Words by Isabel O'Brien
It is a pleasure to bring you a brand-new issue of GOLD and a particular privilege to share an edition that focuses on diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) in the pharmaceutical industry. Research has shown that companies with diverse leadership teams are more likely to be innovative, profitable and successful in bringing drugs to market. It is therefore imperative that we continue to promote diversity in all its facets throughout life sciences.
For example, it is vital that we acknowledge the crucial role that female representation plays in shaping the future of medicine. Our cover feature for this issue discusses how the industry has made significant progress in attracting more women into the sector, but that more diversity at the top of organisations is still needed to benefit individuals, businesses and patients.
Our regular columnist Davidek Herron, Head of Digital Engagements, Roche, also tackles the subject of diversity in his latest column. In perhaps his most personal piece to date, he reflects on his own journey with DE&I in the industry. Our media partner, the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association, also addresses the persistent gender pay gap in life sciences.
Another exciting area revolutionising the industry is precision medicine. Advances in technology are enabling more personalised treatments to be approved, allowing patients to be treated based on their unique genetic make-up, environment and lifestyle. Find out how this approach could lead to more effective treatments with fewer side effects, as well as the barriers to wider availability. The potential benefits are immense, and it will be exciting to see how this field develops.
Artificial intelligence is at the heart of many advances in healthcare, and love it or loathe it, ChatGPT is a prime example of how AI is changing the way we interact with technology. This technology has the potential to transform the way we access information, but our feature highlights the potential harm that could be caused if it is not properly regulated for use in healthcare.
Also in this issue, we are delighted to feature an interview with the fantastic Christi Shaw, former CEO, Kite Pharma. With over 25 years’ experience in the pharmaceutical industry, Christi has been instrumental in bringing ground-breaking cancer treatments to patients. In the interview, she shares the story behind her passion for developing cancer cures, her childhood memories of working on her family’s farm in Iowa and her ambitions for the future.
As always, the GOLD team hopes that this issue provides you with insight and inspiration to continue to pursue exciting advances and opportunities in the pharma industry.
This feature appears in GOLD 27 – read the full issue here.