Episode #139 | Creating Synergy Podcast

What if the next big medical breakthrough was already sitting in a lab, waiting to be discovered?

In this episode of Creating Synergy, we sit down with Justin Coombs, Chief Operating Officer at AusHealth, to dive into the groundbreaking advancements shaping the future of medicine. From life-saving cancer treatments to antibiotic innovations and even the surprising role of platypus venom in diabetes research, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone curious about where healthcare is headed.

Why This Episode Will Change How You See Healthcare:
 
▶︎ CAR T Therapy & Cancer Breakthroughs – The game-changing therapy that’s curing leukemia and could replace chemotherapy.
 ▶︎  Bacteriophages: The Future of Antibiotics? – The virus that kills bacteria without harming humans.
▶︎ Platypus Venom & Diabetes Treatment – A strange discovery that could change diabetes management forever.
 ▶︎  The Challenges of Innovation – Why Australia struggles with translating research into real-world solutions—and what needs to change.

This episode isn’t just for scientists or healthcare professionals—it’s for anyone who wants to understand how biotech is shaping the future of human health and why the most important medical advancements might be closer than we think.

🎧 Don’t miss this one—listen now!

00:00 - Living in Two Worlds & The Third Space

05:59 - The Impact of the Referendum Failure

11:05 - Changing the Date of Australia Day

14:48 - Systemic Issues & Indigenous Incarceration Rates

19:42 - Breaking the Cycle Through Education

26:12 - Indigenous Representation in Media & Society

33:06 - The Difference Between New Zealand & Australia in Embracing Indigenous Culture

45:19 - The Lack of Empathy & Truth-Telling in Australia

55:07 - How Non-Indigenous People Can Support Change

1:12:26 - The Power of Sport & Role Models for Indigenous Youth

1:12:51 - Social Inequalities Explained in a $100 Race - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4K5fbQ1-zps

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram (@synergyiq).

Guest Info

Justin Coombs

Chief Operating Officer at AusHealth

Justin Coombs is a visionary leader and biotech innovator dedicated to transforming bold scientific discoveries into life-changing solutions. With a career spanning biomedical research, entrepreneurship, and healthcare innovation, Justin has consistently pushed the boundaries of possibility in the biotech space.

His journey began in antibiotic research, exploring the untapped potential of microbial science in agriculture. This passion for real-world impact led him to found CARINA Biotech, where he spearheaded the development of groundbreaking CAR-T cell therapies, revolutionizing cancer treatment in Australia. Now, as Chief Operating Officer at AusHealth, Justin is leading cutting-edge advancements in healthcare, translating breakthrough science into commercial success and driving biotech-driven solutions to improve patient outcomes.

A champion of medical innovation, biotech commercialization, and research translation, Justin’s work is shaping the future of healthcare, biotechnology, and immunotherapy in South Australia and beyond. His leadership continues to bridge the gap between scientific discovery and real-world application, ensuring that cutting-edge research makes a tangible impact on people’s lives.

Connect with Justin Coombs