A Conversation with Medical Affairs Leader Dr. Davida White

In our inaugural episode of OnPoint: The Mentor Sessions

OnPoint: The Mentor Sessions, hosted by Linda Traylor, VP of Medical Excellence at Acceleration Point, is inspired by The Tribe of Mentors by Tim Ferriss. Each episode follows a consistent set of reflective questions designed to uncover the mindsets, habits, and leadership lessons of exceptional Medical Affairs leaders.

In this inaugural episode, Linda welcomed Dr. Davida J. White, M.D. (Head of Field Medical, Kailera Therapeutics) -- a physician-turned-field-medical leader whose 18-year career in Medical Affairs is a study in intentional reinvention. Dr. White's journey from OB/GYN practice to global field medical leadership is marked by a series of deliberate pivots, each one guided by curiosity, a willingness to be uncomfortable, and a deep commitment to developing others. Whether you're early in your Medical Affairs career or leading a field team of your own, this conversation offers perspective that stays with you.

Key Takeaways:

• Reinvention takes intention -- Dr. White's move from clinical practice into Medical Affairs wasn't accidental. She describes the mindset work required to step into an unfamiliar role and build credibility from the ground up.
• Empowerment is a leadership practice -- Dr. White reflects on the leaders who gave her room to grow and how that experience shaped the way she leads her own teams today.
• Gratitude as a leadership anchor -- A recurring theme throughout the conversation, Dr. White connects a gratitude practice to resilience, perspective, and the ability to lead through uncertainty.
• Mentorship works both ways -- The most valuable mentoring relationships Dr. White describes are reciprocal -- where both parties are learning, growing, and challenging each other.
• Career pivots are assets, not liabilities -- Dr. White reframes career transitions as a source of breadth and empathy, especially in a field as cross-functional as Medical Affairs.

Books and Resources Mentioned:

• Mindset: Changing the Way You Think to Fulfill Your Potential by Dr. Carol S. Dweck -- Dr. White's recommended read for anyone navigating growth, change, or a career transition in Medical Affairs.

Connect with Dr. White: Dr. Davida J. White on LinkedIn

OnPoint: The Mentor Sessions is available on the Acceleration Point YouTube channel and major podcast platforms.