Clinical Trialblazers

Bedside to Biotech: Dr. Sam Blackman on Building Trust, Storytelling in Science, and Pediatric Cancer Innovation

Episode Summary

In this episode of Clinical Trialblazers, host Alberto Grignolo sits down with Dr. Sam Blackman, co-founder and former Chief Medical Officer of Day One Biopharmaceuticals, board member of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, Bonum Therapeutics and CureSearch for Children's Cancer, and the new Entrepreneur in Residence at Google Ventures. Sam talks about his career journey from physician to biotech executive, and navigating the complexities of clinical trials, especially within pediatric oncology. He also discusses the critical need to connect the science, patients, and investment thesis together into a coherent story when fundraising in drug development. 2:37 - How he was pulled to pediatric medicine 6:00 - His decision to transition into drug development to impact exponentially more patients. 16:40 - The importance of connecting you vision to your company name 26:04 - How making those risky decisions in drug development can have profound impacts on patient outcomes 40:00 - The Power of Storytelling in Science and Business 47:57 - Advice for biotech entrepreneurs seeking capital

Episode Notes

In this episode of Clinical Trialblazers, host Alberto Grignolo sits down with Dr. Sam Blackman, co-founder and former Chief Medical Officer of Day One Biopharmaceuticals, board member of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, Bonum Therapeutics and CureSearch for Children's Cancer, and the new Entrepreneur in Residence at Google Ventures. Sam talks about his career journey from physician to biotech executive, and navigating the complexities of clinical trials, especially within pediatric oncology. He also discusses the critical need to connect the science, patients, and investment thesis together into a coherent story when fundraising in drug development.

• 2:37 - How he was pulled to pediatric medicine
• 6:00 - His decision to transition into drug development to impact exponentially more patients.
• 16:40 - The importance of connecting you vision to your company name
• 26:04 - How making those risky decisions in drug development can have profound impacts on patient outcomes
• 40:00 - The Power of Storytelling in Science and Business
• 47:57 -  Advice for biotech entrepreneurs seeking capital   

We hope you enjoyed this week’s episode of Clinical Trialblazers. Please take a moment to rate and review this podcast wherever you listen.

Special thanks to our production partner, Wonder Media Network. Our producer is Brittany Martinez, our editor is Maddy Foley and our production assistant is Joia Putnoi.