ABOUT FIERCE 50

Launched in 2023 by the Fierce editorial team, the Fierce 50 is a groundbreaking project that shines a spotlight on the true powerhouses driving advancements in medicine, fostering innovation and shaping the future of biopharma and healthcare. 

F50 About Intro

Honoring healthcare and biopharma champions fighting for patient care 

The Fierce 50 consists of a comprehensive report and an Awards Gala Dinner in December.

The 2024 Fierce 50 honorees are a testament to the unwavering dedication and creativity that push the healthcare, pharma and biotech industries forward.

The Fierce 50 is more than just a list—it’s a recognition of the people and companies who are driving meaningful change. These are the trailblazers who don’t just talk about the future of healthcare, they’re out there making it happen.

This year’s honorees, a mix of familiar faces and unsung heroes, are making their mark—whether steering major biotech companies or working behind the scenes to enhance care delivery.

What sets the Fierce 50 special report apart? We dig deeper. Beyond the titles and headlines, we’re celebrating the tangible impact these individuals and organizations are having on patients’ lives. From groundbreaking therapies to reimagined models of care, these leaders are on a mission to improve health outcomes across the globe.

The Fierce 50 reminds us that, at the heart of it all, healthcare is about people. It’s about the patients, the visionaries, the fighters—and we’re honored to highlight their stories.  

Join us to celebrate at a gala dinner on December 5th at The Lighthouse at Pier Sixty One in New York City.

A Closer Look into Fierce 50

How can I get involved with the Fierce 50 Reports and Fierce 50 Awards Gala?

Who is a part of Fierce 50?

What is Fierce 50?

What is in the Fierce 50 report?

How are the awards given?

What is the nomination process for Fierce 50? 

Meet the Category Chairs


Ayla Ellison

Editor–in-Chief
Fierce Life Sciences and Healthcare

Ayla Ellson oversees editorial direction of Fierce Biotech, Pharma, Healthcare and Medtech. Prior to joining Questex in October 2022, Ayla was vice president and editor-in-chief of Becker’s Healthcare, a media company based in Chicago. Ayla received her JD from Southern Illinois University School of Law.    

Learn more about Fierce 50  

F50 About Ayla

Innovation Category

Heather Landi
Senior Editor of Fierce Healthcare

With eight years of experience reporting on healthcare technology, Heather is at the forefront of the team’s coverage of digital health and health IT news and trends across the nation. From in-depth examinations of the telehealth boom to comprehensive analyses of the increasing impact of artificial intelligence on healthcare, Heather brings extensive expertise to covering the industry’s most pressing issues.  

Learn more about the Innovation category  

F50 About Heather

Social Impact Category

Andrea Park
Deputy Editor of Fierce Life Sciences

Andrea specializes in the medtech industry and has a wealth of experience reporting on hospital innovation and IT. She brings her keen insights into these areas, driving our mission to highlight those in healthcare and biopharma that have made a transformative impact on society.

Learn more about the Social Impact category  

F50 About Andrea

Breakthroughs Category

Eric Sagonowsky
Senior Editor of Fierce Pharma

Eric and his team provide comprehensive coverage of pharmaceutical drug-related news, analysis and data. From regulatory approvals and manufacturing to patent battles and mergers and acquisitions, Eric is dedicated to following drug development through its entire life cycle. 

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F50 About Eric

Health Equity Category

Anastassia Gliadkovskaya
Staff Writer at Fierce Healthcare

Anastassia's primary focus lies in illuminating health equity challenges and addressing structural failures within healthcare delivery systems. Her dedication to covering these important issues drives the category’s purpose of shining a spotlight on those who are fostering equitable healthcare for all.  

Learn more about the Health Equity category  

F50 About Anastassia

Patient Advocacy Category

Paige Minemyer
Senior Editor of Fierce Health Payer

Paige oversees the team's coverage of payer news and trends, ensuring that the patient perspective is included in the complex arena of health insurance issues. Her commitment to amplifying these voices drives our mission to highlight the people and companies advocating for the rights and well-being of patients.

Learn more about the Patient Advocacy category  

F50 About Paige