Dr. David Agus: Driven By Hope and Inspiration

In this episode of the Up2 Podcast, host Adam Kaufman welcomed one of the world’s leading physicians, Dr. David Agus, who participated live from the brand new Ellison Institute for Transformative Medicine Center, located on the border of Santa Monica and Beverly Hills, California. Dr. Agus led Apple co-founder Steve Jobs’ medical team, is also an author, international speaker, researcher, and entrepreneur. To read his complete bio click here, then tune in to the full episode to listen to all of his remarkable accomplishments. 

It’s clear Adam and Dr. Agus have a genuine rapport and comfort with one another, which leads to authentic sharing by the acclaimed physician. The initial conversations between Adam and Dr. Agus highlights his values and intentions as a medical professional. He describes his interactions with patients as his, “driving factor.”  And, in spite of his notable accomplishments, his humility comes through as soon as the conversation begins.

Adam and Dr. Agus discuss his inclination to take risks at a young age. Dr. Agus found himself in labs since high school and realized it was much more than the education that drove him - it was the application of the teachings. Throughout his life he has been surrounded by other remarkable individuals who all share a common desire.

“I don't want to create what the world needs, I want to create something and then show the world they need it. I want to start from scratch.”

This incredible outlook is shared by Dr. Agus and the talented people around him, including Steve Jobs, Nobel Prize winner, Dr.Murray Gell-Mann, Larry Ellison (Oracle founder) and Andy Grove (Intel Chairman) all of whom have played significant roles in his life. Dr. Agus shares  how each of these individuals mentored him and helped him achieve his goals at different points in his career.

Dr. Agus discusses his most recent project, the Larry Ellison Institute for Transformative Medicine at the University of Southern California. The facility brings together world-class specialists to work in collaboration in all aspects of cancer research and care. He describes how each decision for the project was made with a purpose, encouraging visitors to have a view on all parts of the medical “art.”

“We have a sculpture that says, four letters in a square, HO and PE. Because to me, that's what my building is about, that's what medical research is about. That's what think tanks are about, providing hope. Hope and optimism are what drive you.

Amid the current environment of COVID-19, Dr. Agus and Adam also discuss the pandemic and what he believes the future holds.

“My dream is that the good of this pandemic is two things. One is we think and act like a community because what you do matters to others. And then we also have an awareness of health.”

Among all of his accomplishments, it is clear that Dr. Agus loves his work, seeing patients and being a physician. He focuses on the data and finding the answers for people of today and tomorrow. In closing, Dr. Agus shares a bit of what inspires him.

“I have a painting in my office that says science is truth found out, because I really believe that, and most of those truths, we don't know yet.”

Hear all of the stories and memories Dr. Agus shares with Adam by listening to the full episode here, or tune in wherever you listen to podcasts. 


Click here to read the full episode transcript.

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