In this first episode of the Frank and Fearless Podcast by ANDHealth, Bronwyn Le Grice speaks with Dr Amanda Caples, Victoria’s Lead Scientist about her remarkable journey and career, pushing the boundaries of science, health, and innovation. Amanda shares her passion for vaccine research, her experience in a quality control lab, and the influence of her father, who worked in the pharmaceutical industry.

They discuss Amanda’s approach to work, her dedication to getting things right, and the changes she has witnessed in the industry throughout her career. They also explore the importance of collaboration with industry associations and major players in the space, as well as the need for credible voices and clear objectives in influencing government policy. 

The conversation touches on the establishment of Breakthrough Victoria as the next generation of the SDI program, and how Amanda passionately disagrees with the notion that Australia is not great at commercialisation, highlighting the impact of flagship programs on patients. They also address the challenges and opportunities for young female leaders in the science field. 

Throughout the episode, Bronwyn and Amanda reflect on their own experiences and the importance of effective communication, adapting to different communication styles, and engaging with industry and academia for better collaboration and outcomes. 

This episode was recorded live at the Victorian Connected Health Innovation and Commercialisation Centre (CHICC). CHICC is supported by the Victorian Government Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry, and Regions and the Australian Medtech Manufacturing Centre as a connection and collaboration space for the Victorian connected health community. 
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In this session, we are honoured to have Dr Kath Giles, the Managing Director and CEO of OncoRes Medical, as our guest. Kath is a remarkable individual who has dedicated her career to pushing the boundaries of science, health, and innovation.

Kath grew up in South Africa and later moved to Australia with her parents, where she developed a deep appreciation for the opportunities and natural beauty of Perth. Initially studying medicine, she realised it wasn't the right path for her and pursued an MBA to explore new horizons.

Throughout her career, Kath has worn many hats, including venture capitalist, medical doctor, and now a leading figure in the commercial world. She co-founded Infinity Sports and Dr K's Breast Checker, aiming to improve athlete tracking and breast self-examination, respectively. While these ventures faced challenges, they showcased Kath’s determination and entrepreneurial spirit.

One of Kath’s notable achievements was her advocacy for the Microscope in a Needle technology, which later became OncoRes. Believing in its potential to improve patient outcomes, she convinced the Brandon Capital team to invest in it for three years. This groundbreaking technology earned recognition, winning the MedTech Innovator Program Value Award in 2019 and participating in global competitions such as Pitch at the Palace in London.

Kath is also a firm believer in the power of teamwork and support, expressing gratitude for the opportunities she has had with Stone Ridge, Brandon, OncoRes, and being a female entrepreneur in Western Australia.

Tune in to this episode to hear Dr. Kath Giles' captivating story, her journey from medicine to entrepreneurship, and her efforts to improve the accuracy of breast cancer surgery with OncoRes Medical.
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In this episode of the Frank & Fearless podcast, hosted by Bronwyn Le Grice, we are joined by Dr Ken Bahk and Dr Kate Merton.
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Together, they share their insightful journeys and experiences, offering valuable perspectives on healthcare, innovation, and the pursuit of impacting positive change.

The conversation delves into topics such as unforced errors in business, discrimination, hope for equality, and personal advice, while also exploring light-hearted discussions about favourite food destinations.

Ken discusses urgent issues surrounding rare diseases and the crucial need for increased funding and research, while Kate provides firsthand insights into healthcare decision-making processes and the significance of real-world experiences in the start-up and healthcare industries.

The episode also highlights the establishment of Chicago ARC, a global venture collaborative focused on health equity, and offers a glimpse into the personal motivations and influences driving both guests.

This episode was recorded live at the Victorian Connected Health Innovation and Commercialisation Centre (CHICC). CHICC is supported by the Victorian Government Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry, and Regions and the Australian Medtech Manufacturing Centre as a connection and collaboration space for the Victorian connected health community. 
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