Transforming patient lives: The heart of our cell therapy mission

From the very start of my career, my mission has been crystal clear: to make a meaningful impact on patients’ lives. At Bristol Myers Squibb, I’m surrounded by colleagues who share that same undying passion. Together, we’re not just dreaming about change—we’re making it happen.

As vice president and U.S. brand lead for Cell Therapy, I have the privilege of leading dedicated teams responsible for ensuring CAR T cell therapy reaches those living with serious blood cancers across the country who need it most.

It’s an exciting time for us as we recently debuted a new way of charting our commitment to each other, to science, and to patients within the broader BMS Cell Therapy Organization. We call it On a Cellular Level, a reflection of how cell therapy harnesses our body’s own power to fight disease, but also the way we collaborate as a dynamic team. Just like the intricate processes of cell therapy, our diverse talents and perspectives come together to spark innovation and deliver transformative treatments to patients globally.

To learn more about our approach and the principles that guide us, check out our On a Cellular Level fact sheet. 

What does “On a Cellular Level” mean to me?

To me, On a Cellular Level is more than just a guiding philosophy. It encapsulates how we make decisions, ensuring we meet the needs of patients and inspires the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Read on for a few insights and observations on how I incorporate On a Cellular Level into my work in support of my team, colleagues, and patients.

• Data-driven insights – Science On a Cellular Level: Throughout my career, I've seen that resting on residual knowledge or assumptions, rather than following the core insight, can prevent us from doing what is best for the patient. I challenge myself and others to continuously build the insight base, dive a layer deeper into the data, and ensure that our actions are guided by the right insights.
  
  
• Elevating patient-centered care – Impact On a Cellular Level: My deep passion for people drives my commitment to ensuring that every individual, regardless of their background, has access to the therapies they need. Considering all aspects of our patient base is non-negotiable; we must engage different populations – not just across ethnic backgrounds, but also by age, socioeconomic status, geography and gender identity – in our clinical trials through our commercialization practices to truly understand how our products affect the populations they seek to treat. By uncovering and addressing gaps in representation, we can develop resources and strategies that deliver therapies to all patients and create meaningful change.

One powerful initiative that exemplifies this commitment is The Robert A. Winn Diversity in Clinical Trials Award Program created by the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation. This program focuses on nurturing clinical investigators from racially and ethnically diverse backgrounds and those dedicated to enhancing diversity in clinical trials. Additionally, it opens doors for promising, underrepresented minority medical students to explore careers in clinical research. By fostering this next generation of talent, we’re not just advancing inclusivity; we’re actively reshaping the healthcare landscape to ensure it serves everyone equitably.

• Opening new pathways - Ambition On a Cellular Level: Inspiring every team member within our organization to grow and advocate on behalf of patients, and themselves, starts with a leadership philosophy focused on mentorship and sponsorship. I believe that accountability and transparency are essential, and that an infectious spirit of kindness — and a touch of fun — should guide our interactions. By openly tackling challenges, we strengthen our team bonds and foster a culture where everyone is valued and engaged.
  
  I’m deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of talent, both at BMS and outside of it. Through active mentorship, I aim to demonstrate that representation matters — if you see it, you can be it. My involvement on the board of my alma mater allows me to connect students with opportunities in the pharmaceutical industry, while my work with a fellowship program for low-income students aims to level the playing field in their educational journeys. Together, these efforts reflect my dedication to building and shaping an inclusive culture designed to keep patient equity and access top of mind by championing diversity and empowering all team members today and in the future.

For me, it’s all about the people we serve. I’ve always believed our work begins with a genuine focus on identifying, understanding and championing patients, and that’s exactly what we’re doing at BMS. We’re not just treating thousands of patients with our groundbreaking cell therapies; we are shattering barriers to ensure more patients have access to these life-changing treatments.

I invite you to click here to explore real-world stories from patients who have been treated with our cell therapies, and check out our cell therapy resources to learn more about our commitment to delivering these treatment options to patients. This isn’t just talk – it's how we embody On a Cellular Level to make a real difference for the patients who are counting on us.