As we transition to a new year, it’s a good moment to both look ahead and to reflect on the inspiring leaders who have appeared on the VITALS series this fall:

• Edward Barksdale Jr., M.D., president of the American Pediatric Surgical Association.
• Art Papier, M.D., CEO of VisualDx.
• Karen Knudsen, Ph.D., CEO of the American Cancer Society.
• Former U.S. Representative Patrick Kennedy.

From their thoughts on machine learning to access to clinical trials to cultivating the strength of your own identity, these thought leaders shared ideas to create transformational leaders at NEOMED and beyond.

If you didn’t have a chance to attend the webinars, you can watch them now. Visit neomed.edu/vitals to watch past segments or learn more.

And be sure to register for the next VITALS event at noon Thursday, Jan. 13, 2022, featuring Scott Knoer, Pharm.D., M.S., FASHP, executive vice president and chief executive officer of the American Pharmacists Association. Before assuming his current leadership role at APhA, Dr. Knoer was the Chief Pharmacy Officer at the Cleveland Clinic from 2011 to 2020.

Dr. Knoer is a passionate advocate for patients and the profession of pharmacy. He has successfully lobbied boards of pharmacy in Ohio and Minnesota to allow the advancement of pharmacy practice, and he has led initiatives that changed Ohio and federal law related to the elevation of pharmacy practice and reducing the impact of drug shortages.

The monthly VITALS series features a diverse group of innovative leaders in the medical sector. Each speaker has 17 minutes – the same length of time as the average physician-patient visit – to offer disruptive solutions to health care’s biggest problems. Approaches may cover any of the six components of VITALS: Value-based, Innovation, Technology, Advocacy, Leadership and Service. The speaker then engages in discourse with attendees for the remainder of the hour, responding to their questions. Speakers range from regional university partners at public, private and health care systems to national peers, alumni and thought leaders.

Continuing education credits are available through Essential Areas and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) and the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), through the sponsorship of Northeast Ohio Medical University. Learn more.