Speaker 1: Overcoming the challenges of implementing pharmacogenomics: Pharmacists at the helm(Dr Burns C. Blaxall); Speaker 2: 108000 Africa genomes project (Eshara Chotoo)

Speaker 1: Dr Burns C. Braxall

Dr. Burns C. Blaxall is Senior Vice President, Precision Medicine at Aranscia, where he catalyzes the adoption and implementation of Precision Medicine across health systems, providers, payers and employers.  Most recently he served as founding Executive Director of Precision Health at The Christ Hospital Health Network, developing a nationally recognized program for proactive, individualized care ranging from hereditary disease risk screening to a transformative pharmacogenomics (PGx) program, including initiation of a prospective, randomized, controlled trial of comprehensive PGx testing.  The program consistently garnered 99%ile patient satisfaction scores.  Previously, he founded and led translational and clinical research centers, serving as principal investigator on dozens of NIH and foundation grants as well as chairing peer review panels for the NIH, various foundations and several editorial boards.  He received his PhD in Pharmacology from the University of Colorado and has held academic, faculty and leadership positions at Duke University, the University of Rochester, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and the University of Cincinnati, where he remains an Adjunct Professor.  Dr. Blaxall is an elected fellow of numerous professional societies, holds several patents, has given > 200 invited lectures across six continents and has published nearly 100 peer-reviewed manuscripts. He has received extensive honors and awards and holds several leadership roles in professional societies and boards for PGx, Precision Medicine and therapeutic discovery.

Speaker 2: Eshara Chotoo

Eshara Chotoo, a distinguished attorney and entrepreneur, is pioneering groundbreaking initiatives to transform healthcare in Africa. With a visionary approach, she is leveraging cutting-edge technology, strategic partnerships, and AI to promote diversity in genetic data, address health disparities, and create sustainable local capacity for precision medicine. Eshara's mission is driven by a commitment to action, ensuring that the advancements in medical research and technology are accessible to all, and paving the way for a healthier, more equitable future for the African population.