Dr. KIRK SHEPARD , a board-certified oncologist and hematologist, has led pharmaceutical innovation for over thirty years, including roles at Boehringer Ingelheim, Takeda, and Eisai. Currently CMO at PDS Biotechnology, his expertise spans all phases of drug development and commercialization. In 2015, PharmaVoice named him among the 100 Most Inspiring People in Pharma. He also cofounded the Medical Affairs Professional Society (MAPS) and co-edited Medical Affairs (2024).

Dr. RAMIN FARHOOD, senior VP at SSI Strategy, has over twenty-five years in patient-centric medical strategy. Previously at Novartis, he launched the world’s first gene therapy for spinal muscular atrophy. Farhood cofounded the Medical Affairs Professional Society (MAPS) and the Immunoglobulin National Society (IgNS) and cohosts The Emerging Biotech Leader podcast.