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David Steensma
Chief Medical Officer at Ajax Therapeutics
David Steensma is the Chief Medical Officer at Ajax Therapeutics, a position he has held since August 2023. He is a distinguished expert in hematologic malignancies, boasting over 25 years of experience in oncology clinical practice and research. His appointment comes as Ajax Therapeutics advances its next-generation JAK2 inhibitor program aimed at treating myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) .13
Professional Background
- Previous Roles:
- Global Head of Hematology at Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research (December 2020 - May 2023): Dr. Steensma led early-phase clinical development in both malignant and non-malignant hematology conditions, overseeing various therapies including small molecules and gene therapies .23
- Hematologist-Oncologist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (September 2009 - December 2020): He directed the Edward P. Evans Myelodysplastic Syndromes Center and was involved in developing clinical trials for novel anti-cancer agents .23
- Faculty Member at Harvard Medical School: He taught hematology and supervised medical students while contributing to curriculum development .23
Contributions and Achievements
Dr. Steensma has published over 200 original research papers and has served on numerous committees for the American Society of Hematology. He was also a voting member of the Oncology Drug Advisory Committee for the FDA and has been involved with the MDS Foundation's Board of Directors .13 His educational background includes a medical degree from the University of Chicago’s Pritzker School of Medicine.
Current Focus
At Ajax Therapeutics, Dr. Steensma is dedicated to addressing significant unmet clinical needs in patients with MPNs, particularly through the development of more selective and potent JAK inhibitors .13
Highlights
One of my favorite podcasts is Twenty Thousand Hertz, which celebrates the world of sound and explores the sonic landscape. I often listen to it in the car or while working out.
The latest episode, "Sound Diagnosis", narrated by Fran Board and hosted by Dallas Taylor, focuses on the importance of sound in medicine.
I'm interviewed for this one and discuss Leopold Auenbrugger's discovery of percussion, René Laennec's contribution to the invention of the stethoscope, and the advent of tools like amplified stethoscopes (useful for people like me who have some hearing loss) and point-of-care ultrasound devices. The unnamed "old-school pediatrician" mentioned at the end who had a well-trained ear for the different subtypes of kids' coughs is Dr Jay Hoecker of Mayo Clinic, who is now retired but took great care of our children during the 13 years when we lived in Minnesota.
Despite the usefulness of tools like stethoscopes and ultrasound devices, the most important listening that clinicians do is listening to what patients tell us about their experiences, symptoms and concerns. That practice will never go out of style.
Thanks to Casey Emmerling, Andrew Anderson, and the production team for putting together an entertaining and "sound" episode.
https://lnkd.in/eHTwsWr2
I’m happy to share that I’m starting a new position as Chief Medical Officer at Ajax Therapeutics!
