CHOC, University Lab Partners (ULP) and the University of California, Irvine, recently hosted a high-impact event that featured some of the brightest minds in research, healthcare, data science and the life sciences sectors.
The OC Impact forum brought together more than 150 professionals, including speakers, thought leaders and decision-makers from across the country, to foster collaboration and explore innovations that are shaping the future of healthcare.
With a focus on enhancing the research and development (R&D) pathway and improving patient outcomes, the event provided a platform for critical conversations about eliminating inefficiencies and accelerating advancements for the benefit of patients and families.
The daylong program featured 30 speakers, including Dr. Vasum Pieris, chief medical officer for pediatrics and special populations at the Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Devices & Radiological Health.
Dr. Pieris participated in the panel “Possibilities for Evidence Generation for Regulatory and R&D Acceleration.” He shared valuable insights into strategies for generating robust evidence to expedite both regulatory approval and the R&D process.
Another panel explored the intersection of data science and healthcare.
Leading data science experts, including Dr. Matthew Lungren, the chief science officer at Microsoft Health & Life Sciences and an academic physician at Stanford University, shared insights on how emerging technologies have transformed the clinical landscape and are increasingly impacting patient care.
Innovation and startups
Dr. Brian Hanak, a pediatric neurosurgeon at CHOC, participated in a “Bridges to Innovation: BioTech & Medtech Startups & Giants” discussion that explored how med-tech startups and established companies can leverage their unique strengths through strategic partnerships, joint ventures and accelerators to optimize resources and create impactful solutions.
Ken Funahashi, JD, a partner at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, led a panel on “Investment, Equity Deals & M&A Opportunities in Healthcare, Medtech, and Biotech.” The discussion touched on the evolving landscape of mergers, acquisitions and partnerships in the med-tech, life sciences and healthcare sectors.
Funahashi highlighted the critical importance of investing in pediatric technology, emphasizing how these investments can meaningfully impact and advance care delivery models.
Keynote chat with Dr. Kevin Ban
The OC Impact forum featured a keynote chat with Dr. Kevin Ban, former team physician for the Boston Red Sox and former chief medical officer of Walgreens.
Speaking with CHOC Chief Scientific Officer Dr. Terence Sanger, Dr. Ban shared his experience in healthcare leadership and his work establishing the first pediatric trauma center in Tuscany, Italy.
Dr. Ban and Dr. Sanger also reflected on key moments from Dr. Ban’s career, highlighting both personal and professional milestones that shaped his leadership journey. They explored how stepping forward into new experiences can be a catalyst for growth and transformation. Dr. Ban and Dr. Sanger also explored the critical intersection between medical devices, research and innovation.
The forum was a testament to the importance of building strategic partnerships across industries to tackle some of the most pressing challenges in pediatric healthcare. Through thoughtful dialogue and the sharing of expertise, the event highlighted the collective potential to drive meaningful progress and remove inefficiencies in research.
“The discussions at OC Impact will no doubt spark new ideas and collaborations that will lead to lasting improvements in research and patient care,” Dr. Sanger said. “We want to advance research and healthcare in ways that will benefit patients for generations to come.”
Learn about pediatric research and clinical trials at CHOC
