Health Connect South 2024 Luncheon Keynote Speaker - Hilary Marston, MD

• James Weyhenmeyer ?– Professor of Neuroscience & Drug Discovery, Auburn University , Board of Directors, Health Connect South
• Hilary Marston – Chief Medical Officer, FDA , U.S. Food & Drug Administration?

Summary

Dr. Hilary Marston discusses the challenges in U.S. healthcare, emphasizing collaboration for improving life expectancy and addressing chronic diseases.

?Highlights

• Dr. Marston emphasizes global health equity and collaboration in healthcare delivery.
• U.S. life expectancy is declining, highlighting a need for urgent attention.
• Chronic diseases are prevalent yet treatable, underscoring gaps in care access.
• Healthcare deserts hinder access to necessary medications and treatments.
• The FDA is focusing on enhancing evidence generation for better clinical outcomes.
• Collaborative initiatives, like the bespoke gene therapy consortium, aim to advance rare disease research.
• Partnerships with international organizations seek to streamline product approvals for timely care.

?

Key Insights

• Collaboration is Key: Effective healthcare relies on collaboration among various stakeholders, from medical professionals to policymakers. A unified approach can tackle complex issues more efficiently.
• Life Expectancy Crisis: The U.S. is experiencing a troubling decline in life expectancy, revealing systemic failures in healthcare access and quality. Addressing this issue requires immediate and concerted efforts.
• Chronic Disease Management: Many chronic diseases are both preventable and manageable, yet disparities in care persist. A targeted approach is needed to ensure equitable treatment across demographics.
• Healthcare Access Barriers: Geographic and economic barriers create healthcare deserts, making it difficult for vulnerable populations to access essential services. Innovative solutions must be implemented to bridge these gaps.
• Importance of Evidence Generation: The FDA is working to improve post-approval research, focusing on diverse populations to ensure that treatments are effective for all demographics.
• Advancements in Rare Diseases: Collaborative projects like the bespoke gene therapy consortium are essential for accelerating research and development in rare diseases, offering hope for affected individuals.
• Global Partnerships for Local Impact: International collaborations enhance the FDA’s capabilities, allowing for concurrent product reviews and faster access to innovative therapies for patients in need.

?