Taking the Pulse: a Health Care and Life Sciences Podcast

Hosts Heather and Leighton welcome Dr. Eric Poon, Chief Health Information Officer of Duke Health, to discuss the development of AI governance programs and the lessons healthcare leaders can apply as they evaluate new tools. Dr. Poon shares insight into Duke Health’s AI governance journey, including the importance of balancing innovation with oversight, measuring the value of AI investments, and adapting governance frameworks as technology evolves. We also explore how organizations can create processes that support both efficiency and responsible adoption. Tune in for insight into how healthcare organizations are navigating the opportunities and challenges surrounding AI governance!

In this episode, we welcome back Kelli Ferry, recently promoted to Chief Legal Officer and Executive Vice President of Novant Health. Kelli shares how her role has evolved as Novant expands across the Southeast, offering insight into her leadership approach, how the legal department is adapting to organizational growth, and the system’s responsible use of AI in both legal and clinical settings. She also discusses how Novant is preparing for upcoming Medicaid changes and continuing to prioritize patient care and value‑based models. Tune in now for an inside look at leading a modern legal team in a fast‑growing healthcare system!

Filmed at the 2026 SCbio Annual Conference in Charleston, Matthew and Heather welcome back James Chappell, President and CEO of SCbio, to discuss the organization’s newly released economic impact report and the explosive growth of South Carolina’s life sciences sector. James shares what’s driving the nearly $20 billion annual economic impact, why companies are choosing to expand in the state, and how emerging and growth‑stage innovators are shaping the future of the industry. He also offers insight into workforce development and South Carolina’s potential to become a leading national hub for life sciences. Tune in now for an inside look at the momentum building across the state!

To kick off the new year, Heather, Lauren, and Matthew offer a high-level overview of what’s shaping the healthcare and life sciences industries in 2026. From cybersecurity threats and physician employment risks to the growing role of AI, Lauren and Matthew share insights from recent conversations with hospital general counsel and industry leaders. They also look ahead to key policy issues like HIPAA updates, 340B changes, PBM regulation, and private equity oversight in healthcare. Tune in now for takeaways and predictions to help you navigate the year ahead!

Recorded live at the NCLifeSci 2025 Annual Meeting, Marcel Frenkel, co-founder and CEO of Ten63 Therapeutics, joins hosts Heather Matthews and Lauren DeMoss for an exciting conversation about the future of drug discovery. Marcel shares how Ten63 is using advanced AI and computational tools to take on one of the hardest problems in medicine: the 80% of the human genome considered “undruggable.” By creating groundbreaking therapeutics and redefining what’s possible for patients, Ten63 is opening the door to new treatments for cancer and rare diseases like Ewing sarcoma. Marcel explains how their approach could transform drug discovery, speed up development, and bring hope to patients who currently have no options. Listen now!

Recorded live at the NCLifeSci 2025 Annual Meeting, hosts Heather Matthews and Seth Hudson welcome episode guest Ron Phillips, Senior Vice President of Policy for the Animal Health Institute. Representing companies that develop medicines for pets and livestock, Ron shares insights on the similarities and differences between human and animal drug development as well as why innovation and regulatory modernization are critical for the future of animal health. The conversation also explores challenges in clinical trials, consumer acceptance, and the growing importance of the One Health concept, which links human, animal, and environmental health. Tune in now!

Former UofSC Gamecock quarterback Connor Shaw joins us to share his powerful story of surviving sudden cardiac arrest and how that life-changing moment inspired him to launch Heart Huddle, a nonprofit dedicated to CPR training and AED access. Connor opens up about the shock of his medical emergency at just 34 years old, his renewed sense of purpose, and why less than 10% of people survive cardiac arrest outside of hospitals. Plus, learn what everyone should know about lifesaving skills and hear about Heart Huddle’s kickoff event at the Carolina-Clemson game. Connor’s message for athletes and fans about heart health is one you don’t want to miss!

This week on Taking The Pulse, Heather and Seth record at the NCLifeSci 2025 Annual Meeting with Sophia McLeod, Advocacy Advisor at ACRO, or the Association of Clinical Research Organizations. Sophia shares how ACRO is working with Congress and the FDA to shape the future of clinical trials, advocating for safe, ethical, and high-quality research so patients can benefit from new treatment and therapies. We explore the challenges of regulatory uncertainty, the importance of trust and transparency in AI adoption, and how ACRO’s member organizations are already using AI to accelerate patient recruitment and improve trial outcomes. Listen now!