Dr. Leen Kawas, the Managing General Partner of Propel Bio Partners, has carved an impressive path in the biotechnology industry. Her journey, which began with a childhood dream of curing cancer, has been marked by unexpected turns and remarkable achievements. In a recent appearance on the Recruitomics Consulting Podcast, Dr. Kawas shared valuable insights into her approach to team building, the importance of diversity in clinical trials, and the need for patient involvement in the drug development process.
As Propel Bio Partners positions itself for growth, Dr. Kawas carefully selects candidates to contribute to its continued success. She emphasizes the importance of a growth mindset and a beginner’s perspective when evaluating potential team members. Dr. Kawas values individuals who approach problems with innovation and a willingness to learn from others, regardless of their career stage. She also recognizes the fresh perspective that newer biotech professionals can bring, considering it as valuable as the experience of seasoned industry veterans. Moreover, Dr. Kawas understands the significance of a positive work environment, seeking out individuals with a vision and a sense of fun to foster better collaboration.
In clinical trials, Dr. Kawas is a strong advocate for increased diversity. She believes that the effectiveness of clinical trials relies not only on well-defined patient criteria and adherence to protocols but also on the diversity of the management team. Dr. Kawas calls for a higher representation of female and minority trial managers, which she believes will enhance patient participation from those demographic groups. Furthermore, she emphasizes the need for increased diversity in clinical trial patient selection, arguing that a diverse patient population will better indicate how a drug will impact society.
Another defining aspect of Dr. Kawas’s approach is her commitment to patient involvement in the drug development cycle. She firmly believes patients should be integral to drug discovery and development placement rather than being invited to participate only when the development cycle is near completion. This conviction stems from her experience conducting patient feedback sessions to understand why certain drugs fail. By including patients’ voices in clinical design, Dr. Kawas aims to improve outcomes and ultimately achieve the dual goals of significantly impacting human health and generating substantial returns on investment.
Looking ahead, Dr. Kawas has set ambitious goals for the next decade. She aspires to invest in companies developing technologies to improve human health globally. Additionally, she is committed to providing internships for students and recent graduates from diverse backgrounds, recognizing the importance of fostering the next generation of biotech leaders. Dr. Kawas also believes in giving back to future entrepreneurs, acknowledging the guidance and support she received throughout her career.
From her early days as a community pharmacist to her current role as a biotechnology leader, Dr. Leen Kawas has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to advancing human health through innovative research and development. Her insights on team building, diversity in clinical trials, and patient involvement in the drug development process are valuable lessons for the entire biotechnology industry. As she continues to drive Propel Bio Partners forward, Dr. Kawas’ vision and leadership are poised to impact the future of healthcare.
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