David H. Do has pursued a unique career path as a healthcare expert, integrating his academic background, strategy consulting experience, and start-up ventures with his commercial acumen. Currently, he is building the Vaccine and Immune Therapy business unit at AstraZeneca Headquarters in Cambridge, where he leads commercial activities and assesses business development opportunities. As a mentor on the programme, David is dedicated to imparting his knowledge to the next generation of innovators, inspiring them to realise their potential.
Name: David Do
Occupation: Commercial Leader at AstraZeneca
“I began my professional career at the Boston Consulting Group, where I advised tech companies in Korea and healthcare companies in Japan on various C-suite agendas, including commercial enhancement and innovation. Following this, I served as the Chief Strategy Officer for AITRICS, an AI healthcare start-up. In this role, I developed AI software that predicted Sepsis onset in vulnerable hospital patients, successfully raised $8 million in a Series A round, and formed a development partnership with Intel.
Before assuming my current position, I played a key role in supporting the Korean Government’s COVID-19 pandemic response at AstraZeneca Korea by facilitating the supply of vaccines for the entire country.
I am a firm believer in social contribution and serve as a non-executive director, offering strategic advice on turnaround strategies and new business development to UK SMEs. For the past five years, I have been a business mentor for TechStars, guiding some of the most innovative start-ups in the US and Asia. Additionally, I volunteer with the King’s Trust, visiting schools in underprivileged communities in London to provide support, mentorship, and encouragement.
My academic background includes studying biomolecular science at King’s College London, pursuing a master’s in molecular medicine at Imperial College London, and obtaining a PhD in Clinical Medicine from Oxford University.”
Why did you choose to become a mentor on the NHS CEP, are you enjoying the experience and how have you supported your mentee/s so far?
“I became a mentor on the NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme because of my profound commitment to fostering innovation in healthcare, a sector that is pivotal to societal wellbeing. With a background in Pharma (AstraZeneca), start-up (AITRICS, TechStars) and strategy consulting (Boston Consulting Group), I have garnered extensive experience and insights that I am enthusiastic about sharing with emerging entrepreneurs and innovators within the NHS ecosystem.
By mentoring the entrepreneurs, I aim to contribute to the acceleration of innovative healthcare solutions, ultimately enhancing patient care and operational efficiency. I am keen on guiding entrepreneurs through the unique challenges of the healthcare industry, helping them navigate regulatory landscapes, secure funding, and establish strong business models. Finally, the entrepreneurial spirit is a powerful force for change, and the NHS is a unique setting for entrepreneurship, with its deep commitment to patient care and social impact. By mentoring NHS start-ups, I aim to nurture this spirit, helping to cultivate a culture of innovation and determination that drives progress and positive outcomes.”
What do you think makes a good mentor and can you see the impact that mentoring is having on your mentee?
“A good mentor is someone who not only shares their expertise but also learns from the mentoring relationship. Through various programmes like TechStars, King’s Trust, and Bethebusiness, I’ve seen firsthand the positive impact mentoring can have and that’s been incredibly rewarding. It’s about creating opportunities for mutual growth, fostering a stronger healthcare ecosystem, and making a meaningful impact on the lives of patients and communities.
I believe that contributing to the development of the healthcare industry and delivering innovation to patients and individuals is one of the most fulfilling aspects of mentoring. It’s a privilege to be part of this journey and to see the tangible benefits that mentoring brings to my mentees.”
What is the best piece of advice you have been given in your professional career?
“Ambitious/big tasks and small tasks require a similar amount of efforts. Why not change the world then?”
David Do is one of over 300 professionals that volunteer there support to the NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme and support our next generation of innovators. If you are interested in supporting the programme visit our mentor pages
TRANSFORMING HEALTHCARE THROUGH INNOVATION
