From Valley Forge to the Lab: Parallels between Washington's Maneuvers and Drug Development
George Washington’s leadership during the American Revolution was marked by strategic foresight, perseverance, and adaptability—qualities essential for overcoming challenges in drug discovery as well. He was known more for brilliant tactical retreats than outright wins. He knew that the American War of Independence, just like the long march toward a marketed drug, was a marathon and not a sprint. It is an interesting thought exercise to draw parallels between Washington's qualities of patience, resourcefulness, and collaboration and the development of new drugs that similarly demand inspired leadership in the form of long-term vision, resilience in the face of failure and innovative thinking. Below, we’ll explore five lessons from Washington’s military campaigns, applying them to the high-stakes world of drug discovery with some concrete examples.