Genomics Pioneer Dr. William Haseltine

Ira Pastor, ideaXme exponential health ambassador and founder of Bioquark interviews Dr. William Haseltine, American biologist, entrepreneur and philanthropist, known for his groundbreaking work on HIV/AIDS and the human genome.

Ira Pastor comments:

On today’s show, we have a thought leader who sits amongst a rare group of people who have been responsible for creating many aspects of the modern biopharma/genomics/regenerative medicine system as we know it today.

Dr. William Haseltine Is a Leader in Biotechnology

Routinely listed in major media sources as one of the world’s most influential business people and most influential leaders in biotechnology, Dr. William Haseltine is an American biologist, entrepreneur and philanthropist, known for his groundbreaking work on HIV/AIDS and the human genome.

Dr. Haseltine earned a PhD in Biophysics at Harvard University, where he worked under the direction of Dr. James Watson, co-discoverer of the structure of DNA, and Dr. Walter Gilbert, Nobel prize winner for developing DNA sequencing techniques.

Dr. Haseltine was also a post-doctoral fellow in the laboratory of Dr. David Baltimore at MIT, where he worked on fundamental aspects of reproduction of retroviruses that are known to cause cancer in animals.

Dr. Haseltine’s Career Spans Biotechnology and Bio-Pharma

He served for many years as a professor at Boston’s Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, and the Harvard School of Public Health.

During his time at Harvard Medical School, he founded two major research departments working on both cancer and HIV/AIDS, as well as became a founder of several biotechnology companies including Cambridge Biosciences, The Virus Research Institute, ProScript, LeukoSite, Dendreon, Diversa, X-VAX, and Demetrix.

In addition to all of that, he became extremely well known in the world of bio-pharma for his leadership as CEO of Human Genome Sciences (HGS), a company that truly pioneered the application of genomics to drug discovery.

He is currently the president of the Haseltine Foundation for Science and the Arts, and is the founder, chairman, and president of ACCESS Health International, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving access to high quality health worldwide.

Dr. Haseltine is the author of many books including: Modern Aging: A Practical Guide for Developers, Entrepreneurs, and Startups in the Silver Market; Aging with Dignity; Voices in Dementia Care; and Aging Well.

On today’s show we will hear from Dr. Haseltine:

About his background and how he developed an interest in science and biology. We’ll hear how, after an amazing career in biopharma/genomics/ regenerative medicine, why he is now so passionate about this new triad encompassing aging, dementia, and healthcare quality/outcomes. His history of ushering in the genomics era in big pharma. About his model of “Value-Based Care” essential for creating better health outcomes for older patients. His principle of “Optimal Aging” which is not just about health status, but about elderly people being able to live active, engaged, and productive lives. His learnings in regard to best practices in dementia care, observed around the globe, that should be adapted and adopted by healthcare systems, healthcare providers, and those loving and caring for a person with dementia.

Credits: Ira Pastor interview video, text, and audio.

Follow Ira Pastor on Twitter: @IraSamuelPastor

If you liked this interview, be sure to check out our interview with Dr. Victor Dzau, President of the United States National Academy of Medicine and of the United States National Academy of Sciences!

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