Taking the Pulse: a Health Care and Life Sciences Podcast

Taking The Pulse
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  • HEALTH & FITNESS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The health care and life sciences sectors are among the fastest growing and most complex industries in the world. From breakthroughs in biotechnology and pharmaceutical innovation, to regulatory changes and digital transformation, business leaders across these sectors must navigate constant evolution. On each episode of Taking the Pulse: A Health Care and Life Sciences Podcast, Maynard Nexsen attorneys Matthew Roberts and Lauren DeMoss, along with co host Heather Matthews, take a current look at the forces shaping one of America’s largest and most dynamic industry landscapes.

  1. FEB 17

    Episode 267: Leading Legal Strategy at a Growing Health System with Kelli Ferry of Novant Health

    In this episode, we welcome back Kelli Ferry, recently promoted to Chief Legal Officer and Executive Vice President of Novant Health. Kelli shares how her role has evolved as Novant expands across the Southeast, offering insight into her leadership approach, how the legal department is adapting to organizational growth, and the system’s responsible use of AI in both legal and clinical settings. She also discusses how Novant is preparing for upcoming Medicaid changes and continuing to prioritize patient care and value‑based models. Tune in now for an inside look at leading a modern legal team in a fast‑growing healthcare system!

    16 min

  2. FEB 4

    Episode 266: Navigating Today’s Healthcare Landscape with Leighton Roper of Maynard Nexsen

    For episode 266, we welcome Leighton Roper, the newest member of Maynard Nexsen’s healthcare and life sciences team. After nearly 20 years at Duke University Health System, Leighton brings experience in academic medicine, government affairs, and complex corporate, transactional and regulatory healthcare matters. He joins us to discuss the biggest challenges facing providers today, from financial pressures and staffing shortages to rapid regulatory change and the growing role of technology in care delivery. Leighton also shares his insights on where he sees the greatest opportunities for healthcare organizations moving forward. Tune in now!

    17 min

  3. FEB 3

    Episode 268: Inside South Carolina’s Life Sciences Growth with James Chappell of SCbio

    Filmed at the 2026 SCbio Annual Conference in Charleston, Matthew and Heather welcome  back James Chappell, President and CEO of SCbio, to discuss the organization’s newly released economic impact report and the explosive growth of South Carolina’s life sciences sector. James shares what’s driving the nearly $20 billion annual economic impact, why companies are choosing to expand in the state, and how emerging and growth‑stage innovators are shaping the future of the industry. He also offers insight into workforce development  and South Carolina’s potential to become a leading national hub for life sciences. Tune in now for an inside look at the momentum building across the state!

    18 min

  4. JAN 20

    Episode 265: Redesigning Clinical Trials Through Technology with Patrick McCarthy of Validcare

    Hosts Heather and Lauren sit down with Patrick McCarthy, CEO of Validcare, to discuss how technology is reshaping the future of clinical research. Patrick shares how Validcare is re‑engineering the traditional CRO model, known for its complexity, by creating a unified, tech-enabled approach that simplifies workflows, increases data quality, reduces costs, and expands access for patients and investigators alike. Patrick also breaks down the disruption facing biopharma and biotech companies, how evolving investor expectations are influencing emerging life sciences companies, and more. Tune in now!

    17 min

  5. JAN 6

    Episode 264: 2026 Healthcare Industry Trends & Challenges with Lauren DeMoss and Matthew Roberts

    To kick off the new year, Heather, Lauren, and Matthew offer a high-level overview of what’s shaping the healthcare and life sciences industries in 2026. From cybersecurity threats and physician employment risks to the growing role of AI, Lauren and Matthew share insights from recent conversations with hospital general counsel and industry leaders. They also look ahead to key policy issues like HIPAA updates, 340B changes, PBM regulation, and private equity oversight in healthcare. Tune in now for takeaways and predictions to help you navigate the year ahead!

    22 min

  6. 12/18/2025

    Episode 263: Building NC's Innovation Ecosystem with Andrea Conner of First Flight Venture Center

    Recorded live at the NCLifeSci 2025 Annual Meeting, Heather and Lauren sit down with Andrea Conner, Ecosystem Development Director for First Flight Venture Center, North Carolina’s original science-based technology incubator. Andrea shares how First Flight helps high-science, deep-tech startups take flight through wraparound programs, lab space, and commercialization support. We also get insight into tackling funding challenges and the importance of collaboration across the RTP. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about innovation, entrepreneurship, and building a thriving life sciences community in North Carolina!

    17 min

  7. 12/15/2025

    Episode 262: Breaking the “Undruggable” Barrier with Marcel Frenkel of Ten63 Therapeutics

    Recorded live at the NCLifeSci 2025 Annual Meeting, Marcel Frenkel, co-founder and CEO of Ten63 Therapeutics, joins hosts Heather Matthews and Lauren DeMoss for an exciting conversation about the future of drug discovery. Marcel shares how Ten63 is using advanced AI and computational tools to take on one of the hardest problems in medicine: the 80% of the human genome considered “undruggable.” By creating groundbreaking therapeutics and redefining what’s possible for patients, Ten63 is opening the door to new treatments for cancer and rare diseases like Ewing sarcoma. Marcel explains how their approach could transform drug discovery, speed up development, and bring hope to patients who currently have no options. Listen now!

    16 min

  8. 12/11/2025

    Episode 261: Transforming Lives with Advanced BioMaterials with Dr. Juliana Blum of BioAesthetics

    Recorded live at the NCLifeSci 2025 Annual Meeting, hosts Heather Matthews and Lauren DeMoss chat with Dr. Juliana Blum, CEO of BioAesthetics, a biomaterials company pioneering next-generation acellular grafts for tissue regeneration. Dr. Blum shares how her team is developing grafts that not only integrate into damaged tissue but also deliver embedded therapeutics to improve healing, reduce infection, and shorten recovery times for patients with burns, surgical wounds, and chronic ulcers. We also hear about her passion for startups, lessons learned from co-founding Humacyte, and why North Carolina is an ideal hub for biotech innovation. Tune in for a great episode!

    13 min
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About

The health care and life sciences sectors are among the fastest growing and most complex industries in the world. From breakthroughs in biotechnology and pharmaceutical innovation, to regulatory changes and digital transformation, business leaders across these sectors must navigate constant evolution. On each episode of Taking the Pulse: A Health Care and Life Sciences Podcast, Maynard Nexsen attorneys Matthew Roberts and Lauren DeMoss, along with co host Heather Matthews, take a current look at the forces shaping one of America’s largest and most dynamic industry landscapes.

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