The Catalysts
Catalysts
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The Catalysts is a medical science and discovery podcast that translates advanced research into accessible conversations for curious minds. The show blends expert insight with engaging stories, and connects world-class research with the people who benefit most from scientific advancement.Season 2 is here!
Season 2 of the Catalysts picks up where Season 1 left off: expert insight from researchers at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, with a focus on the Science of Cancer. Listen for diverse perspectives on the breakthroughs, challenges, and evolving questions shaping today’s cancer science.
Beyond One-Size-Fits-All Treatment: The DNA Revolution in Medicine with Dr. Richard Kim
When it comes to cancer drug treatments, one size doesn’t fit all. That’s because our unique genetics determine how our body reacts to certain drugs, which can turn a life-saving treatment into a side-effect nightmare. This is the problem Dr. Richard Kim has spent his career solving. He’s championed pharmacogenomics: using genetics to match the right drug to the right patient. His persistence helped make Ontario one of the first provinces to adopt genetic testing that prevents severe chemotherapy side effects, saving lives and reshaping cancer care. In this episode, Dr. Kim explains why “one-size-fits-all” medicine is outdated and how innovations in technology are turbocharging genomics and precision medicine.
With Richard B. Kim MD, FRCPC, FCAHS, FRSC
Professor of Medicine, Physiology & Pharmacology, and Oncology
Chair, Division of Clinical Pharmacology
Department of Medicine
Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University
Attending Physician, London Health Sciences Centre
Scientist, London Health Sciences Research Institute
Reading Between the Pixels: Sarah Mattonen on the Future of Cancer Imaging
Every cancer journey begins with images—CT scans, MRIs, X-rays. For most of us, they’re snapshots that confirm what’s already there. But for Sarah Mattonen, PhD, at Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, those images hold untold stories. She’s uncovering hidden patterns in scans—clues that can reveal if a tumor might come back, or if treatment could cause side effects before patients feel them. With the power of AI, she’s turning medical images into roadmaps for truly personalized cancer care. In this episode, we explore how her work is transforming cancer treatment today, and what it means for the future of oncology.
With Sarah Mattonen, PhD
Scientist, London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute
A Roadmap to Hope: Rewriting Cancer Care with Dr. David Palma
Cancer can feel like a battle fought in darkness - but what if you could turn on the lights? In this episode, Dr. David Palma, a radiation oncologist and clinician-scientist, explains how he's changing the way patients understand and fight their diagnosis. He’s transformed personal loss into a mission to empower patients to become the heroes of their own medical stories. As well, as a leading expert in precision radiotherapy, he’ll discuss how he’s pushing the boundaries of how radiation can treat advanced cancers. With a bestselling book and decades of expertise, Dr. Palma will reveal how every patient can turn their cancer diagnoses into a roadmap to hope.
With Dr. David Palma
Radiation Oncologist, Verspeeten Family Cancer Centre, London Health Sciences Centre
The Catalysts is produced by Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry in association with the J. Allyn Taylor International Prize in Medicine — one of Canada's most prestigious medical research prizes.
