Sommer Bazuro, PhD

With a background rooted in science and marketing communications, Sommer brings a sharp critical, analytical, and creative approach to her role as Chief Medical Officer at IPG Health. She leads the network’s medical strategy and medical writing teams of almost 200 experts—medical and scientific talent with advanced degrees such as PhDs, MDs, PharmDs, Master’s degrees, and more—and is focused on implementing best practices across the network and making science meaningful and actionable. 

With more than 16 years of unparalleled experience in academia, medical communications, and promotional advertising, Sommer has worn many hats throughout her impressively diverse career. During her 14-year tenure in the IPG Health network, Sommer has served as the medical team lead across numerous disease states and has developed the medical strategy in support of numerous US and global product launches. In that time, she has worked tirelessly to reimagine and elevate the role of medical strategy and writing teams across IPG Health and the industry. A leader of passion and conviction, Sommer has relentlessly advocated for diversity (in all its forms and at every level) across medical departments at IPG Health and the broader industry at large. Notably, Sommer has been a driving force behind the network’s “Trial for #ClinicalEquality” campaign, developing solutions with clients, influential industry partners, and advocacy groups to address the disparity in recruitment of people of color into clinical trials, and rallying the industry to galvanize public demand for clinical equality.  

A sought-after speaker in the medical field, Sommer has appeared on some of the world’s most notable stages, including Cannes and SXSW. She holds a PhD in cell growth and cancer from the University of Pennsylvania Medical School and a BS research intensive in molecular biology from Yale University; she was also a postdoctoral research fellow with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. She is a member of ASCO, The Lustgarten Board of Directors, and previously served on the board of the Susan G. Komen Greater NYC Foundation as Grants, Policy, and Education Committee Chair.