a professor of medicine in the School of Medicine at the Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) Knight Cancer Institute in Portland. Drs Camidge and Blanke discuss Dr Blanke's unique career path from pioneering targeted cancer therapies to becoming a leading advocate for medical aid in dying. A Type 1 diabetes diagnosis directed Dr Blanke toward an interest in internal medicine and oncology. During his fellowship and early faculty days, he established a reputation for his hard work pursuing research opportunities, even when initial projects were unsuccessful. Blanke’s most transformative scientific achievement occurred at OHSU, where he spearheaded the use of Imatinib (Gleevec) for the management of gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). By targeting the KIT mutation, this research turned a previously untreatable malignancy into one with a high response rate, marking a landmark moment for personalized oncology. Equally significant in Dr Blanke’s career is his role in medical aid in dying. Practicing in Oregon, the first state to legalize the option, he has written hundreds of prescriptions for patients with terminal diseases. Blanke views medical aid in dying as a vital extension of patient care. As the former chair of SWOG, Dr Blanke modernized clinical research by introducing term limits, increasing access to clinical trials among, and championing the development of pragmatic trials with broader patient eligibility criteria. Throughout his tenure, he emphasized the importance of patient advocacy and the altruistic nature of cooperative research. Having recently stepped down from his leadership at SWOG, he intends to focus his future efforts on patient rights and medical aid in dying advocacy.

    1h 12m
  5. How Surgical Determination Intersects With Human Connection: With D. Ross Camidge, MD, PhD; and Robert A Meguid, MD, MPH, FACS

    Apr 29

    How Surgical Determination Intersects With Human Connection: With D. Ross Camidge, MD, PhD; and Robert A Meguid, MD, MPH, FACS

    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 A Meguid, MD, MPH, FACS, a thoracic and cardiac surgeon, as well as a professor of cardiothoracic surgery, at the University of Colorado in Aurora. Drs Camidge and Meguid discussed Dr Meguid’s journey into medicine, which was heavily influenced by his parents, both of whom were academic physicians. A first-generation American, Dr Meguid grew up watching his father operate and working in his father's research lab, experiences that ignited a lifelong interest in the scientific method and patient care. Dr Meguid pursued a combined 8-year medical program before matching into a residency in general surgery. During his residency, he spent 3 years in research, earning a master’s degree in public health and shifting his focus toward surgical outcomes and risk analysis. After completing a cardiothoracic fellowship, he joined the University of Colorado, where he helped expand the thoracic surgery program and pioneered robotic-assisted techniques. A shift in Dr Meguid’s perspective occurred when he suffered a life-threatening medical event during a family vacation in Australia. He contracted fulminant septic shock resulting from human metapneumovirus and group A strep, leading to respiratory and renal failure. After being intubated for several weeks and losing significant muscle mass, he was life-flighted back to his own ICU in Denver to begin recovery. This experience as a patient, during which he had to relearn how to stand and move, deepened his empathy and reinforced his commitment to patient-centered care. Currently, Dr Meguid is a leader in his field, focusing on thoracic oncology and complex chest wall reconstructions, such as that of the adult pectus excavatum. He remains dedicated to academic research on surgical risk assessment, ensuring that patients are empowered to make informed decisions about their care.

    1h 7m
  6. How Strategic Partnerships Expand the Reach of Cancer Research: With D. Ross Camidge, MD, PhD; and Dajan O'Donnell, PhD

    Apr 15

    How Strategic Partnerships Expand the Reach of Cancer Research: With D. Ross Camidge, MD, PhD; and Dajan O'Donnell, 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, Camidge sat down with Dajan O'Donnell, PhD, who is the director of Research Partnerships at Cancer Research Society in Montreal, Canada. Camidge and O'Donnell discussed O’Donnell’s journey into science. After being steered away from a career in science during grade school but re-igniting his interest in the field as a young adult, O'Donnell earned a PhD in neurology and neurosurgery and then worked for AstraZeneca, where he helped build a Montreal-based research unit from scratch that specialized in identifying novel targets for chronic pain. O’Donnell’s transition to the nonprofit sector was sparked by the closure of AstraZeneca’s Montreal site and a personal diagnosis of a desmoid tumor that required multiple aggressive surgeries, an experience that fueled his passion for supporting research that directly affects patients. Before joining Cancer Research Society, O'Donnell worked for Exactis Innovation, where he navigated complex provincial health care barriers to create a national molecular registry for patients with cancer. Since joining Cancer Research Society, O’Donnell has expanded the organization's reach. Despite its relatively small size, Cancer Research Society is highly efficient, focusing almost entirely on funding research across all cancer types. Under O'Donnell's leadership, the organization’s financial commitment to cancer research has increased. Currently, O’Donnell is spearheading an unprecedented initiative to support investigator-initiated clinical trials in Canada. By leveraging partnerships with other agencies and foundations, this project aims to enhance clinical trial capacity across the country. This initiative serves as a cornerstone of O'Donnell's legacy as he prepares to transition into an advisory role over the next few years.

    58 min
  7. How a Passion for Justice Leads the Fight in Tobacco Litigation: With D. Ross Camidge, MD, PhD; and Alex Alvarez

    Apr 1

    How a Passion for Justice Leads the Fight in Tobacco Litigation: With D. Ross Camidge, MD, PhD; and Alex Alvarez

    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 Alex Alvarez, a board-certified civil trial lawyer who specializes in tobacco litigation and jury selection. Camidge and Alvarez discussed Alvarez's career path, which he attributes to a deep-seated passion for upholding justice. Alvarez’s professional life began early, when he became one of the youngest police officers in Miami. After working in patrol during a period of significant civil unrest, he moved into the detective bureau, eventually joining the homicide division. There, he worked on high-profile investigations. During a federal trial for corrupt officers, Alvarez served as the lead investigator and sat at the counsel table, an experience that inspired him to become a trial lawyer. Although Alvarez initially planned to be a prosecutor, a prominent trial lawyer convinced him to enter private practice, focusing on high-end products liability and medical negligence. Alvarez eventually founded his own firm and became a leading figure in tobacco litigation. His cases focus on corporate malfeasance, arguing that tobacco companies engineered cigarettes to be addictive. He also sues for fraud, citing the industry’s history of denying the health risks associated with cigarettes and the marketing flaws surrounding "safer" cigrette alternatives. A master of jury selection, Alvarez has tried several tobacco cases. He emphasized the importance of finding jurisdictions where jurors are less likely to blame the smoker and more likely to hold corporations accountable. Alvarez's law firm is a family-run business involving his children and relatives. Today, Alvarez is shifting toward consulting and mentoring the next generation of lawyers to continue the fight against tobacco.

    1h 7m
  8. How a Devotion to Heath Care Conquered Societal Barriers: With D. Ross Camidge, MD, PhD; and Khari Reed, MHSA, FACHE

    Mar 18

    How a Devotion to Heath Care Conquered Societal Barriers: With D. Ross Camidge, MD, PhD; and Khari Reed, MHSA, FACHE

    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 Khari Reed, MHSA, FACHE. Dr Reed is the vice president of Oncology Services at HonorHealth in Scottsdale, Arizona. Drs Reed and Camidge dug into what sparked Dr Reed’s illustrious health care career. Dr Reed’s journey began on the south side of Chicago, where he was raised in the neighborhood of Chatham. Influenced by his parents’ investment in community building, he grew up with a commitment to education and giving back to those around him. Dr Reed pointed out how his affinity for health care came from his early time spent in the hospital due to childhood asthma, which caused him to develop an appreciation for the physicians and health care workers that helped him feel better. Dr Reed’s career journey is exemplary of a commitment to clinical excellence, operational resilience, and diverse experiences. From his beginnings at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor to a years-long career wearing many hats for The John Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, to now leading cancer care at Honor Health, Dr Reed has earned his stripes as a decorated and versatile health care professional. Overcoming unfavorably stacked odds has been a common theme woven throughout every stop of Dr Reed’s career. At the Loyola University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois, Dr Reed led the oncology service line through the COVID-19 pandemic, establishing an incident command center that kept ambulatory cancer care operational when other departments closed. Moreover, Dr Reed navigated institutional barriers by completing a rigorous self-designed career plan, mastering complex financial systems, volunteering to gain practical experience, and breaking racial stigmas in health care. Now at HonorHealth, Dr Reed continues to treat patients like family and eyes future career advancements at the hospital, focused on creating self-sustaining organizations that prioritize high-quality oncology care.

    1h 15m
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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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