Grounded in Groundshot is a series of conversations hosted by Dr. Bishal Gyawali and the BG Lab.
The podcast’s namesake is in reference to Dr. Gyawali’s Cancer Groundshot philosophy. In this series, we will get to know the human side of giants in the field of oncology, and get to explore the human qualities that make them who they are. Each guest represents someone who inspires Dr. Gyawali, and is helping shape the future of cancer care.
As education and inspiration are fundamental pillars of BG Lab, whether you are a trainee, a senior oncologist, researcher, or someone with a lived experience of cancer, these conversations aim to uplift and inspire you to do exceptional things!
Check out our latest episodes:
Episode 8: BG Lab
BG is joined by members of the BG Lab at Queen’s University (Claire Diana, Dr. Javier-David Benitez-Fuentes, Brian Shkabari, Nicole Vorko). In this episode we discuss, what makes the BG Lab experience so unique (3:20), our newest publication in JAMA on the FDA approval landscape for adult solid tumors (https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2852328) (6:48), what our students have learned most from working in the lab (14:15), visiting Kingston as a BG Lab fellow (22:40), mentorship and the origins of BG Lab (31:50).
Episode 7: Dr. Chris Booth
#7) BG is joined by Dr. Chris Booth, Professor of Oncology at Queen’s University and co-founder of Common Sense Oncology. In this episode, we discuss why Dr. Booth isn’t on social media (1:45), Dr. Booth’s path into medicine (4:50), how he ended up at Queen’s (8:50), global oncology and cancer policy (13:00), the role of spirituality in Dr. Booth’s life (21:20), and a discussion about death and dying (25:50).
Episode 6: Dr. Julie Gralow
#6) BG is joined by Dr. Julie Gralow, the Chief Medical Officer of ASCO and Professor Emerita at the University of Washington. In this episode, Dr. Gralow talks about her career path into oncology and global health (3:00), the role of ASCO in career development (27:00), being a trailblazer and opening the glass door for women in oncology (45:00), what makes someone a good mentor and mentee (53:30), and some quick-fire questions (57:30).
Episode 5: Dr. Dario Trapani and Dr. Felipe Roitberg
#5) BG is joined by Dr. Dario Trapani and Dr. Felipe Roitberg. In this episode, we discuss Dr. Trapani’s success as an early-career oncologist (6:30), how Dr. Trapani got into oncology (11:00), finding time in a busy life (13:30), future goals (15:00), phase 1 trials and breast cancer (16:55), medical education and maintaining a critical mindset (19:15), defining success and advice for young people (21:28), and how he got into global oncology and cancer policy research (27:00). Felipe then joins the conversation to chat about his career in cancer policy (41:00), how Dr. Roitberg defines success and what he looks forward to in his career (44:15), inspiring the next generation, and rapid-fire questions on hobbies, cooking, Ronaldinho, and more (53:00)!
Episode 4: Dr. Ian Tannock
#4) BG is joined by Dr. Ian Tannock, Professor Emeritus from the University of Toronto and Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. In this episode we discuss how Dr. Tannock started his career in oncology and clinical trials (4:40), how he then became a clinical trials (14:12), cancer of the great toe (19:45), the Canadian mitoxantrone–prednisone trial (26:00), TAX-327 (32:00), experiences as a mentor (38:00), the role of industry in medical writing (39:30), Dr. Tannock’s optimism about the future of clinical trials (42:18), financial conflicts of interest (46:00), advice to fellows (48:30), what makes a good mentor (50:55), Dr. Tannock’s “evil red pen”, and more (56:00).
Episode 3: Dr. Christopher Jackson
#3) BG is joined by Dr. Christopher Jackson, Professor of Oncology from Otago University. In this episode, we discuss evidence-based medicine vs embracing uncertainty (6:45), dealing with people you disagree with (10:29), what motivated Dr. Jackson to pursue medicine and implementation science (16:53), rapid-fire questions: kids, best friends, mountains, and being the world’s #1 CrossFit athlete (in the right-handed, middle-aged, oncologist, intermediate, southern South Island of New Zealand division) (26:37), generalists vs specialists (29:59), patient advocacy groups and cancer policy (38:30), role models (42:26), and defining success (44:00).
Episode 2: Dr. Elizabeth Eisenhauer
#2) BG is joined by Dr. Elizabeth Eisenhauer, Professor Emerita from Queen’s University. In this episode, we discuss why BG admires Dr. Eisenhauer (2:45), maintaining work-life balance (7:35), women in oncology (11:18), Dr. Eisenhauer’s biggest regrets in her career (14:45), being on a ventilator (19:00), inspiration to become a trialist (21:35), balancing hope with skepticism in clinical trials (32:39), the trial that would have made Dr. Eisenhauer a multi-millionaire (35:00), establishing the Cancer Research Institute with Dr. Eisenhauer’s generous donation (43:00), RECIST criteria (47:48), transitioning into policy (56:40), and advice to young oncologists, mentees, and mentors (59:05).
Episode 1: Meet BG
#1) In our inaugural episode, BG Lab research assistant, Claire Diana joins Dr. Gyawali for a wide-ranging discussion that covers: working in a HIC-setting vs an LMIC-setting (2:05), Dr. Gyawali’s pathway to research (9:40), mentorship and seeking out mentors (19:00), Dr. Gyawali’s passion for physics and how the discipline has altered his approach to research (39:08), and future plans for the podcast (53:08).
Dr. Bishal Gyawali 