WittKieffer Impactful Leaders Podcast

Taking Flight: UC San Diego's Pharmacy Dean Aims Higher and Inspires

22 min · 31. mar. 2026
episode Taking Flight: UC San Diego's Pharmacy Dean Aims Higher and Inspires cover

Description

UC San Diego Skaggs School of Pharmacy Dean Dr. Brookie Best joins host Jeff Schroetlin for an in-depth conversation on the future of pharmacy education, leadership, and scientific discovery. Dr. Best reflects on her journey from clinician and researcher to senior academic leader, shaped by early mentorship, founding-faculty experiences, and a deep commitment to patient-centered training. She shares how the role of pharmacy dean is rapidly evolving—requiring crisis navigation, policy fluency, interprofessional collaboration, and a bold vision for innovation. Dr. Best discusses the school’s curriculum redesign, advancements in AI-driven drug discovery, breast milk therapeutics, pharmacomicrobiomics, and how academic institutions can remain engines of community impact. With clarity and candor, she offers leadership advice, insights on emerging practice models, and a forward-looking perspective on preparing the next generation of pharmacy professionals to lead in a transforming healthcare landscape.

Comments

0

Be the first to comment

Sign up now and become a member of the WittKieffer Impactful Leaders Podcast community!

Get Started

1 month for 9 kr.

Then 99 kr. / month · Cancel anytime.

  • Podcasts kun på Podimo
  • 20 lydbogstimer pr. måned
  • Gratis podcasts

All episodes

97 episodes

episode Converge Cast | A New Frontier in Vision and Aging: ER‑100 Advances as First Participant Is Dosed in Phase 1 Clinical Trial for OAG and NAIO artwork

Converge Cast | A New Frontier in Vision and Aging: ER‑100 Advances as First Participant Is Dosed in Phase 1 Clinical Trial for OAG and NAIO

What if medicine could move beyond managing decline to restoring human function? In this episode of Converge, Jerry McLaughlin, CEO of Life Biosciences, explores the emerging science of epigenetic reprogramming and its potential to transform how we treat age-related disease. Drawing on decades in biopharma, McLaughlin reflects on the shift from symptom management to targeting the root causes of aging at the cellular level.  The conversation centers on a pivotal milestone: dosing the first human patient with an epigenetic restoration therapy designed to treat optic neuropathies, including glaucoma and NAION. McLaughlin shares how the field is evolving from hypothesis to clinical validation—and why rigor, evidence, and disciplined execution must replace hype.  From commercialization strategy to scientific breakthroughs, this episode offers a rare, insider perspective on where longevity science intersects with patient impact—and what it will take to bring these therapies to scale.

9. juli 202622 min
episode Health Professions Education: UT Southwestern Dean on Talent, Technology, and Transformation artwork

Health Professions Education: UT Southwestern Dean on Talent, Technology, and Transformation

How can health professions education keep pace with workforce shortages, rapid technological change, and evolving student expectations?  In this episode, Jon Williamson, Dean of the School of Health Professions at UT Southwestern and President of the Association of Schools Advancing Health Professions, shares a data-driven perspective on the future of healthcare education. He explores the growing gap between academic preparation and clinical realities, the urgent need for stronger partnerships between institutions and health systems, and how leaders can navigate difficult decisions around program sustainability.  Williamson also weighs in on the role of AI, emphasizing the importance of balancing innovation with fundamental skill development. From workforce pipelines to interprofessional education, he outlines actionable strategies for building more agile, responsive systems.  This conversation is a must-listen for healthcare and academic leaders seeking to strengthen talent pipelines and prepare the next generation of care providers.

23. juni 202619 min
episode If Not Us, Then Who? CHA’s President on Advocacy and Impact in Children’s Care artwork

If Not Us, Then Who? CHA’s President on Advocacy and Impact in Children’s Care

What does it take to lead children’s healthcare during one of the most challenging periods in its history? In this special episode of our Accelerating Physician Leader Impact series, Michael Anderson, MD, MBA welcomes Paul R. Haut, MD, President of the Children’s Hospital Association, for a powerful conversation on leadership, advocacy, and purpose.  Dr. Haut shares his journey from pediatric oncologist to national healthcare executive, reflecting on early leadership failures, the transition from authority to influence, and the importance of understanding one’s “why.” Together, they explore the urgent issues facing children’s hospitals today—including funding pressures, Medicaid sustainability, workforce shortages, and the evolving role of physician leaders.  Grounded in values of respect, integrity, and trust, this episode offers practical insights and inspiration for senior healthcare leaders committed to making a lasting impact for children, families, and communities.

9. juni 202621 min
episode The Secret Sauce of Science Leadership: A Conversation with FSU’s VP for Research artwork

The Secret Sauce of Science Leadership: A Conversation with FSU’s VP for Research

What does it take to lead a modern research enterprise in an era of funding uncertainty and growing demand for real‑world impact? In this episode, Stacey Patterson, Vice President for Research at Florida State University, shares how research leaders can build interdisciplinary ecosystems that drive innovation, economic growth, and societal value.  Drawing on her non-linear path from scientist to senior administrator, Patterson discusses why persistence, communication, and team science are essential leadership competencies. She explores the cultural and structural barriers that prevent promising discoveries from reaching application and explains how programs like Ignite FSU help mature early‑stage ideas. Patterson also offers a candid perspective on return on investment in academic research and why universities must better articulate their value to funders and the public.  This conversation is essential listening for presidents, provosts, research executives, and higher education leaders shaping the future of research.

26. maj 202617 min
episode Embrace the Chaos: Integris’ CPE on Fostering Physician Engagement, Buy-In, and “Anti-Fragility” artwork

Embrace the Chaos: Integris’ CPE on Fostering Physician Engagement, Buy-In, and “Anti-Fragility”

What does it truly mean to create a physician‑led culture? In this Impactful Leaders Podcast episode, Senior Partner Daniel Young and Principal Vinny Gossain are joined by Dr. Scott Ellner, Chief Physician Executive at Integris Health, for a candid conversation on leadership, clinician engagement, and purpose.  Dr. Ellner shares his journey from general surgeon to enterprise leader, highlighting the mindset shifts physicians must make to influence systems, not just care delivery. He challenges common misconceptions about physician engagement, explains why real engagement goes far beyond surveys, and offers practical insights on aligning clinicians around strategy, accountability, and results.  The discussion also explores augmented intelligence in healthcare, the evolving role of the physician executive, and Dr. Ellner’s PEAK Health philosophy for sustaining leadership performance amid constant change. This episode is a must listen for senior and aspiring physician leaders navigating today’s complex healthcare environment.

12. maj 202623 min