The Life Science Effect
In this mid-2025 update, The Life Science Effect explores the latest trends in pharma and medical devices—from regulatory upheaval under RFK Jr. and Dr. Makary to continued momentum in U.S. drug manufacturing. Learn how industry leaders are navigating clinical trial delays, FDA uncertainty, and global GLP-1 market expansion. Full transcript: Hey, everybody. Steve again, welcome back to the Life Science effect. If you're listening in the future, which most of you probably are, this may once again sound prophetic or maybe like a time capsule from a moment of flux. Today's updates a...
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Production Note: Since this episode was recorded, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. was confirmed as the head of HHS. Steve didn't know that at the time but it was a pretty good bet, so the analysis holds up. In this topical episode of The Life Science Effect, Steve explores the uncertainties facing the life sciences industry under the new U.S. administration. He discusses the potential impact of leadership changes at HHS and the FDA, industry perspectives from Eli Lilly CEO Dave Ricks, and the significance of multi-billion dollar pharmaceutical manufacturing investments in the U.S. Through...
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In this timely and thought-provoking episode, Steve Vinson discusses the current landscape of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the corporate world amid increasing political and business pushback. He reflects on recent headlines about major corporations rolling back DEI initiatives and contrasts that with companies like Costco and JP Morgan Chase, which are standing firm in their commitment to inclusiveness. Steve also shares BPM Associates’ perspective, reaffirming that DEI is more than just an initiative - it is a core value embedded in the company’s culture. He highlights how...
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In this episode of the Life Science Effect, host Steve Vinson interviews Denise Bachman, Chief Operating Officer of BPM Associates. Denise shares insights into BPM Associates, a life sciences consultancy known for its unique approach and core values. She discusses her journey as a project manager and the importance of building a supportive company culture. Denise emphasizes the significance of high-trust relationships and effective teamwork in achieving project success. She also recounts a challenging project experience, highlighting the impact of leadership and resistance to change on project...
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Steve Vinson interviews Jeremy Opperman, the founder of BPM Associates. Jeremy shares his journey from growing up in a small business environment to starting his own company, BPM Associates, which specializes in life science project delivery. He emphasizes the importance of quality and people-focused relationships in his business. Jeremy also discusses the challenges and successes of building BPM Associates over the past 10 years, with the support of his wife Amanda. The episode highlights Jeremy's intentional approach to business, his commitment to high-quality service, and the importance of...
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In Season 2, Episode 3 of *The Life Science Effect*, Steve Vinson discusses BPM Associates' work. He explains BPM’s core purpose and values—supporting people, fostering teamwork, and reducing turnover in the life sciences industry. Through personal stories, Steve illustrates the challenge of defining “what we do” in simple terms and describes BPM’s approach to managing projects in pharmaceuticals, including combination product scaling, regulatory compliance, and facility expansions. Emphasizing people-centered project management, BPM seeks to avoid burnout while meeting timelines and...
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Host Steve Vinson continues exploring BPM Associates' core philosophy, following up on Simon Sinek’s idea of starting with "why." In Episode 1, Steve shared why BPM does what it does—now, he turns to "how" they do it. Before diving into the business side, Steve shares a humorous and mostly true story about his recovery from outpatient surgery, which highlights the value of a great work environment and how it can translate into better outcomes for patients, employees, and even clients. Steve emphasizes that BPM’s approach centers on strong leadership, effective project management, and...
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In late 2021, the COO, founder, and CEO of BPM Associates gathered to do their annual planning. They decided that they needed a new vision statement that would resonate with their core ideology. They watched Simon Sinek's TED Talk on starting with "why" and realized that people don't buy from BPM or work for BPM because of what they do, but because of why they do it. They decided to focus on doing business with those who believe in their "why", even if it meant walking away from some opportunities. They wanted to create a company that attracted outstanding people and provided top talent for...
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We're back! In this trailer, Steve explains why it has been so long, how we can have a Season 2 when there wasn't really a Season 1, and what you can expect from this season of the show. Music: Acid Jazz-Kevin MacLeod used under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License Acoustic Motivation-Corna Media used under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License
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I've heard it said that culture beats strategy. I believe that. I also believe culture beats tactics and process and procedure and technique. In this episode (another solo episode), I will relate a recent story in which I had the chance to stand up and reinforce the safety culture of my client. It may not be for everybody. It may not be "life science" specific. That's okay. Not to worry. Life Science talk returns next time and guests return late summer or early fall this year. Thanks for your support! Thanks to our sponsor BPM Associates -
info_outlineWhat is going on in the medical device industry right now that is driving companies and the FDA to address quality systems differently?
What is the Quality Systems Management (QSM) Strategic Plan?
How will it help organizations?
How will it help patients?
Larry Mager is an experienced medical device quality executive with success in taking quality management systems to the next level at major global medical device companies.
He now is leveraging his decades of leadership and making his system available for any organization that wants or needs to improve.
Quality System(s) Management (QSM) = Measure | Manage | Improve
1. A Quality System(s) Management (QSM) plan is utilized to measure, manage, and improve the ‘quality’ of an organization’s Quality Management System (QMS)
2. QSM measures what matters in regard to product and process quality, and does so in a manner that is actionable for Management
3. QSM enables the strategic understanding of product & process ‘quality’, as is expected of Management by the stakeholders
4. QSM targets issues of constraint, enabling the responsible and targeted improvement of the organization’s constraints
5. Supports EU MDR and Case for Quality initiatives (see below)
EU MDR defines significant responsibilities associated with the verification of product & process ‘quality’ through the PMS & QMS surveillance activities utilized within a medical device company. The accountability for doing so resides within the designated role of Person Responsible for Regulatory Compliance (PRRC). The capability to satisfy the obligations of that role must be ‘built’ into the Quality Management System (QMS).
The Case for Quality is an FDA-driven initiative, coordinated in partnership with the Medical Device Innovation Consortium (MDIC) and in collaboration with the Medical Device Industry, focused on creating “sustained predictive practices that advance medical device quality and safety.”
To connect with Larry: [email protected]