David Fajgenbaum

David Fajgenbaum, a doctor and professor at the University of Pennsylvania, shares his incredible journey of surviving idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease by finding his own cure. He discusses the flaws in current drug discovery processes and introduces his AI-driven tool that aims to connect untreatable diseases with potential treatments. The conversation highlights the challenges of navigating pharmaceuticals, the importance of personalized care, and the ethical implications of using technology in medicine, particularly in life-or-death situations.

David Fajgenbaum, a physician-scientist who defied death at 25 by repurposing a drug to save his own life, shares his remarkable journey. He discusses the potential of AI in drug discovery and how his nonprofit, EveryCure, aims to unlock existing medicines for various diseases. The conversation dives into the emotional toll of illness and the importance of resilience and innovation in medical research, as well as the need for a mindset shift in the pharmaceutical industry to prioritize affordable treatments for rare diseases.

David Fajgenbaum, a physician scientist at Penn, faced death at 25 from Castleman's disease but miraculously saved himself by repurposing a drug. He founded Every Cure to help others unlock the potential of existing medications. In this discussion, he shares the building blocks of resilience and the disincentives in drug development. They also delve into how AI is revolutionizing the identification of new treatments and the importance of innovative partnerships between nonprofits and pharmaceutical companies in the fight against rare diseases.

David Fajgenbaum, a physician-scientist and co-founder of the nonprofit Every Cure, shares his incredible story of turning a near-death experience from a rare disease into a mission to save others. He reveals how he discovered a life-saving drug originally intended for a different condition. David discusses the innovative use of AI to uncover new treatments and the challenges faced in securing funding for his cause. His journey highlights the power of collaboration in healthcare and his drive to transform personal pain into a purpose that impacts many.

Ethan Gilsdorf, a writer and performer, shares how Dungeons & Dragons helped him navigate life’s hurdles and find empowerment. David Fajgenbaum, a physician and Castleman disease advocate, discusses his battle with illness and the transformative power of storytelling in healing. Kurt Gray, a psychology professor, delves into the hero's journey as a framework for personal growth, encouraging listeners to reshape their narratives. Together, they explore how embracing life's challenges can create meaning and resilience through our own heroic tales.