Bill Kaufmann, Senior Clinical Oncology Specialist, Genentech,
joined the AIM students in class on Friday to continue the discussions about
disruptive technologies and investment themes
Bill Kaufmann of Genentech speaking in the AIM Room |
Dr. David Krause, AIM program director said, “It was a
pleasure to have Bill Kaufmann join us for class on Friday. Last year the students had an
opportunity to informally meet with him to talk about biotech and explore various investment
ideas and I knew we had to get him into the classroom. It’s truly fascinating to hear how disruptive innovations are changing how healthcare is delivered and medicine is practiced. Bill gave numerous
examples of the technological changes that are heading our way and how they will
transform healthcare – especially the pharma sector.”
Genentech (headquartered in San Francisco and now a member of
the Roche group) has long been considered as the first and top biotech firm on the
planet – they are well-known for pioneering recombinant DNA technology. Their
research and products have positively affected millions of lives and they
continue with amazing breakthrough therapies.
Krause continued, “Genentech is one of best companies to work
for – and I know the students found Mr. Kaufmann’s knowledge to be extensive.
This was a special opportunity to learn about biotech and the
rewards/challenges of this area of disruptive/innovative technology. The discussion we had with Bill about genetics and its current and future impact was special - and I know that it will be an important and probably heated topic of debate over the next several years. Advances in science will test many of our current economic and ethical limits.”
Bill Kaufmann, Teresa Janusz and David Krause |
Bill Kaufmann, as an oncology specialist, gave numerous
examples of how the war on cancer is advancing – providing the students with
challenges about how this will impact other industries. While understanding the
inner workings of pharma product development and testing are a challenge for
most students, Mr. Kaufmann was able to provide valuable background and
examples to help them evaluate companies in the biotech space.
Dr. Krause said, “We will be certain to have Bill back each year –
this industry is moving at a lightning fast pace and I know we’ll need to stay
abreast of all of the latest changes. Today was a splendid example of why we
need to bring experts into the AIM program – in order to be relevant, we need
to know what is happening around us. Bill did a wonderful job and it was great to see him again.”
Bill Kaufmann is the parent of former AIM student, Jacob Kaufmann.
Bill Kaufmann is the parent of former AIM student, Jacob Kaufmann.