Val-You Based Care

The Future of Oncology Is Personal (Feat: Elizabeth Klumpp)

In this episode of Val-You Based Care, Dr. Kimberly Ku sits down with Elizabeth Klumpp, Group Editorial Director at Haymarket Oncology, for a wide-ranging conversation on some of the most important clinical trial presentations emerging from ASCO—and what they reveal about the future of cancer care. Together, they explore several groundbreaking studies reshaping oncology across pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, and sarcoma. The discussion highlights how cancer treatment is increasingly moving away from one-size-fits-all approaches and toward biomarker-driven, biology-focused care. The episode examines the excitement surrounding the Rasolute 302 study in pancreatic cancer and its potential to introduce new oral treatment options beyond traditional chemotherapy. It also explores the Proteus study and the growing role of treatment intensification and multidisciplinary collaboration in localized prostate cancer care. Dr. Ku and Klumpp further discuss the Libretto 432 study and the evolution of precision oncology into earlier-stage disease settings, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive molecular testing at diagnosis. They also unpack the Sarco41 study as an example of how oncology is beginning to transcend organ-based classifications in favor of targeting shared tumor biology. Finally, the conversation turns toward the future—examining how artificial intelligence may fundamentally change clinical trial design and cancer treatment itself. From “AI twins” to adaptive treatment modeling, this episode offers a thoughtful look at where oncology may be headed next. At its core, this discussion is about possibility: how innovation, collaboration, and evolving scientific thinking may redefine what cancer care looks like in the years ahead. Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction 0:42 - The Rasolute 302 study 3:20 - Clinical signals in prostate cancer analysis 5:37 - The value of genetic testing 6:55 - The Sarco41 study 12:38 - Closing remarks

Seen and Unseen: The Roles That Hold Healthcare Together (Feat: Jessica Everett)

In this episode of Val-You Based Care, Dr. Kimberly Ku sits down with genetic counselor Jessica Everett to explore the often unseen roles that quietly hold healthcare together. From their shared work within the PRECEDE consortium—a global effort advancing early detection for pancreatic cancer—to the evolving landscape of cancer genetics, this conversation highlights the critical contributions of professionals who spend the most time with patients, yet are often underrecognized within the system. Jessica reflects on her journey as a genetic counselor, a field that has transformed from being largely unknown to increasingly central in patient-driven care. Together, they discuss the “double-edged sword” of frontline roles—deep patient connection paired with limited visibility and mobility—and the broader implications this has on workforce sustainability. The episode also examines shifting communication dynamics, the importance of reading today’s patient audience, and the power of public-private partnerships in advancing large-scale research efforts like PRECEDE. At its core, this conversation is about partnership—what it looks like when physicians and care teams elevate one another, and how that collaboration ultimately shapes trust, innovation, and better patient outcomes. Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction 1:35 - Jessica's research with pancreatic cancer 5:56 - Past observations 15:25 - Private and public sectors working together 26:50 - The diamond in the rough 36:20 - Increasing the advocacy behind cancer research 43:25 - Helping people feel heard 47:53 - Closing remarks

Protecting the Profession: Burnout, Violence, and the Future of Medicine (Feat: Dr. Noelle LoConte)

In this deeply personal episode of Val-You Based Care, Dr. Kimberly Ku reconnects with longtime colleague and friend Dr. Noelle LoConte for an honest conversation about protecting the heart of medicine. Having trained together and formed a meaningful friendship early in their careers, this discussion reflects on the conviction that sustains physicians through decades of practice. Dr. LoConte shares her vision for building intentional culture within her lab and mentoring the next generation of clinicians—creating a microcosm of care rooted in integrity, accountability, and humanity. The episode also confronts difficult realities: burnout, emotional exhaustion, and the growing concern of violence against healthcare providers. Together, they explore what it means to safeguard not just patients—but the profession itself. The conversation closes with a powerful reflection on leadership in today’s global climate and what the future of medicine demands from those willing to lead it forward. Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction 1:50 - Working in academic medicine 6:28 - Having authentic conversations 14:45 - The polarization existing in medical care 25:35 - Bringing empathy to healthcare 35:31 - What is your leader identity? 44:26 - Doctors making poor health decisions 51:46 - When leaders aren't actually looking out for you 53:10 - Closing remarks

Beyond the Referral: Building Trust Across Healthcare Systems (Feat: Dr. Justin Kline)

In this episode of Val-You Based Care, Dr. Kimberly Ku sits down with Dr. Justin Kline to explore what it truly means to collaborate across healthcare systems—and why trust, not transactions, is the foundation of excellent patient care. Together, they examine the space between academic medicine and community practice, highlighting how thoughtful communication between providers directly shapes the patient experience. From navigating referrals to overcoming system-level barriers, this conversation reframes collaboration as a relational responsibility rather than an operational task. The discussion also dives into innovation in lab medicine and outpatient operations, including how advanced therapies can be delivered closer to home under academic guidance. The episode closes with a forward-looking message for trainees and future healthcare leaders: build relationships, stay curious, and remember that the care patients feel most is often found beyond the chart. Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction 1:50 - Challenging times for academic medicine 10:11 - Access to quality care 20:50 - Dr. LoConte's publication "I Want to Kill You" 28:40 - Preparing for the darker side of medicine 38:55 - Dr. Buzzkill 46:49 - Medicine teaches us to be perfect 48:27 - Advice for those in pre-medicine 52:27 - Closing remarks

Leading Without Labels (Feat: Dr. Julie Chang)

In our latest installment of Val-You Based Care, Dr. Kimberly Ku welcomes Dr. Julie Chang of SSM Health System for a deeply reflective conversation about mentorship, authenticity, and redefining success in medicine. Dr. Chang is a leader known not for flash or charisma, but for steadiness, clarity, and core values. Throughout her career, she has mentored others with a simple but powerful philosophy: people are people—not titles, labels, or roles. Whether mother, physician, leader, or colleague, she sees individuals first and helps them grow into the best version of themselves—not into someone else’s mold. Together, Dr. Ku and Dr. Chang explore what it means to communicate directly without people-pleasing, to lead without ego, and to embrace diversity not as a slogan, but as a lived reality. Dr. Chang also shares her decision to pivot to part-time work in order to prioritize family—an honest look at the tension between ambition and presence in a profession that often feels like a treadmill. This episode is a powerful reminder that meaningful leadership isn’t loud. It’s steady. It’s values-driven. And sometimes, it requires the courage to step back in order to be fully present. For anyone navigating career growth, mentorship, motherhood, or leadership in healthcare, this conversation offers grounded wisdom and practical insight for becoming a real person in a world that often pressures us to perform. Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction 1:12 - Julie's deep influence as a mentor 6:50 - Being authentically present for someone else 15:16 - Understanding people's boundaries and sense overwhelm 22:56 - Breakthroughs via community work 30:50 - The "other" part of our lives 39:15 - Leveraging AI within patient care 46:47 - Self-discovery throughout our medical journeys 49:30 - Closing remarks