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VITALS

VITALS

Written by: Cloudcast
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 VITALS, the pulse of Georgia life sciences, brings together the leaders, the thinkers, the movers, and shakers who are putting Georgia firmly in a leadership position for what is widely known as "the biology century."

These closely curated conversations are led by the President & CEO of Georgia Life Sciences, Maria Thacker Goethe. Whether it is exploring topics from policy matters and venture funding to legislative matters and artificial intelligence, Maria expertly navigates and explores to flesh out actionable information from world class guests.

VITALS is brought to the community by Georgia Life Sciences in conjunction with Cloudcast Atlanta, a division of Cloudcast Media.

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Episodes
  • S2 Ep 7 | Beyond the Diagnosis: Dorothy Leone-Glasser Discusses Empowering Patients and Changing Healthcare Policy in Georgia

    S2 Ep 7 | Beyond the Diagnosis: Dorothy Leone-Glasser Discusses Empowering Patients and Changing Healthcare Policy in Georgia
    Mar 9 2026
    WELCOME TO VITALS, THE PULSE OF GEORGIA LIFE SCIENCESAt the core of every illness is an individual. Obvious, yes, but often the individual's voice is not heard, not empowered, not embraced. In this very robust and thought provoking episode of VITALS, Maria Thacker Goethe, the CEO of Georgia Life Sciences, interviews Dorothy Leone- Glasser, a registered nurse specialist in rheumatology and immunology, who shared her journey with systemic lupus, emphasizing the importance of personal responsibility and lifestyle changes. She highlighted the need for patient engagement and advocacy, particularly in clinical trials and healthcare policy. Leone-Glasser discussed her organization, Advocates for Responsible Care (ARxC), which focuses on issues like pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), cancer early detection, and the 340B program. She stressed the importance of collaboration between patients, industry, and policymakers to improve healthcare outcomes and called for increased patient and caregiver involvement in advocacy efforts.Dorothy Leone-Glasser's Patient Journey and Early CareerDorothy shares her patient story, detailing her critical illness at 19, including symptoms of arthritis, stroke, heart attack, and coma.It took five years to diagnose her with systemic lupus, which included right-sided kidney failure.Despite her illness, Dorothy emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility in managing her health and lifestyle changes.Challenges and Advocacy in HealthcareDorothy discusses the challenges she faced in her medical training and the lack of disability rights during her time.She transitioned into psychoneuroimmunology and wellness counseling to help other patients, focusing on personal empowerment.Dorothy became an advocate, insisting on being part of her treatment plan and actively engaging in her wellness.She highlights the importance of community and support systems for patients, sharing her experiences with the Arthritis Foundation and other rare disease communities.Impact of Healthcare System on PatientsDorothy reflects on the changes in the healthcare system since her early days, noting the increased politics, profiteering, and corruption.She emphasizes the need for a holistic view of the patient, beyond just the medical condition.Dorothy's philosophy is that illness lives in the mind and plays out in the body, but it finds peace in the spirit.She shares her work in thanatology and the importance of living a meaningful life and dying in peace.Community and Patient AdvocacyDorothy stresses the importance of finding a community and engaging with other patients to strengthen each other.She discusses the role of patient advocacy in healthcare, emphasizing the need for patients to have a voice and be part of the treatment plan.Maria and Dorothy discuss the challenges of isolation for patients and the importance of community support.Dorothy highlights the need for collaboration between patients, industry, and policymakers to improve healthcare outcomes.Advocates for Responsible Care (ARxC) and Its MissionDorothy explains the formation of ARxC and its mission to advocate for responsible care, particularly for patients in crisis situations.She shares an example of ARxC's work with Grady Hospital's outpatient dialysis clinic and the challenges faced by patients.ARxC's focus is on empowering patients and advocating for their rights, often representing patients who fall through the cracks of the healthcare system.Dorothy emphasizes the importance of empathy and accountability in healthcare, particularly for underserved communities.Legislative Priorities and ChallengesDorothy outlines ARxC's legislative priorities for the upcoming session, including pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), cancer early detection, and the 340B program.She discusses the challenges of getting legislation passed due to the focus on campaigning during election years.Dorothy emphasizes the importance of transparency and accountability in healthcare, particularly in programs like the 340B Drug Pricing Program.She highlights the need for federal legislation to be consistent across states and the importance of state-level advocacy.Collaboration and Engagement with IndustryDorothy and Maria discuss the importance of collaboration between patients, industry, and policymakers to improve healthcare outcomes.They emphasize the need for industry to engage with patient advocates and understand the patient perspective.Dorothy shares her experiences with ARxC's coalition with organizations such as Reach Georgia, and the importance of having a unified voice.They discuss the challenges of getting industry to support patient advocacy and the need for more investment in patient care.Patient Advocacy and Legislative EngagementDorothy and Maria discuss the importance of patient advocacy and legislative engagement for improving healthcare.They highlight the need for patients to be more engaged in their care and to advocate for their rights.Dorothy ...
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    56 mins
  • S2 Ep 6 | Good Science Will Find Funding: Scott McCarty Discusses Venture Lending, Exits, And Building Talent In Life Sciences

    S2 Ep 6 | Good Science Will Find Funding: Scott McCarty Discusses Venture Lending, Exits, And Building Talent In Life Sciences
    Feb 20 2026
    WELCOME TO VITALS, THE PULSE OF GEORGIA LIFE SCIENCESIn this incredible, timely, and informative episode of VITALS, Maria Thacker Goethe, the CEO of Georgia Life Sciences, interviews Scott McCarty, Managing Director of Sales, Origination, Healthcare and Life Sciences at Silicon Valley Bank, who discusses venture debt strategy, cautious optimism in today’s market cycle, robust biotech exits, and how executives can scale healthcare innovation, medtech, and health tech companies across Georgia and the broader Southeast ecosystem.Scott McCarty's Career JourneyMaria Thacker Goethe asks Scott McCarty about his career journey, starting with his background in finance at UGA and his initial aversion to commercial banking.Scott shares his experience of joining Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) through a friend, finding it more entrepreneurial and less stodgy than traditional banks.Scott describes the growth of SVB, from a regional bank to a significant player with $230 billion in total assets before merging with First Citizens.Scott emphasizes SVB's continued focus on venture debt and healthcare innovation, despite the bank's expansion and changes.SVB's Role in Venture Lending and Healthcare InnovationMaria inquires about SVB's current structure and its role in venture lending and healthcare innovation.Scott explains that SVB is still a major player in venture lending, particularly in the healthcare innovation space.Scott discusses the evolution of SVB's healthcare and life sciences business, which has become a significant growth engine for the bank.Scott notes the increased competition in the market, with many former SVB colleagues starting new ventures, but maintains that SVB remains a friendly competitor.Scott McCarty's Current Role and ResponsibilitiesMaria asks about Scott McCarty's current role and responsibilities.Scott describes his initial role in starting a team in the mid-Atlantic and southeast, covering from Philadelphia to Miami.Scott explains the evolution of his role into a national sales role, working with all eight of SVB's teams and focusing on growth-stage companies.Scott highlights the shift in Series A funding, with larger Series A rounds now common in the biotech space.Georgia's Life Sciences Ecosystem and Personal BackgroundMaria asks about Scott's personal background and his time in Georgia.Scott shares his history of moving frequently due to his father's job at IBM, eventually settling in Georgia.Scott mentions his high school experience at Chattahoochee High School, part of the first graduating class.Maria and Scott discuss the evolution of company building over the past 20 years, noting the shift towards more virtual companies and the challenges of retaining local talent.Market Outlook for 2026 and JPM Healthcare WeekMaria asks about the market outlook for 2026 and the impact of the upcoming JPM Healthcare Week.Scott expresses cautious optimism, noting the low fundraising environment of the past few years and the need for high-end announcements at JPM.Scott discusses the importance of maintaining a robust exit environment to keep the market healthy.Scott highlights the role of AI in healthcare innovation, particularly in drug discovery and data analysis, and its potential to drive investment.Challenges for Early-Stage Companies and Strategic AdviceMaria asks for advice for early-stage companies struggling to raise capital.Scott emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with good advisors and having a strong story to tell.Scott advises early-stage entrepreneurs to be receptive to feedback and to leverage conferences and networking opportunities.Scott discusses the role of family offices and private high net worth offices in funding early-stage companies and the challenges of accessing these funds.Investment and Exit Themes for the Next 12-24 MonthsMaria inquires about major investment and exit themes for the next 12-24 months.Scott notes the continued importance of venture fundraising, despite the current low levels, and the role of established funds in deploying capital.Scott highlights the importance of maintaining a robust exit environment, with a focus on mid-range exits in addition to the large ones.Scott discusses the role of AI in healthcare innovation and its potential to drive investment and growth.Venture Debt and Capital StrategyMaria asks about the role of venture debt and capital strategy in the industry.Scott explains the importance of using venture debt alongside equity to extend cash runway and achieve higher valuations.Scott discusses the competitive landscape for venture debt, with both banks and debt funds vying for market share.Scott emphasizes the importance of selecting the right capital partner, one that offers sector expertise and a strong network.Georgia's Life Sciences Ecosystem and Future GrowthMaira asks about the current state of Georgia's life sciences ecosystem and its future growth potential.Scott notes the maturation of the ecosystem, with a focus on ...
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    40 mins
  • S2 Ep5 | Lynn Durham, President & CEO, Georgia Core, A Neutral Party In Cancer Care: Collaboration, Clinical Trials, and Quality of Life

    S2 Ep5 | Lynn Durham, President & CEO, Georgia Core, A Neutral Party In Cancer Care: Collaboration, Clinical Trials, and Quality of Life
    Jan 13 2026
    WELCOME TO VITALS, THE PULSE OF GEORGIA LIFE SCIENCESIn this incredible, timely, and informative episode of VITALS, Maria Thacker, the CEO of Georgia Life Sciences, interviews Lynn Durham, President and CEO of Georgia Core, who discusses her journey from government and politics to leading a nonprofit focused on cancer care. Georgia Core, founded in 2003, aims to improve cancer care through research, education, and advocacy. The organization collaborates with healthcare systems across Georgia, emphasizing patient-centered care and clinical trials. Durham highlighted the importance of diversifying funding sources, including federal grants and industry partnerships. She also mentioned the Georgia Cancer Trial Finders program and a statewide colorectal cancer awareness campaign. Durham's personal experiences with cancer and her commitment to improving cancer care drive her work.Lynn Durham's Journey and Role at Georgia CoreMaria introduces Lynn Durham, President and CEO of Georgia Core, and highlights the importance of her work in the oncology space.Lynn shares her career journey, starting with her work at Georgia Tech in government and politics, and her transition to becoming the president's chief of staff.Lynn discusses her personal connection to cancer, having survived thyroid, breast, and chronic myeloid leukemia, and her involvement with Georgia Core's survivorship advisory board.Lynn explains how she was asked to lead Georgia Core after the previous president retired, despite her initial plans to pursue higher education.Georgia Core's Mission and StructureMaria asks about the meaning of "core," which stands for the Center for Oncology Research and Education.Lynn explains that Georgia Core was founded in 2003 by Governor Roy Barnes to ensure Georgians had access to cancer care without leaving the state.Georgia Core works with doctors, hospitals, and healthcare systems to improve cancer care through research, education, and advocacy.The organization is not patient-facing but focuses on connecting researchers, providers, and patients to improve cancer care outcomes.Collaboration and Advocacy EffortsLynn emphasizes the importance of collaboration among physicians, administrators, and researchers to improve cancer care in Georgia.Georgia Core has a strong board of 20 members, mostly oncologists, who work together to benefit Georgians.The organization works with various healthcare systems across the state, including Northside, Emory, and Valdosta, to address different cancer care needs in different regions.Lynn highlights the role of advisory boards and regional cancer coalitions in ensuring patient voices are integrated into research and care delivery.Funding and DiversificationLynn discusses the funding sources for Georgia Core, including state funds, federal grants, and industry partnerships.The organization has diversified its funding sources to include federal grants and industry sponsorships, reducing dependence on state funds.Georgia Core also generates funds through license plates and a state income tax line for cancer research.The organization funds seed grants for university researchers and supports nonprofits to provide cancer screenings and other services.Policy and Advocacy ChallengesLynn addresses the challenges posed by uncertain federal and state policies on healthcare access, research funding, and drug pricing.The uncertainty has impacted Georgia Core's ability to plan and secure funding for long-term projects.The organization has had to adapt to changes in funding availability, including the need to hire clinical research nurses and navigators.Lynn emphasizes the importance of advocacy and working with legislators to ensure continued support for cancer care initiatives.Workforce Development and Oncology TalentLynn discusses the challenges of workforce development in the oncology field, including recruitment and retention in rural areas.Georgia Core has established a Cancer Care Access Committee to address workforce issues, including oncology nurses, PAs, and navigators.The organization is working with the Technical College System of Georgia and AHEC to introduce students to oncology careers and develop apprenticeship programs.Lynn highlights the need for legislative support to provide loan forgiveness for healthcare professionals working in rural areas.Innovative Programs and InitiativesLynn introduces the Georgia Cancer Trial Finders program, which helps patients and caregivers find clinical trials for various cancer types.The program has received over 90 referrals and is proving to be a valuable resource for patients and researchers.Georgia Core has launched a statewide colorectal cancer awareness campaign targeting people aged 25 to 54, aiming to increase awareness and early detection.The campaign includes creative elements like "weird looking stools" in bars and coffee shops to raise awareness about colorectal cancer symptoms.Personal Motivation and Future OutlookLynn shares her ...
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    34 mins
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