Patrick Soon-Shiong, Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBCh), Master of Science (MSc), Fellow of the Royal Colleges of Surgeons (FRCS (C)), Fellow, American College of Surgeons (FACS), and Executive Chairman, Global Chief Medical & Scientific Officer of ImmunityBio, Inc. Dr. Soon-Shiong has spent the past 30 years of his career pursuing treatments to find the cure for cancer, understanding the fundamental biology behind life-threatening diseases, and translating these insights into medical innovations with global impact.

Throughout Dr. Soon-Shiong's career, he has pioneered therapies for diabetes and cancer, published over 100 scientific papers, and has been granted over 675 patents worldwide for groundbreaking advancements spanning myriad fields of medicine, technology, and artificial intelligence. As an Assistant Professor at UCLA in 1993, Dr. Soon-Shiong performed UCLA’s first whole-organ pancreas transplant and the world's first encapsulated islet cell transplant in Type 1 diabetic patients. In the early 1990s, he pursued the science of stem cells and nanotechnology at NASA, performing experiments as part of the NASA space shuttle program. While at UCLA, he was responsible for overseeing the California Nanosystems Institute (CNSI). In 2011, Dr. Soon-Shiong acquired the National LambdaRail (NLR) to integrate supercomputing data centers and develop augmented intelligence for genomic sequencing. Dr. Soon-Shiong has since evolved this Layer 1 network as MOX Networks in 2013.

Dr. Soon-Shiong invented Abraxane, a groundbreaking drug, in 1995. It was the first human protein (albumin) nanoparticle created to activate a specific receptor on the blood vessels that supply the tumor. The drug was designed to transform the tumor's microenvironment and activate the immune system. Abraxane was approved by the FDA in 2005 for metastatic breast cancer, in 2012 for lung cancer, and in 2013 for pancreatic cancer. It was the first drug in more than two decades that demonstrated a significant improvement in survival for patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer. Abraxane is currently approved in multiple countries, with annual sales of approximately $1.0 billion. In 2017, Abraxane on placed on exhibit at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History.

From 1997 to 2010, Dr. Soon-Shiong served as founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer of two public pharmaceutical companies, American Pharmaceutical Partners, Inc. (NASDAQ: APPX) and Abraxis BioScience, Inc. (NASDAQ: ABII). Under Dr. Soon-Shiong's guidance, APPX was responsible for the safe supply of Heparin during the 2008 Heparin crisis in the United States. By 2010, American Pharmaceutical Partners and Abraxis BioScience were acquired by Freseinus and Celgene for approximately $9 billion.

In 2011, Dr. Soon-Shiong founded NantWorks, LLC, a group of companies with the goal of creating a transformative global health information and next-generation pharmaceutical development network for the secure sharing of genetic and medical information, addressing climate change and transforming digital communication. Dr. Soon-Shiong serves as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NantWorks, LLC.

Dr. Soon-Shiong was the recipient of the prestigious 2016 Franklin Institute Bower Award and the Key Visionary Pontifical Award from the Vatican. The award was given in recognition of his visionary leadership in digital medical technology, his commitment to improving healthcare quality and accessibility through the initiatives of the Chan Soon-Shiong Family Foundation, and his leadership in transforming cancer care through immunotherapy.

In 2018, Dr. Soon-Shiong acquired the Los Angeles Times and San Diego Union-Tribune. Dr. Soon-Shiong was appointed to the Health Information Technology Advisory Committee, established by the 21st Century Cures Act responsible for advising the President and his administration on health IT policy. Dr. Soon-Shiong previously served as the co-chair of the CEO Council for Health and Innovation at the Bipartisan Policy Center and as a member of the Global Advisory Board of Bank of America.

He is a visiting Professor at the Imperial College of London. The Friends of the National Library of Medicine have honored him with their Distinguished Medical Science Award, and he is Chairman of the board at the Chan Soon-Shiong Institute of Molecular Medicine at Windber. In 2023, he was appointed special healthcare advisor to President Masisi of Botswana. Additionally, Dr. Soon-Shiong is a minority owner of the Los Angeles Lakers.

In 2024, Dr. Soon-Shiong and his company ImmunityBio, Inc. received FDA approval for the first-in-class next generation immunotherapy, ANKTIVA which activates natural killer cells, CD4+ CD8+ T cells, and memory T cells. He has demonstrated that this molecule together with NK cell therapy results in complete responses across multiple tumor types and is now pursuing a universal cancer immunotherapy in pancreatic cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer and bladder cancer.

Dr. Jill Karen Harris is a Clinical and Radiation Oncologist practicing at Cancercare’s Constantiaberg Oncology Unit within Mediclinic Constantiaberg in Cape Town, South Africa.

She earned her MBChB from the University of Cape Town in 1991 and completed her FC Rad Onc (SA) through the Colleges of Medicine in 1998. Dr. Harris has a particular interest in planning and radiotherapy techniques, focusing much of her clinical work on prostate and breast cancer patients.

She emphasizes integrated cancer care, advocating for centralized, patient-friendly environments to enhance treatment efficiency and comfort. Beyond clinical practice, Dr. Harris is involved in patient education and advocacy, addressing aspects of cancer survivorship such as managing treatment costs, coping with recurrence fears, and combating fatigue.

(BSc(Hons, MBChB (University of Wits), FCUrol(SA), MMed(Urol) (UKZN))

Dr Ronald James Urry, received his first BSc(Hons) in human genetics in 2001, followed by an MBBCh in 2004. He completed his fellowship in urology and achieved the FCUrol(SA) examinations in 2013. Throughout his training, Dr Urry became enamoured with research. Presently he has several peer reviewed papers and congress presentations to his name, and some currently in the press.

Dr Urry spent 18 months as the acting head of department where he supervised clinical work, trained registrars clinically and academically with a number of registrars completing their fellowships under his guidance, and supervised research projects.

At the end of 2015, James embarked on a 6-month fellowships in laparoscopic and robotic surgery and ventured deeper into laparoscopic surgery, robotic and uro-oncology at the East Sussex University in the United Kingdom. Dr Urry has since moved back to Johannesburg and in addition to establishing his own private practice, the Johannesburg Academic Urology Centre (JAUC) he is currently serving as the secretary of the South African Urological Association (SAUA).

(MBChB (Medunsa), PhD (Ghent, Belgium) FAMS (Singapore Academy of Medicine), Hon FCMSA (SA), Elected Member of the Academy of Science of South Africa (MASSAF))

Dr Chris Maske is a distinguished pathologist with extensive expertise in molecular pathology and cancer diagnostics. He has over 19 years of experience and serves as a scientific advisor at a leading biotechnology company in South Africa.

Dr Maske has contributed to significant research over the years in the field of cancer biology as well as authored several publications. His career trajectory reflects a dedication to advancing pathology and molecular diagnostics in South Africa.

(MBChB (Wits), FCSUrol (SA))

Dr. Stephen Cornish is a highly respected specialist urologist with over three decades of clinical experience and a deep passion for uro-oncology. As one of the founding urologists of the Johannesburg Academic Urology Centre (JAUC), Dr. Cornish is committed to shaping the future of urological care through education, research, and innovation.

A leading voice in prostate cancer treatment in South Africa, Dr. Cornish spearheaded the country’s first dedicated brachytherapy team for prostate cancer, bringing international techniques to local practice through advanced training in Atlanta, New York, and Paris. His extensive contributions also include the introduction of prostate artery embolisation in South Africa and leadership in multiple clinical trials focused on urological cancers and men’s health.

(BSc, MBChB, FFPath, MMed)

Dr Simon J Nayler is the Managing Partner and Consultant Histopathologist at the private laboratory of Drs Gritzman and Thatcher, a specialist cellular pathology laboratory in Johannesburg, South Africa.

He has a joint appointment at the Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre, the private practice of the University of the Witwatersrand Medical Faculty. Previously, he was Associate Professor in the Department of Anatomical Pathology at the University of the Witwatersrand, as well as a previous appointment as president of the College of Pathologists of South Africa. Past president of the Federation of South African Societies of Pathology, and past president of the Breast Interest Group of South Africa. His interests include soft-tissue, GIT, breast, uropathology and lung pathology, particularly with regard to molecular pathology and biomarkers.

He has published more than 50 journal articles in peer reviewed publications, two books chapters one on molecular pathology. He has presented at numerous national and international meetings.

He is on numerous adboards amongst other for MSD, Novartis, Roche.

(MBChB, MMed, FAMS, FSNMMI, Hon FCMSA, Hon PhD, PhD)

Mike Sathekge is the Professor and head of Nuclear Medicine at University of Pretoria & Steve Biko Academic Hospital as well as the President & CEO of Nuclear Medicine Research Infrastructure (NuMeRI). Mike has conducted several early phase clinical studies in prostate cancer as a principal investigator and is in the forefront regarding treatment with targeted alpha therapy.

Prof Sathekge has published over 300 peer-reviewed articles, excluding abstracts and book chapters. Mike is the Editor-in-Chief of Seminars in Nuclear Medicine. He is also an Associate Editor of the European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Journal of Nuclear Medicine. Prof Sathekge is a member of The Lancet Oncology’s international advisory board. As the head of the IAEA Anchor Center for Rays of Hope for Cancer care, his roles includes development and implementation of radiopharmaceutical theragnostic research and capacity building. He is the Past President of the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa (CMSA), World Association of Radiopharmaceutical and Molecular Therapy (WARMTH) and past chairperson of the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC).

He is the Chair of the Africa Health Research Institute(AHRI) and a recipient of numerous international and national merit awards. The most recent being honorary doctorate by the North West University and The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) Fellow.

(BSc. Hons (Wits), MBChB (Wits), MSc in Infectious Diseases (LSHTM), FC Radiation Oncology (SA), MMed (Wits))

Dr Prinitha Pillay's sojourn into medicine did not begin in the field of oncology; instead, Dr Pillay spent the first 25 years of her medical career navigating diverse and often challenging environments that ultimately shaped her path toward oncology. Her motivation stemmed from a growing awareness: cancer is on the rise, often remains invisible until it is too late, and disproportionately affects the most vulnerable. Driven by a deep sense of purpose and the desire to effect meaningful change, she has committed herself to improving early detection and access to integrative, comprehensive cancer care—hallmarks of quality healthcare delivery.

After earning a BSc (Hons) in Molecular Biology from the University of the Witwatersrand in 1996, Dr Pillay pursued a career in medicine, qualifying as a medical doctor in 2003. Her early medical journey took her into humanitarian settings with Doctors Without Borders, where she worked over a decade in countries such as Lesotho, South and North Sudan, India, Sierra Leone, Libya, and throughout urban and rural South Africa. These experiences not only sharpened her clinical acumen under pressure but also cemented her advocacy for patient-centred care and health equity. She went on to serve as President of Doctors Without Borders in South Africa and contributed to the organisation’s global governance. In recognition of her leadership and impact, she was named one of the Top 10 Women in Health by the Mail & Guardian in 2011.

Upon returning to South Africa in 2012, Dr Pillay joined the University of the Witwatersrand as a technical specialist in HIV and TB, while also lending her voice to the Rural Health Advocacy Project to champion improved healthcare access in underserved areas. She was appointed an independent external panelist for the South African Human Rights Commission’s investigation into access to emergency medical services as a fundamental human right. During this period, she completed a Master’s degree in Infectious Diseases and Global Policy from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

Dr Pillay's career has consistently bridged bedside care with health systems advocacy. Her work, particularly with Doctors Without Borders, underscored the importance of bearing witness to suffering and speaking out on behalf of those without a voice. This commitment led her to specialise in Radiation Oncology, completing her Fellowship and a Master of Medicine degree focused on the sexual health and side effects experienced by women with cervical cancer following chemoradiation.

(MBChB (Pretoria) MMed (Urol), FCS (Urol) (SA))

Dr Coetzee is considered to be a leading expert both locally and internationally for his treatment of and research on prostate cancer. He has completed over 1500 robotic prostatectomies and over 60 robotic partial nephrectomies. He is one of a handful South African proctor surgeons to be registered with Da Vinci Surgical in the United States to train urologists in robotic surgery in this country. Dr Coetzee holds a fellowship in Uro-Oncology and reconstructive surgery from Duke University, (USA).

Dr Coetzee would describe his greatest professional challenges and acheivements as, curing prostate cancer through surgery whilst ensuring that patients maintain their potency and preventing incontinence. Saying, “I am acutely aware that prostate cancer often affects two people, and that the side effects of treatment impact not only on the patient but also on a couple’s quality of life.”

Currently Dr Coetzee is the senior urologist at the Pretoria Urology Hospital; however, in addition to this, he is also a chairman of the Prostate Cancer Foundation.

(MBChB (Stell), FCUrol (SA), MMed (UCT), PhD (UCT))

Dr Kaestner is a specialist urological surgeon trained in minimally invasive (robotic and laparoscopic) urological surgery, endoscopic surgery (renal stone disease and benign prostate enlargement), reconstructive urology and urogynaecological procedures.

After completing her undergraduate studies at the University of Stellenbosch, she completed her postgraduate training at the University of Cape Town. She completed her PhD Thesis examining renal stone disease in the Western Cape in 2022.

She led the reconstructive urology and renal stone firm at Groote Schuur Hospital from 2010-2024. She was the academic program director in the Division of Urology at the University of Cape Town from 2020 to 2024.

She was promoted to Associate Professor in 2022, thereby becoming the first female professor of Urology in South Africa. She is a regular College of Urology examiner and the current secretary of the College of Urology of South Africa.

Dr Chantelle Scott is an HPCSA-registered genetic counsellor who runs a private practice at Panorama Mediclinic in Cape Town. She holds a BSc in Biological Human Life Sciences (Stell), a BSc Hons in Genetics (Stell), an MSc Med in Genetic Counselling (UCT), and a PhD in Human Genetics (Stell).

With over 14 years of experience, including a year spent working in the UK, Dr Scott specialises in the interpretation of genetic test results, personalised risk assessment, and supporting informed decision-making. She also provides comprehensive psychosocial support to individuals and families navigating genetic conditions.

Since 2011, she has actively contributed to research across several departments within the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at Stellenbosch University, including Human Genetics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical Ethics and Law and Urology. Her primary research interests lie in prenatal genetics and oncology.

As a passionate advocate for advancing genetic healthcare, Dr Scott is committed to patient education and empowerment and currently serves on the Medical Advisory Board of the Prostate Cancer Foundation of South Africa and is actively involved with the Down Syndrome Association Western Cape.