"From BMES to the States: Excellence, Athletics, and Building Bridges Across Cultures"- A Conversation with Antonio Smith, A Longstanding Highschool Friend and Quality Control Leader

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Episode Description:

Join me for a cool conversation with one of my closest friends, Antonio Smith, as we dive deep into a journey that spans two countries, multiple sports, and the pursuit of excellence that started at Bishop Michael Eldon School in Freeport

Antonio made the bold decision to leave one of the Bahamas' top schools in his senior year to pursue opportunities in Tallahassee, Florida. From competing in three sports at James S. Richards High School to building a successful career as a Quality Control Team Lead at KUS, his story embodies the resilience and work ethic that elite Bahamian education instills.

We explore the cultural bridges between the Bahamas and the United States, the challenges of maintaining community connections while building a new life abroad, and the entrepreneurial spirit that led him to co-found a shopping and shipping company serving the Bahamian diaspora. This conversation touches on athletics, education, career development, cultural identity, and the ongoing connection to home that shapes the immigrant experience.

Whether you're interested in Caribbean education systems, the student-athlete experience, quality control leadership, or the dynamics of diaspora communities, this episode offers authentic insights from someone who has successfully navigated multiple worlds while maintaining his roots.

Topics Covered:

• Elite Bahamian education and its impact on character development
• Student-athlete transitions between Caribbean and American systems
• Career progression from physical education studies to quality control leadership
• Entrepreneurship within diaspora communities
• Maintaining cultural identity while adapting to new environments
• The realities of building a life between two countries

Disclaimer:The views and experiences shared in this episode are those of the guest and host based on their personal journeys. While we discuss educational institutions, athletic programs, and cultural comparisons, these perspectives reflect individual experiences and should not be considered representative of all students, athletes, or community members from these backgrounds. Career and life decisions discussed are personal choices that may not be suitable for everyone. Listeners considering similar educational or geographic transitions should conduct their own research and seek appropriate guidance for their specific circumstances.

The views expressed do not constitute medical or professional advice. Please see a board certified and state licensed health professional for medical and professional advice. We disclaim any loss in any way.

Music citation: Music by Andrii Poradovskyi from Pixabay

From Lab Bench to Bedside: Cardiolipin Science Saves Lives- The Significant Connection between D.J. Ferguson's Master's Thesis and Forzinity's Recent Approval

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On September 19, 2025, the FDA granted accelerated approval to FORZINITY™ (elamipretide), a groundbreaking new drug for Barth syndrome—an ultra-rare genetic disorder affecting only about 150 people in the United States. On the surface, it's a monumental victory for a small but desperate community. But what if this victory is also a critical clue, a key that could unlock a new frontier in the fight against some of the world's most widespread neurological diseases?

This approval marks the first-ever therapy specifically targeting mitochondria, the powerhouses of our cells. The implications are staggering, potentially paving the way for new approaches to treating conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, where mitochondrial dysfunction is a known culprit.

Join us as we unravel this historic first, exploring the intricate science and the decade-long journey of perseverance that led to this moment.

In this episode, we explore:

• The World of Barth Syndrome: We define this devastating and ultra-rare genetic disease, understanding its profound impact on patients and the cellular machinery it disrupts.

• The Unsung Hero of Our Cells: A deep dive into the science of mitochondria and a crucial molecule you’ve likely never heard of—cardiolipin. Learn why this unique phospholipid is the linchpin of cellular energy and structural integrity.

• A Targeted Therapy: Discover how FORZINITY™ (elamipretide) works by directly interacting with and stabilizing cardiolipin, restoring function at the very source of the problem.

• The Road to Approval: We chart the high-stakes, dramatic journey of Stealth BioTherapeutics, from a major FDA rejection to a strategic pivot that secured a historic accelerated approval.

• The Broader Horizon: We connect the dots from Barth syndrome to neurodegeneration, exploring the mounting evidence that links cardiolipin dysfunction to the pathology of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, and what this breakthrough means for the future of medicine.

Disclaimer:

The views of this podcast reflect those of my guests and I, and do not constitute medical or professional advice or consultation. Please see a state certified and board certified health professional for medical and professional advice. Again, we disclaim any loss in any way, and this podcast does not in any way represent a company endorsement and medical recommendation.

Link: Understanding Cardiolipin's Function in Neurodegenerative Diseases- A Flashback | Research Communities by Springer Nature

The New Chemist’s Podcasting Group — The Path to KOLs: Accelerating First-in-Human in LATAM — Julio G. Martinez-Clark, CEO, bioaccess® w/ Chadwin Hanna, MD-PhD Student (UF) and David Ferguson (Host)

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On The Path to KOLs from The New Chemist’s Podcasting Group, hosts David Ferguson and Chadwin Hanna explore how Latin America is becoming a strategic engine for high-quality, cost-effective clinical research.

Julio G. Martinez-Clark—Ambassador of IAOCR/GCSA Americas and CEO of bioaccess®—breaks down how aligning to global competence standards and smarter site activation can compress timelines for First-in-Human and Early Feasibility Studies without compromising quality. He shares lessons from pioneering trials, practical blueprints for building city-level clinical hubs, and pragmatic guidance for innovators entering LATAM markets. The conversation also touches on sustaining regional infrastructure, cross-border collaboration, and the mindset behind his long-running Global Trial Accelerators™ series.

Guest: Julio G. Martinez-Clark, CEO, bioaccess®
Hosts: David Ferguson, BS, MS, Pharm.D. Candidate; Chadwin Hanna, MD Candidate & PhD Student

Please note: The views of this podcast reflect those of my guest(s) and I, and do not constitute medical advice, consultation and suggestions. Please see a board certified and state licensed medical professional.

A Celebration of Juneteenth with Leaders of Color in Academia, Medicine, Engineering and Athletics. Here is the complete list: Chancellor Gary May ( Chancellor of UC Davis), Dean Raheem Beyah (Dean, College of Engineering, Georgia Tech), Dr. Emery Brown, MD, PhD ( Anesthesiologist-Statistician, Harvard/ MIT/ Mass. General Hospital), Chase Griffin ( Toigo Fellow, Investment Fellow, Athlete Creator and Quarterback, UCLA), Nagela Nukuna (Product Lead, The White House), Dr. Shane Campbell-Staton (Evolutionary Biologist and Assistant Professor at Princeton University and Two Time Emmy Nominated PBS Host), Leselle Vincent ( Senior Associate, Center for Public Impact), Sonola Onasanya ( ESG Equity Analyst, Net Purpose), Gabriel Galaraza (Professional Services Manager, Amplitude), Kyle Woumn (Engineering Manager, Nerd Wallet and Forbes 30 Under 30, 2022), Ms. Pinder (Vice Principal, Bishop Michael Eldon School, The Bahamas), Mr. Bourne ( Chemistry Teacher, B.M.E.S.) ,Mr. R. Deveaux (Deputy Permanent Secretary, The Ministry of Education, The Bahamas), Former Ambassador S. Collie ( Former Bahamian Ambassador to Washington, DC), Mr. Isaiah Swann ( MD-PhD Student at The University of Virginia), Dr. Jenaye Burrows, MBBS (Medical Doctor), Chadwin Hanna ( MD-PhD Student, The University of Florida), Dr. Kuna Fortingo, MD ( Medical Resident), Dr. Sheena Collie (Chief Medical Officer, Doctors Hospital, The Bahamas), Aaron Levarity (Professional Basketball Player in France & from The Bahamas).

Please note the views of this podcast do not constitute medical or professional advice, these serve an educational entertainment purpose only, and reflect the views of my guest and I. We disclaim any loss in any way. Please see a board and state certified health professional for medical advice, suggestions and consultation.

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The New Chemist's Podcast Interview with Abhinaya Uthayakumar, BS, MEM- Associate Director, Project Leadership at Abbot (Former Colleague and BME Mentor at Georgia Tech)

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In this episode Abhinaya discusses her academic success thus far and her advice to those wanting to pursue Medical Device/ Engineering job field.

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Music citation: Ievgen Poltavskyi⁠ from ⁠Pixabay⁠

Please note: The views of this podcast represent those of my guest(s) and I.

Interview recorded in 2021.

(c) The New Chemist's Podcasting Group

The Path to KOLs--Ukranian Episode: Шлях до KOL: Наука, Лідерство та Сила Малих Кроків (The Path to KOL: Science, Leadership, and the Power of Small Steps)

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До кожного, хто переживає складний період: пам’ятайте, що тіні є доказом існування світла. Коли шлях уперед незрозумілий, а тягар світу здається надто важким, тримайтеся за тиху силу, яка живе всередині вас.

Як нагадував доктор Мартін Лютер Кінг, молодший: «Віра — це зробити перший крок, навіть коли ви не бачите всієї сходової клітки». Ваша подорож не полягає в тому, щоб бачити кінець від самого початку, а в тому, щоб мужньо зробити наступний крок. У хвилини випробувань ми часто знаходимо найбільші можливості.

Ласкаво просимо до “Шляху до KOL” — студентського подкасту, що надихає студентів клінічної фармації, майбутніх резидентів та молодих клініцистів. У кожному епізоді беруть участь світові лідери думок — канцлер Ґері Мей; доктор Роберт Ленґер; Ґреґ Цукерман (The Wall Street Journal); Кайл Вумн (Forbes 30 Under 30) — які діляться своїми поглядами на проривні дослідження, лідерство, інновації та кар’єри у фармації, орієнтовані на цінності й мету.

Нехай виклики, з якими ви стикаєтесь, зміцнюють вашу рішучість. Як писав святий Августин: «У надії є дві прекрасні дочки: їхні імена — Гнів і Відвага. Гнів на те, що є, і Відвага, щоб зробити так, аби все не залишалось таким самим». Використовуйте цю відвагу не в одному великому жесті, а в малих, послідовних діях, які ви робите щодня. Мати Тереза навчала простої, але глибокої істини: «Ми не можемо робити великих справ, лише маленькі справи з великою любов’ю».

Відмова від відповідальності: цей контент не є медичною порадою чи рекомендаціями. Звертайтеся за порадами до сертифікованих медичних фахівців на рівні ради, штату чи місцевих органів. Ми відмовляємося від будь-якої відповідальності за будь-які втрати.

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English:

To anyone navigating a difficult season, remember that the shadows are proof of the light. When the path ahead is unclear and the weight of the world feels heavy, hold on to the quiet strength that resides within you.As Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. reminded us, "Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase." Your journey is not about seeing the end from the beginning, but about bravely taking that next step. In moments of trial, we often find our greatest opportunities. Welcome to The Path to KOL, the student-led podcast empowering clinical pharmacy students, residency aspirants & rising clinicians. Each episode features global thought leaders—Chancellor Gary May; Dr Robert Langer; Greg Zuckerman (The Wall Street Journal); Kyle Woumn (Forbes 30 Under 30)—sharing insights on breakthrough research, leadership, innovation & purpose-driven pharmacy careers.Let the challenges you face fuel your resolve. As St. Augustine wrote, "Hope has two beautiful daughters; their names are Anger and Courage. Anger at the way things are, and Courage to see that they do not remain as they are." Use that courage not in one grand gesture, but in the small, consistent actions you take every single day. Mother Teresa taught a simple yet profound truth: "We can do no great things, only small things with great love."Disclaimer: This content is not medical advice or suggestions. Consult board-, state-, and locally certified health professionals for medical advice. We disclaim any liability for any loss.

Animated Series Remixed with an Insightful Interview- The New Chemist's Podcast- Interview with Dr. L.C. Campeau - Associate Vice President and Head of Small Molecule R&D at Merck---

In this interview we discuss with a leading pioneer in chemistry, Dr. L.C. Campeau, his career and his accomplishments thus far, and what has been an impetus for his achievements. Dr. L.C. Campeau is also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada.

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Dr. Campeau's Biography:

L.-C. Campeau obtained his Ph. D. degree in 2007 with the late Professor Keith Fagnou at the University of Ottawa in Canada as an NSERC Doctoral Fellow, after completing his B.Sc. in Biopharmaceutical Sciences. He was the recipient of the Pierre Laberge Prize for the best Ph.D. thesis in the Science Faculty. The Faculty of Science awarded him the inaugural Young Alumni Award in 2016 and in 2022 he received the inaugural Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences Distinguished Alumni Award.
L.-C. first joined Merck Research Laboratories at Merck-Frosst in Montreal in 2007 making key contributions to the discovery of Doravirine (MK-1439) for which he received a Merck Special Achievement Award. In 2010, he moved from Quebec to New Jersey, where he has served in roles of increasing responsibility Head of Catalysis & Automation, Head of Discovery Process Chemistry and Head of Process Chemistry. L.-C. is currently Associate Vice President and the Head of Small Molecule Process Research and Development, leading a team of smart creative scientists and engineers developing innovative solutions in support of all discovery, pre-clinical and clinical active pharmaceutical ingredient deliveries for the entire Merck portfolio for small-molecule therapeutics. Over his tenure at Merck, L.-C. and his team have made important contributions to >40 clinical candidates and 7 commercial products to date. Under his leadership, his organization has received the EPA’s Green Chemistry Challenge Award four consecutive years and received the Heroes of Chemistry Award for their work on Molnupiravir in 2022. His passion for scientific excellence exemplified by >80 publications and patents, several successful collaborations with key academics, and an extensive list of >85 invited lectures worldwide.
As a proud Canadian, L.-C. continues his engagement in the Canadian chemistry community, serving 4 years on the NSERC Discovery Grants committee (2019-2022) and currently sits on the NSERC National Awards Selection Committee. L.-C. was elected Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada in 2022.

Remixed- Path to KOLs: The New Chemist Podcast’s Global Journey in Science, Pharma, and Education: Interview with Mohan Uttarwar, CEO & Co-Founder of 1Cell.Ai

---In this episode we provide and educational episode remix made with software assistance ( for educational purposes only) , we sit down with Mohan Uttarwar, CEO & Co-Founder of 1Cell.Ai, to explore how AI-driven single-cell analytics are revolutionizing precision oncology. Discover how the OncoIncytes platform merges ctDNA, live CTCs, single-cell RNA and proteomics for a real-time, multimodal tumor profile—and learn how these insights are sharpening patient selection, accelerating ADC trials, and delivering earlier, more accurate measures of therapeutic response. Mohan also shares his playbook for building a capital-efficient biotech across Silicon Valley and India, the emerging trends set to reshape drug development, and practical advice for chemists, data scientists, and founders looking to break into the field. Tune in this August for a deep dive into the future of cancer research and drug discovery.--

Please note: The views of this podcast represent those of my guest(s) and I, and do not constitute professional or medical advice or consultation. Please see a medical professional or healthcare professional for advice, suggestions and consultations. We disclaim any loss in any way.

Music citation: Open source