Leonard S. Jacob, MD, PhD '75, isn't just stepping into his role as the new Chair of the Lewis Katz School of Medicine Board of Visitors—he’s stepping up with a long-standing passion for Temple University’s mission and goals. With a history of unwavering support and commitment, Dr. Jacob is ready to make waves and inspire change. Known for his ability to engage diverse perspectives and lead with impact, he's a vital force in our community. 

Dr. Jacob's career in healthcare innovation is a testament to his creativity and determination. Over five decades, he’s secured six patents and raised several hundred million in equity financing for various Pharma/Biotech companies. As Chairman of Antares Pharma Inc., he along with their executive team, led the company through its $1 billion acquisition by Halozyme Therapeutics, facilitated the development of three FDA-approved products and formed strategic alliances with global giants like Teva Pharmaceuticals. The latter led to the successful launch of the first generic EpiPen.  

His journey reflects visionary leadership, beginning with senior global roles at SmithKline & French Labs in the eighties. He went on to co-found Magainin Pharmaceuticals, took it public, then founded InKine Pharmaceuticals, which was later acquired by Salix Pharmaceuticals for $200 million in a stock transaction. Salix was later acquired by Valeant Pharmaceuticals for $11 billion. 

Outside his professional successes, Dr. Jacob is deeply dedicated to academia. Since 2005, he has served on the Katz School Board of Visitors and other prestigious boards. Through the Leonard and Sandra Jacob Foundation, he supports deserving undergraduate and medical students along with other various philanthropic efforts.

Describing himself as “student-centric” leader - and a staunch supporter of Amy J. Goldberg, MD, FACS, The Marjorie Joy Katz Dean - Dr. Jacob is excited to guide the Katz School into a new era, fueled by enthusiasm and collaboration. 

“Len is a proven leader, and an incredible advocate and asset for Katz,” said Dean Goldberg. “I am grateful for his insight and partnership, and thrilled that he’s taken on this critical role.”    

In Conversation with Dr. Jacob

What are your priorities as Chairperson? 

First and foremost, I want to maximize philanthropy within the Katz School community. For a few very fortunate institutions, creating a culture of giving is about pinpointing a couple well-endowed alumni. That’s not who Temple is. Our outreach needs to be more inclusive. 

I believe the school’s new strategic plan will go a long way toward getting the vast Katz School alumni community excited for the future because it’s big and bold. This plan, and Dr. Goldberg’s leadership, are showing us how exactly the school can evolve to meet the needs of an even more diverse student body while continuing to enhance its academic reputation. 

Second, with that plea for new and continued support, I want to assure everyone that we will remain committed to the students, above all else. The cost of attending any medical school today cannot be glossed over. We need to acknowledge that investment and stop at nothing to ensure our students receive the best possible education, even if we lose money in that pursuit. If we prioritize institutional progress over developing the next generation of doctors, we’ve failed. 

Can you talk more about how you see your new role can and should work with the Dean and school leadership? 

All my years working on the cutting edge of pharmaceutical and healthcare device development, along with serving on the boards of respected universities and medical schools, have taught me to put my faith in partnership. 

I’m going to try to make sure that the Board of Visitors helps Dr. Goldberg and our school’s administrative and educational leaders achieve all we want to achieve. But how we get there may not be the precise route she envisions, so both she and the board are going to need to be open-minded and flexible.  

"After you’ve done well, it’s important to do good...  I’ve made a point of treating everyone I encounter with the same respect and grace I’d want for myself. Katz provided THAT environment for me when I was a student here, and I’d like to be a part of nurturing it for the classes to come."
 

With all that you’ve accomplished, what compels you to give back to the Katz School? 

First, it’s very humbling to be offered this position. Second, all I ever want when I accept a leadership position like this one is to be of service.  

One of my favorite sayings is, “After you’ve done well, it’s important to do good.” I’ve found it to be a helpful reminder of just how impactful a seat on something like the Katz School Board of Visitors can be.  

I’m also very drawn to the idea of making the world a kinder place, however I can. Regardless of the setting – industrial, academic, philanthropic – I’ve made a point of treating everyone I encounter with the same respect and grace I’d want for myself. Katz provided that environment for me when I was a student here, and I’d like to be a part of nurturing it for the classes to come. 

How has this approach influenced your decision-making throughout your career? 

Even if I have a strong opinion about something, I prefer to listen to as much feedback as I can before articulating it. That, I believe, enables lots of different perspectives to be shared. And it’s not just about creating the room for those voices to be heard; you also need to listen carefully to what’s being said. Because only then can there be the possibility of being shaped by them. 

That kind of diversity is going to be important for the Board of Visitors, too. Traditionally, it’s been comprised largely of MDs, but I’d like to bring in leaders and experts from different walks, anything that may ultimately benefit the school. 

When I was looking at residency programs, I was very fortunate to secure interviews at leading institutions before accepting a residency at Penn. What I quickly realized was that each had its own way of doing things. It helped me understand there wasn’t necessarily one clear path of ascension. Instead, we need to strive to be self-aware so that we can recognize our strengths and weaknesses and adapt accordingly. That, I believe, is how you ensure you’re headed in the right direction.