PODCAST:Good Bad Billionaire
TITLE:Patrick Soon-Shiong: Cures for Cash
DATE:2023-12-05 00:00:00
URL:
MODEL:gpt-4-gizmo
The "Good Bad Billionaire" podcast episode titled "Patrick Soon-Shiong: Cures for Cash" delves into the life and career of Patrick Soon-Shiong, a surgeon and biotech billionaire. Born in apartheid-era South Africa to Chinese immigrant parents, Soon-Shiong's journey takes him from South Africa to America, where he becomes a prominent figure in the biotech industry. His current net worth is around $5 billion, making him one of the wealthiest doctors globally.
Soon-Shiong's career has been marked by his involvement in developing treatments for diseases like diabetes, cancer, and COVID-19, although his approaches and the efficacy of these treatments have been subject to debate within the medical community. For instance, his cancer drug, Abraxane, was sold at a price significantly higher than its generic equivalent, sparking controversy. He has faced multiple lawsuits, including from his own brother and celebrities like Cher, raising questions about his business practices and the authenticity of his medical claims.
Despite these controversies, Soon-Shiong has made significant philanthropic contributions, including donating to hospitals and drug development in the US and South Africa. He signed the Giving Pledge, committing to give away half of his wealth over his lifetime. In addition to his medical endeavors, Soon-Shiong is a notable figure in Los Angeles, owning the LA Times and having stakes in sports teams like the LA Lakers.
The episode discusses Soon-Shiong's influence and impact, questioning whether he is a benevolent figure in the medical world or if his actions hint at something more self-serving. The hosts conclude that while Soon-Shiong has not been as detrimental as some other figures in the medical industry, his contributions and legacy in medicine are not as groundbreaking as they could have been. They ultimately categorize him as "just another billionaire," with a nod to his philanthropic efforts but also acknowledging the controversies and ethical dilemmas surrounding his career.
