Be er Health and a better way of life.
Inessence,beingaleaderentailstakingrisks.Forthe
healthcaresectortoimplementreformsandtransform itscorporateculture,effectiveleadershipisacrucial component.Inmanycountries,liketheUK,America, Australia,andCanada,theconceptofhealthmanagement andleadershiphasbeenevolvingfordecades.Another indicationofhowimportantdirectionandguidanceareto healthcaremanagementistheincreasedinterestinthefield.
Fortheinstitutetosucceedandachieveitsgoals,effective communicationwithstakeholders,management,and personneliscrucial.Itdoesn'tmatterhowharshor competentthehospital'sadministratorsare.Whatmattersis theabilitytoencourageandinspirehealthcarepersonnelto givetheirbesteffort.Asaresult,thesuccessofhealthcare organisationsrestsontheirleaders'capacitytosucceed.
Inahealthcaresetting,thegoalingeneralistogivethebest possibledegreeofsafetyandcare.Whenthehealthcare leadersareawareofthehospital'ssharedobjective, collaborationamongtheteammemberstohelpthehospital orclinicachieveitsgoalsbecomeseasy.Inorderfora facilitytooffersatisfactoryhealthservices,healthcare
workers,likemanagementstaff,mustbecomeeffective leaders.Aneffectiveleaderinthehealthcaresectorshould haveattainablegoalsandstrongcommunicationskills.
Asecondessentialqualityofhealthcareleadersisthatthey mustalsohavetheabilitytoidentifyandunleashthe potentialoftheemployees.Positiveshiftsinconfidenceare apparentwhenleadersfindawaytounlockthepotentialof theirhealthcarepersonnel.Asemployeesgoupthe corporateladderunderdecisiveleadership,theynaturally developbetterrelationshipswiththeircoworkers.They ultimatelybecomebetterteamplayers,whichboostsjob satisfactionandreducesturnover.Butbyacquiringtheright instructioninthearea,onecandeveloptheseskills.Oneof thegreatestmethodstogaintheseabilitiesistoobtaina diplomainhealthcareleadership.Leadershipinhealthcare isunquestionablyvital,butmanypeoplelackitand undervalueit.
Lastly,thefeelingofbelongingnessandacceptancewithin thehealthcaresetupcouldonlybeencouragedbyleaders. Theenvironmentmaysupportandcareforoneanotherif thehealthcareleaderssupportoneanother.Employeesfrom
variousbackgroundsfeelrecognisedastheirbosses acknowledgeandvaluetheirvariety.Italsoencourages creativethinkingandthedevelopmentoforiginalconcepts forenhancinghospitalculture.
InthefollowingeditionofInsightsCare,"Canada'sTop 10InfluentialHealthcareLeadersToFollow,"wewalk youthroughthoseleaderswhohavecheckedoffallthe essentialfactorsinestablishingawarmandaccepting healthcareenvironmentforbothpatientsaswellasthe employees.Theyarethemodernaidsinembracingchange withinthehealthcareindustry
We hope that you have a happy read!
-SaloniAgarwal
Bernie Desgagnés President
Source Nutraceutical, Inc. (SNI) sourcenutra.com
Christian Chammas President Medicana Inc. medicana.com
Bernie brings a “One-Stop-Shop" solution at SNI, by providing professional regulatory affairs, clinical studies, quality assurance, graphic design and packaging compliance services to the North American natural health product, dietary supplement, drug, medical device, and cosmetic industries.
As a President, Christian is spearheaded a number of initiatives at Medicana, including the launch of several new products in the marketplace. He plays an important role in defining the Company's strategic plan, sales strategy and marketing objectives.
Eugene Cherny CEO Cheelcare cheelcare.com
Eugene is known as a leader with a solid track record in creation of technology innovation and business strategy. He is also an innovator with a proven track record in creating growth for new and existing businesses.
Jim Hyland CEO Oravital Inc. oravital.com
Jim is a leader in revolutionizing how periodontal diseases could be prevented and help to reduce the overall health of our dental patients.
Michael Cammarata CEO Neptune Wellness Solutions neptunewellness.com
Michael is on a personal mission to invest in and scale companies globally to make sustainable innovation and modern wellness solutions accessible to the world.
Otsuka Canada Pharmaceutical Inc. (OCPI) otsukacanada.com
Michael is an experienced Leader with a demonstrated history of working in the pharmaceuticals industry. Strong skills in managing a business, leading teams, Negotiation, Business Planning, People Management, Management, and Acquisition Integration.
Rachel BartholomewCEO
Michael Laranjo President and General Manager Hyivy Health Inc hyivycom
Raphael Roccor CEO Rhyme Biotechnology rhymebiotechnologycom
Rick Brar CEO Brains Bioceutical Pharmax.ae
Stéphane Bédard CEO B-Temia Inc. b-temia.com
Rachel is passionate about supporting and growing entrepreneurship, new product development and technological innovation in the most exciting, up and coming, technology region in Canada; the TorontoWaterloo Corridor
Raphael aims to help provide sustainable solutions for pressing problems of the society. He wants to replace palm oil, animal fat, and petroleum derived lipids for the personal care and food industry by brewing designer oils with his engineered microbe.
Rick brings his experience in commercial scale production and agri-products business to the GMP-certified production of naturally-sourced Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industry
Stéphane leads a team of brilliant engineers, scientists and business people at B-TEMIA that answers a very basic human need – Autonomy in mobility – in an innovative way.
Stéphane's research in applications, the Dermoskeletics allows the application of powered-driven AI-based wearable robots to interact with the overall spectrum of human mobility.
Stéphane Bédard President and CEO B-Temia
Thehealthcareindustryisawell-respectedglobal industrywithlotsofsmallandlargecompetitors thatareallslightlydifferentiatedinhowthey approachtheirpatientsandprovidesolutionswithanaimto deliverperpetualconvenienceandreliability
StéphaneBédard,PresidentandCEOofB-TemiaInc., decidedtobreakthetraditionalshacklesoftheindustryand bringforthprogressivesolutionstochangethelandscapeof thewholesector.Stéphaneconsciouslymadethechoice thatheisgoingtobringtothisclinicalworldthemergeof thescienceofmechatronicswiththeprocessofthe rehabilitationprocessinmobilitydisorders.
ASparktodothingsDifferently
Stéphanewantedtocomprehendfurtherthesubtilitiesof interrelatingwiththebiomechanicalfunctionsofthehuman bodyandnotonlyinthecontextofreplacingorreplicating them.
Hewantedtostudytheinteractionbetweenthehumanbody anditsenvironmentwhilepeoplemobilizethemselveswith smartandactivemechatronicdevices,i.e.,"wearable robots,"asthescientificandtheengineeringcommunity calledthemtoday.
Beingpassionateaboutroboticssincehewasachildand transformingthisdeeppersonalinterestoverthetime throughasystematiclearningprocessinthescienceof mechatronics,Stéphanealwaysknewandfeltthat extendingthisfootprintinthefieldofcomplexautomated systemswouldnothavebeenenoughtoovercomehis desiretomakearealandasustainabledifferenceinpeople's livesandactually,forthehumankind;whichwasthe ultimategoalhewantedtoachieve:thatistosaybeing distinctivelyusefulandimprovingthequalityoflifeof people.
Followinghisseven(7)yearsofstudiesattheUniversity Laval,Quebec(Canada),completingthefirstdegreein electricalengineeringandaseconddegreeinmechanical engineering,Stéphanehadtochoosehisdoctoraltopic, whichheconsidersaveryimportanttimeofhislife.To speakfreely,hebelievesthatthisiswherehisdedicationto humangaitstarted.
Thisfieldofinterest–i.e.,thehumangaitandits disfunctions–struckStéphane,notonlybecausehehadto orientthechoiceofhisprofessionaleducationbut,more
importantbecauseoftheactualcontextofhislife,whichat thattime,Stéphanewasexperiencingtheunexpected necessityoftherehabilitationprocess,inflictedbythe obligationtore-constructtheentirebiomechanicalfunction ofhisleftkneecausedaseriesofunfortunatesporting accidents.
Atthatperiod,Stéphanewaspushinghimselfintoanother areaofcuriosity:mountainbikeracing,whereatthis specificperiod,alotofgreattalentedathletesaroundthe worldwerechasingakindofinvolvementofbeingthefirst bikersparticipatinginthefirstofficialpresenceofthis outdoorsportattheOlympicsin1996.
Evenifthisdesperategoalwas,forobviousreasons,not achievablepersayfromapersonalperspective,hetrained, re-train,overtrainedandconsequentlyinjuredhimselfmany timestothepointthatthissupposedlyagreeableand healthyjourneyburnedhimdownfromaphysical standpointbyofferingonagoldplatetwomajortearson hisleftkneeresultingtothreesurgicalinterventionsand threeyearsinrehabilitation.
However,fromapsychologicalstandpointwhereStéphane endeduptoapointwhereheneededdesperatelytofindout anewperspectiveonhislifeandtrytobeabetter contributortopeoplearoundtheworld.Doingsomething more"relevant"withhislifeandwithallthissophisticated knowledgeStéphanehasbeencumulatingforalmostten years.
B-Temia focuses on helping people without any healthcare problems to augment their strength and even prevent repetitive strain injury.
Aswesaidmanytimesinourlife,'Thereisalwaysabright sidetodesperatesituations.'Whileprogressinghisdoctoral studiesinadvancedautomationincomplexsystems, Stéphanewasintheprocessof"reconstructing"hisknee, dayafterday,NewtonofstrengthbyNewtonofstrength, regaininghismobilitylittlebylittleandatthesametime, buildingfriendshipswiththisamazingclinicalcrewthat Stéphanewasencounteringonadailybasis.
Atthatmoment,atthatpreciseinstant,Stéphane consciouslydecidedtomakethechoicethathewasgoing tobringtothisclinicalworldthemergeofthescienceof mechatronicswiththeprocessoftherehabilitationprocess inmobilitydisorders.
Infact,withoutanyotherintentionthanbeingmoreuseful andhelpfultopeople,followingtoomanyyearsofthe selfishnessoftryingtooptimizehispersonalperformance, thisspecificmomentpicturesthetriggerpointwhere Stéphanestartedtostudy,develop,andapplythescienceof thebiomechatronicatthebeneficeofthepreservationand therestorationofthehumanmobility.
Thatwasin1996,thatistosay,25yearsago.Gettingolder today,Stéphaneadmits,"Iamnow,however,inaposition toactivelyobservethepositiveoutcomesofsuchchoicesI havemadeoverthoseyearsforthebenefitofpeoplewho relyongettinghelptoregaintheirautonomy,theirdignity inmobility."
Stéphane wanted to push the limit of the applicability of this science and the technologies associated with it.
Thefirstbusiness-orientedapplicationofthisendeavour wasVicthomHumanBionic,apublictradedenterprisethat Stéphanefoundedin2000withtheambitionofcreatingand materializingthefirstpoweredlegprosthesisforabove-thekneeamputees.
Fromscratch,withabsolutelynoreferenceonthematter, StéphaneandhisteamconceivedthisAI-driven computerizedmotorizedprostheticapparatusbasedon brandnewbiomechatronicconceptsthatwereopeningand makingavailableawholesetofnewrobotics-based components,AIalgorithmsandhumanmobilitysimulation principles.
Thisnewerainbioengineeringwasprovidingthecapacity toobserveandrecognizebycommercially-availablesensors theuser'smovementintentionsandconsequently,controlin fullsynchronizationthemotionsofthisactivemechanical device,creatingthefirsthuman-machineinterfacebetween anamputeeandaprosthesisandthereforetransforming–forthefirsttimeintheO&Pindustry–a"cold"and"inert" pieceoforthoticstructuretowardsapowered-activated artificiallimbthatmovesinsymbiosiswithitsuser.
Fromthisinnovativeworkthattooksevenyearsof developmentandmulti-millionsofdollarsininvestment, hasborntheproduct"PowerKnee,"thefirstabove-the-knee prosthesis,inventedbyStéphane,developedbyVicthom HumanBionics,andcurrentlycommercializedbythe IcelandiccompanyOssur,oneoftheleadingcompaniesin theorthosisandprosthesisintheindustry.
FollowingtheadventureofthePowerKneeandtenyearsof incrediblemomentsinestablishingnewgroundsinthe O&PindustrywiththeteamatVicthom,itwasthetimefor Stéphanetoevolvetowardsanotherlevelofinteractionwith thehumanbody.Atthatmoment,hewantedtopushthe limitoftheapplicabilityofthisscienceandthe technologiesassociatedwithit.
Stéphanethought,"HowcanIimprovethecapacityofsuch devicestoproperlysupporttheentirebiomechanicsofthe humanbodyinordertosustainorrestorethemobilityof thesaidusersintovariouscomplexsituationsthatwould representreal-life."
Aftersomereadings,thisthinkingprocessresultedinanew waytoapplythebiomechatronicprinciplesand
technologiesthathehasentitled"The scienceofDermokskeletics,"whichis today" the science representing the study of the interaction of the human body and its environment while applying autonomous wearable robots for the active assistance the user's mobility," FromStéphane's researchinapplications,the Dermoskeleticsallowsthe applicationofpowered-driven AI-basedwearablerobotsto interactwiththeoverall spectrumofhumanmobility
Afterwards,theevolutionofthe Dermoskeleticsendedupwiththe foundation,in2010,ofStéphane's secondventurenamed"B-Temia Inc."aprivatemedicaldevice technologycompanyfocusingonthe creationandthecommercializationof powered-drivenAI-basedwearablerobots forpeoplewithdifficultiesofwalking,under themissiontofulfillthepromiseofmobilityfor everyone.
Thename"B-Temia"comesfromthemedical terminology"Blastemia,"whichisassociatedwith"a mass of undifferentiable cells from which an organ or a body part develops, other in normal development or the
KEEOGO can be used in a Neurological Rehabilitation clinic, as an e ective gait training tool as well as a device which can enable people to ambulate independently in the community.
loss of a body part." Basically,theCompanyname"BTemia"referstothearrangementandthere-synchronization ofthephysiologicalandanatomicalmechanismsofthe bodyassociatedwithmovements,i.e.,intheobjectiveof regeneratingvitalbiomechanicalfunctionsrelatedtothe humanmobility.
Aftersixyearsofdevelopment,B-Temiacreates TM"KEEOGO ,"KEEOGOisforpeoplesufferingfroma neurologicalconditionwhichcanhelppeoplewithknee functiondeficiencies"-ratherthanneurodegenerative whichimpliesitisonlyforpeoplewhogetworse,whereas youcanuseitforanyneurologicalcondition,evenpeople whogetbetter ThisisaSMARTPoweredKneeOrthosis.
KEEOGOcanbeusedinaNeurologicalRehabilitation clinic,asaneffectivegaittrainingtoolaswellasadevice whichcanenablepeopletoambulateindependentlyinthe community.Itisalowprofile,lightweightdevice,which theusercanputoninminutesandwiththehelpofmotors atthekneejoint,itcanhelppeoplewhohavesuffereda neurologicalincidentlikeStroke,IncompleteSpinalCord Injury,MultipleSclerosisetc.toregaintheirindependence.
SomepeoplewhowearKEEOGOcanreturntoworkorget backtoanactivitytheyusedtolove.Itisnotforeveryone, andthewearerneedstobeabletostandandhavesome strengthintheirhips.Togetherwithsometraining,itis possibletoreturntoactivitiestheyenjoyedbeforetheir incident,evenifthatisjustplayingwiththegrandchildren orwalkinginthewoods.
ThenameKEEOGOcomesfromthephrase"Keepon Going",whichtendstobewhathappenswhenpeoplewear it.Theydon'twanttostop.Keeogohelpsthosepeopleto walkmoreandbetterand,aimstoimprovetheirautonomy inmobility
TherealbreakthroughwithKEEOGOisnotjustaboutits capacityto"motorize"theuser'smovements;itisthe SMARTsoftwarecombinedwiththehuman-machine interfaceorthewaythedevicebehaveswhenyouwearit. Somepeoplerefertoitasadancepartner.Inthissense,it followsyourleadandsupportsandassistswhenyouneed it.
Itisnotarobotthatdoesthesamethingrepeatedly;itis constantlythinkingabouthowitcanbestassistyouon everystep;itevenknowswhenyouaregoingupstairsor bendingdown,forexample.Pairingthiswiththewaythe devicefitsthebody,inacomfortableeasytousewaywhich complimentsthebiomechanicalprinciplesofthebody. ThesearethecorecompetenciesofB-Temia,makingit uniqueintheindustry.
Bernie Desgagnés
Source Nutraceutical, Inc.
Ssustainabilityisdrivingthecurrentglobaldemand alongwithanincreasedpreferencefororganic productsintheindustry Themovementisgaining momentumtoaidahealthylifestyleandderivemaximum benefitsfromnature-basedcommodities.Toenrichthis organicfoodanditsvariablecommercialproducts,theyare loadedwithadditionalandrequirednutrients;these nutraceuticalproductsoffunctionalfoodanddietary supplementsareexpectedtoexpandataCAGRofnine percentby2030.
Tofacilitatethisrisingdemand,thereisaneedtochannel deliveriesoftheseproductsattherighttime,passing throughallmandatorychecks,whichwillalsohelpthe
brandtomaintainitsintegrityandcommitmentpromises. Toservethispurpose,variousleadersarecatalyzing alternativestohelpnutraceuticalbrandcompaniesoffer timelylaunchanddeliveryoftheirproducts.
OnesuchleaderisBernieDesgagnés,whocraftedways withhisbrainchild—SourceNutraceutical,Inc.(SNI)to resolvetheregulatorydelaysandchallengesfacedbymost nutraceuticalcompaniesintheCanadianMarket.He believesthatqualitymattersthemost,buttheprocesses shouldbeexpeditedtomaintainbrandintegrityand generatingcustomersatisfaction.Thishasalsobeenhiskey toattractingtheloyaltyofhispastclientseventoday!
Let us dive into the interview highlights below and learn more about what he calls his lightbulb moment!
Bernie,kindlytellusaboutyourselfandyour professionaljourneysofar.
IgrewupinRimouski,Quebec,thenlaternorthern Manitoba.Iwasgoingtoworkinforestryorarelatedfield, asIamwithalumberjackfamilybackground.Itook variousgovernmentjobsbeforelandingaroleinworkplace safetyandhealth.Thiswasmyfirstintroductionto complianceandregulatoryaffairs,whichhascontinuedever since.
Alongwiththis,Ialsohaveapassionforfitness,selling supplementstobodybuildersontheside.
Ispenteightyearswithanaturalhealthproductscompany inWinnipegasDirectorofRegulatoryaffairs.Whenthe companymovedtoToronto,Idecidedtomakemylightbulb moment—andbusinessidea—areality.
It’s all about listening to the customers’hurdles, and troubles, and how we can solve your problems. We’re known as problem-solvers to help our clients get to the market compliantly, efficiently, and fast.
Hence,SourceNutraceutical,Inc.wasincorporatedin 2004.
Whathasbeenyoursourceofinspirationbehindthe foundationofSourceNutraceutical,Inc?Pleasebriefus aboutyourcompany.
I’veseenovertheyears,waybackwhen,thattryingtodeal withthegovernmentdirectlyforaforeigncompanyisvery challengingandtime-consuming.ThefeedbackIwas gettingfrompotentialclientsmademethink–howdowe addressspeedtomarketwhentheclientsareintroducing newproductstothemarketplace?
Theyhadtowaitmonthsoryearstogothroughregulatory vettingbyHealthCanadadirectlyandthiswasthebiggest challengecomingintothemarket.Workingdirectlywitha companyinCanada,IbelieveSNIandtheteamcouldbe yourliaisonforyourHealthCanadaneeds,label registrationandpackagingcompliance,thatkindofstuff–seemedliketheanswerforexpeditedspeedtomarket.
Thingsarechangingsofast,andthere’salotofinnovation, sowaitingmonthstogetapprovaliswhatmaysetyou back,andmaytakeawaythebuzzbehindtheproductwhen you’retryingtobeontrend.SNIhelpsyougettothe marketquickersotherearenomissedopportunities.
Frommyperspective,whenyou’relisteningtotheclient andtheirbiggesthurdles,theyoverwhelminglysaidIT TAKESTOOLONG.It’stoocomplexandslowsdown yourinnovationdrastically.Workingwithsomeonewith closecontactsandanunderstandingofthemarketplacewill helpyoudecreasethetimetomarket.
It’sallaboutlisteningtothecustomers’hurdles,and troubles,andhowwecansolveyourproblems.We’re knownasproblem-solverstohelpourclientsgettothe marketcompliantly,efficiently,andfast.
Mostofthemarketisskepticalaboutnutraceutical products.Inwhatwaysareyou,asaleader,addressing theseconcernsoftheconsumersandtakingtheleapin thenutraceuticalindustry?
HealthCanadahasoneofthemoststringentregulationsfor nutraceuticalsandisknownasanexamplearoundthe worldofhownewregulationswereimplemented.
Iknowtheconsumertodayissavvierthantenortwenty yearsago.It’sabusymarketplace,competitive,the consumerdoesn’twanttobeconfused,andconfusionon theshelfhasbeenaprobleminthelastdecade.
Nowthey’remoredemandingofsubstantiation.Theyread labels;theywanttounderstandwhattheproductisdoing. Qualityofingredientsisimportanttothemtoo,andQuality Assuranceintheregulationsismorestringentnow,inthat productsneedtobetestedtosupporttheingredients.
Alotofproductsmakeclaimswithoutproper substantiation,andwithmoresavvyconsumers,itforces brands/manufacturerstocomplywiththatdemand.Thisis whyIandmyteamatSNIhaveexpandedintoclinicaltrials tosupportthenutraceuticalindustryinmakingclaimswith strongscientificsupport.Thisincreasesconsumer confidenceinthenutraceuticalworld.
IthinkitallboilsdowntotheCONFIDENCEtheyhavein whatthey’rebuying.
I spent 8 years with a natural health products company in Winnipeg as Director of Regulatory affairs. When the company moved to Toronto, I decided to make my lightbulb moment—and business idea—a reality. Hence, Source Nutraceutical, Inc. was incorporated in 2004.
Withyourpriorexperienceofworkingwiththe government,whatdoyouthinkarethenecessary changesthattheprivatesectorshouldadopttodeliver healthyandsafeproducts?
Itisallaboutprovidingtheconsumerwithhigh-quality products,whichcontributesgreatlytobrandintegrity–brandintegritywillpropelyouforward.It’scrucialthat brandsandmanufacturersusequalityingredientsand processes,andmakesureproductscandowhattheysay theydo.
There’snothingmoredestructivethanbrandintegrity fallingapartduetoapreventablequalityorsubstantiation issue.Brandsshouldstriveforasolidportfoliobackedwith aqualityassuranceandclaimsvalidationprogramtobuild thatconsumerconfidence.Yourcustomerswillask questions,anddoresearch,sosoonerorlater,thetruthwill comeout!Asavvyconsumerisagoodthing.
Howhasyourknowledgeabouttheregulatorysector mechanismshelpedSourceNutraceutical,Inctoprovide expertsolutionstoyourcustomersasperCanadian laws?
Theregulatoryenvironmentiscomplex.Havingateamof highlyqualifiedregulatoryspecialistsindifferentareasof theregulations,whetheritisqualityassurance,ingredient sourcing,orunderstandingtheprocessofsimplifyinga ProductLicenseApplication(PLA),isamusttoexpedite throughthesystemwithoutthegovernmentbackandforth. Thisallhelpsincreasespeedtomarket.
Asproductinnovationevolves,soistheregulatory framework.Beingknowledgeableofthestepsand processestoexpeditethecomplianceprocessandresultsis beneficialtoourclients.Ourteampridesitselfonbeingon topofHealthCanada’supdates–andatSNIwehave20 yearsofexperiencedoingjustthat.
Non-complianceisverycostly–doyourduediligence upfrontwithareliablecompanyyoutrust.Trustingwho you’reworkingwithtoguideyouintherightdirectionwill makeyourlifemuchsimpler
Couldyousharewithusanyeventthathasimpacted youprofoundlyinyourprofessionalendeavors?
DuringmytravelsasIwasstartingtomarketthecompany asago-toserviceproviderforregulatoryneeds,Italkedto clientsandhadalightbulbmoment:todevelopaturnkey solutiontotheclientsthatisnotJUSTregulatory,but everythingthatboltsontoit:graphicdesign,translation, premarketauthorization,clinicalresearch.Offeringafull
suiteofservicesunderoneroofisincrediblyvaluableto clients;noonelikestocirclearounddifferentagencies.
Oneofmyveryfirstclients,WholeFoodsMarket,didnot knowtheinsandoutsoftheCanadianregulatorylandscape despitehavingsuccessintheUnitedStates.Oneday,they foundthemselvesinaverychallengingsituation.Iwas highlyrecommendedthatafterseveralvisitsfromCFIA afterthreateningtoshutthemdownunlesstheycomplied withnutraceuticalandfoodproductregulations!
Thisturnkey,aone-stop-shopoffering,wasextremelywell receivedbecausethereweresomanyissueswithusing severalagencies,andtheywouldhavebeenwaytoo complex.Here,wecameinasaproblem-solverfor everythingfromtranslation,packaging,advertisinginstores andonthewebsite,marketingcampaigns,etc.Working withuswasveryhelpfultothem.Theyarestillaclient today
Whathasbeenyourapproachtoturningchallengesin yourcareerintoopportunities,thathashelpedyou becomealeaderinthecurrentnutraceuticalmarket?
Thechallengewefacedinitiallywascompaniesnot wantingtoinvest.Tryingtomakecompaniesunderstand thatitismorecost-effective,andlessrisky,todoit correctlyrightoutofthegate.Andthisrequiresinvestment inyouringredients,andcompliancewithdifferent regulationsfromcountrytocountry.
Acommonmisconceptionwasthatifyouhavegone throughthisinyourowncountrythatitisautomatically acceptableinanothercountry Thechallengewastoeducate theclientonthedo’sanddon’tsofenteringtheCanadian marketplace.Also,consequencesofenteringwithoutproper duediligence.
Someofthesechallengesturnedintoopportunitiestohelp clientsdothingsrightandrightoffthebat.Doingit properlycanactuallymakeaproductbetter!
Asanexperiencedleader,whatadvicewouldyouliketo givetoaspiringentrepreneursandenthusiastswhowish toventureintothecompetitiveindustrythatyouare serving?
Themarkethasgrownexponentiallyinthepast10-15 years.Itisnowcompetitive,sobrandsmustdoitrightthe firsttime;becausetheconsequenceswillsurelydamage brandintegrity.Itiscostlyandcanbedestructive. Findyourselfawell-establishedregulatoryserviceprovider todoitrightfromthebeginningtoavoidbranddamageor costlyrecall.Themostsuccessfulbrandsseethisasan investmentintheirbusinesses.
Untildecadesago,hospitalsettingswereperceived
asworkplacesthatemphasisedcrispefficiency Emotionswerestillfarawayfromany consideration,beingperceivedas–"irrational"or "feminine."
"Butdisplayingemotionsismerelyasocialconventionfor discussingbehavioralintentions,"arguesDeebaHasanina 2018researchstudy.Inahealthcaresetting,conventional waysofcarearebeingquestioned,debatingovertheneed foremotionindeliveringcare.Evenifemotionswere essential,towhatextentisitsuitabletorelyonemotions?
TakinginstancesfromtheUK'shealthservices,the criticismpointsoutthatthehealthcareprofessionalsdisplay alackofcompassionandcare,leadingtoadverseoutcomes amongpatients.Ifso,isthereanassociationbetween professionals'abilitytocarewiththeirlevelofemotional intelligence?
Changingtimeshavereflectedthat"emotionalintelligence isthekeytosuccessfulcommunication,"suggestsDeepa. Patientstodaydemandtheirrightsasconsumers.Apriority isplaced–notonhavingtheirphysicalneedsmet,but rathertheiremotionalneeds.
Let's dive in to evaluate the role of emotional intelligence in healthcare.
Afrequentlevelofcomplaintsthatpatientshold–isnot relatedtodoctors'clinicalcompetence,buttotheirpoor communication.
"Patientsrequirecarethatisrespectfulandresponsiveto individualpatientpreferences,needs,andvalues," emphasizesSanneKuipers,ina2019study.Buttraditional formsofhealthcarearen'tresponsivetotheseneeds,rather simplytargetingadisease-orientedconcern.
Withregardstorespondingtopatients,YvonneBirks,a researcherattheJournalofMedicinesuggests,"If clinicianswereabletounderstandpatients'emotional reactions,thenthey'dbeinabetterpositiontounderstand whysometreatmentsaremoreacceptabletopatients,than others."Thismakessenseas--eventhoughadoctormay belisteningtothepatient'scomplaints,forthepatientto knowthatthedoctorunderstandshisconcerns,itcouldonly bethroughrespondingeffectively
Theshortageof compassion and empathy,thetwoaspects ofemotionalintelligence,hasbeenintenselyrecognizedby theWesternmedicalculture.Similarly,attemptshavebeen madetoreintroducecompassionwithinthehealthcare sector.However,thepre-establishedstructureofcarerelies on"detachment"asanethic,whichhasbeenadmittedasan error.
Butempathyisstillaboutunderstandingthepatient–a genuineemotionalresponsethatrecognizespatients. "Patientsaredesirousandhungryforbeingunderstoodand recognized,"highlightsa2021study
Despiteevidencethathighlighttheneedofemotional intelligenceforeffectivepatientcare,attentionmuststillbe
giventowherethehealthcareprofessionalsstand. Otherwise,itwouldjustbeaneglectoftheirpersonalsense ofbeing.
Physicians,nurses,anddoctors–arehealthcare professionalswhoarerequiredtobeboth–clinically competentandemphatictowardspatients."Inpractice, however,accommodatingbothcouldbedifficult,"says AngelikiKerasidou,ina2016reportinBMCMedical Ethics.
Itmakessense,astheyarerequiredtobetechnicallyskilful andrationaltowardspatients'concernswhilemaintaininga detachedemotionalpresence.Thiscertainlyinhibitsthem fromnotfeelingpatients'ortheirownfeelings.
Focusingonthedebateoveremotionalintelligence,views gobeyondtherigidboundariesofempathyandcompassion yetinterconnectingwithempathicinteractions.Forthis reason,ClarissaGuidi,ina2021study,proposes'empathic concern'over'clinicalempathy.'Shestatesthatempathic concernwouldmean–anexpressionofgenuineinterest towardspatients'experiences.
Healthcareprofessionalsareencouragedtoincorporate emotionalintelligencethrough'engagedcuriosity'where theydemonstrateanemotionallyengagedinterestin learningabouttheirpatients'emotionalpointsofview
"However,suchaconcernisdifferentfroma'detached concern'asitmeans–acommitmenttovalidatingpatients' needs,"emphasisesClarissa.
Situationsarisewhereemotionalintelligencewouldsimply requirethehealthcareprofessionaltoacknowledgethe patientasahumanbeing–withfeelingsandself-worth. Thatbeingsaid,patientsappreciatetheirdoctors'curiosity overtheirhealth.
Despitethereferencetounderstandingtheirpatientsbetter, Angelikisuggests,"Emotional intelligence must not be something to be expected from healthcare professionals. Rather, it must be actively promoted, assisted, and cultivated within the healthcare profession."
-SaloniAgarwal
Beinganearlyadopteroftreatments,monitoring,
andimplementingthelatestresearchand techniquesinoralcare,Dr.JimHylandbeganhis professionaljourneywhenherealizedthat85%of newpatientsthathesees,havegumsthatbleedwhen touchedafterseeingtheirdentalprofessional.Dr.Jimfound itunacceptableandknewthattheconsequencescouldbe dire,asbadoralhealthputspatientsatriskforseveral healthproblems.Hequestionedhimselfifphysicianscan predictablycureearandbladderinfections,sowhycan’t dentalprofessionalsdothesameforgumdisease,bad breath,andperi-implantitis?
AimingtoseekasolutiontothehealthconcernledDr.Jim toco-foundOraVitalInc.Theorganizationaimstoprovide dentalandmedicalpractitionerswiththemostadvanced andeffectivenonsurgicalsolutionsfordetectingand treatinggumdiseaseandbadbreath.
Cementinghimselfasoneoftheinfluentialleadersinthe dentalcaresector,garneringoverfourdecadesof experience,Dr.Jimaimstohelpdentalprofessionals effectivelyandpredictablycontrolandevencure periodontaldisease.
Let’s dive in to learn about Dr. Jim’s tactics in leading dental care effectively
AftergraduatingfromtheUniversityofToronto(69-72BSc 72-76DDS),Dr.Jimstartedhisdentalpractice.Widely knownasDr.Hygienist,hehasbeenaneducatoratseveral institutions,includingtheUniversityofToronto’sFaculty ofDentistry,SenecaCollege,GeorgeBrownCollege,as wellasbeingamemberofNorthYorkHospital’sDental Department.Heoftenlecturesinternationallyandwriteson varioustopicsrelatedtothelinkbetweenoral
wellness/overallhealthanddiagnostic,interceptive,and nonsurgicalperiodontalcare.
Respectedforhisprofessionalismanddedicationtothe dentalprofession,Dr.Jimhasservedonnumerousboards andcommitteesofhislocalsocietyforoverthreedecades whileservingtwotermsaspresident.
Dr.Jimstatesthathisabilitytoreachthepublicislimited asasingledentist.However,OraVitalcanengagedental professionalstoadoptanewmedicalmodelofcare, focusingonthebacterialcauseofthediseasevs.only treatingthesymptoms(scaleandstainremoval).Hesays, “We focus care on the patient’s individual response to their pathogens, effectively treating the pathogens that cause disease and preventing the development of even more severe health outcomes. Everyone wins!”
Ittookanewsetoftoolstoidentifythesepathogensandto treatthem.OraVitalinvestedindevelopinganeworal biofilmtestcoupledwithanewantibioticrinsesthattarget thewholemouth’sbiofilm.TheOraVitalSystemallows dentalprofessionals(andtheirclients)topredictablyhelp patientscureandcontroltheirgumdiseaseinafewweeks withatreatmentsuccessrateofover90%!
TheOraVitalSystemcandeliveran80%reductionin BleedingonProbing(BOP),and80%ofallpocketswill shrinkintwoweekswhenitsSystemisfollowed. “We know that patients want individualized wellness care. Our System is scalable and works in every practice environment and configuration. We have shown that the OraVital System improves not only patient health outcomes but also improves patient engagement by up to 300%. Patients will be engaged and see quick results. This encourages more visits and referrals. Everyone wins.” addsDr.Jim.
We know that pa ents want individualized wellness care. Our System is scalable and works in every prac ce environment and configura on. We have shown that the OraVital system improves not only pa ent health outcomes but also improves pa ent engagement by up to 300%. Pa ents will be engaged and see quick results. This encourages more visits and referrals. Everyone wins.
TheOraVitalSystemisusedbydentistsfromalloverNorth Americaandtheworld.Itssystemallowsclinicstooffera highlypersonalizedservicetopatientsatscale.Clinicsthat providetheOraVitalSystemcanseeuptoa300%increase intheaveragelifetimevalueofpatientswhouseitsSystem withincreasedhygienevisitsandnewprocedurestomarket andperformwhereinsurancepaymentsarenotascritical. Also,referralsforpredictablecareimproveeveryone’s bottomline!
Dr.Jimsays, “Our System combines a service and a line of treatment products. We start with an analysis of a patient’s oral biofilm using our BiofilmDNA test. Based on the pathogen profile and clinical observations made by the clinician, we suggest treatments that include our unique and highly-effective OraVital targeted antibiotic rinse and spit delivery system.”
“When following our methodology, OraVital’s oral rinses are guaranteed to treat the conditions our personalized report identifies successfully. The combination of these two products, testing, and oral antibiotic rinses, allows clinics to offer a highly scalable, personalized oral health care service, with guaranteed results and satisfied patients.”
TheOraVitalproprietyrinseshavebeenshownto effectivelytreatconditionssuchasperiodontaldisease,oral 1,2 malodor(halitosis),andperiodontitis TheMetronidazole containingrinseshavebeenshowntoenhanceneutrophilmediatedkillingoffthemaindisease-causativeagent 1 presentinthebiofilmofperiodontitispatients.“Wehave hadmanypatients,andclinicswritetousingratitudefor offeringaneffectivetreatmentforhard-to-treathalitosis,” addsDr.Jim.
Overall,therevolutionisinhowthe OraVitalSystem makesiteasyfortheclinictoadministerandforthepatient toengagewith,whileprovidingsuperiorhealthoutcomes. IthelpsclinicsandDentalServiceOrganizationsadda highlyscalableandeffectivenewlineofbusinessthat increasestheaveragepatientvalueby300%ormorewhile alsoprovidingpatientswithsuperiorpersonalizedcare, guaranteedtoeffectivelytreatmanycommonconditions.
OraVitaliscontinuouslyinvestingininnovationandquality improvements.Itrecentlyundertookacomplete
transformationofitslaboratorypracticesandclinicalreport. OraVitalhaspartneredwithaleadingCLIA/CAP-certified laboratoryinCalifornia,USA,toanalyzeitssamplesand helpthemofferclients(andtheirpatients)anevenbetter serviceexperience.Itsnewreportandclientportal enhancesthepatientexperienceandmakesiteasierfor clinicstoordertestsandreceivereports.
Dr.Jimadds, “We are working on our next generation of oral health tests, which we know will revolutionize how we think about going to the dentist. We aim to one day provide even more value to dentists and patients by connecting the composition of the oral microbiome to overall human health. We see a day when the dentist plays a more central role in early disease screening and overall health maintenance.”
Forthisreason,OraVitalcontinuestoinvestheavilyin innovation.Itisworkingonnextgenerationtestsandnew oralrinseformulations.Ithasrecentlyupdateditstesting andreportingsystems,allowingthemtoscalequicklyand offercustomersmorevalue.OraVitalcannowrunwellover 10,000testsmonthly Atscale,itcanprovidecustomers withunparalleledservicequalityandvalue.Toachieve scale,itcontinuestogrowitsnetworkwithDentalService Organizations,dentalclinics,andhygienists.Dr.Jim asserts, “We invite anyone interested in learning more to connect with us through our website. We see our story spreading and are excited to transform oral care with our clinical partners.”
ApieceofadvicethatDr.Jimwantstosharewithbudding entrepreneursindentalcareisthatpatientsneedtoseeyour passionfordentistryandgettingthemhealthy.Wellnessis whatpeoplewant,buttheydon’tknowhowtofind professionalsofferingit.
“This is a whole new opportunity to be recognized and rewarded while doing the right thing for patients and clinics. A focus on wellness is a huge opportunity for everyone looking to make a difference. For clinics and dental practice operators, a focus on personal wellness would distinguish your practice from the ones that only focus on “drill & bill medicine.” Your patients, hygienists, and associates all benefit. That is a win win win,” concludesDr.Jim.
It'struetosaythatnotallgreatcompanieslastinthe
business,andevenmoretruewhentalkingaboutthe beautyindustry.Itisalmostunheardoftosaythatour company,ElizabethGrantSkinCare,hasbeenaroundfor 75years(andcounting).Whathashelpeduslastforover7 decadesinthebeautyindustry?Ourcompanyisbasedon science&technologywhilebeingrootedinfamilyvalues andonethathasbeenchangingtheskincareindustryfor over75years.Itallstartedwithanaccident.My grandmother,ElizabethGrant,didnotalwayshavethe flawlessskinshehastoday.Herskinwasdamagedduring theSecondWorldWar,anditbecameasourceofpersonal shameandembarrassment-tothepointwheresheavoided goingoutinpublicandlivingherlifefully.
Allofthatchangedin1948whenElizabethdiscovereda naturalsubstancethatwasusedtotreatwarwounds.She haditspeciallyformulatedwithauniqueblendof ingredientsandbeganapplyingittoherowndamagedskin. Gradually,butverynoticeably,thetransformationoccurred. Withineightmonths,mygrandmother'sskinhadimproved remarkably,andshewasabletogetherconfidencebackto getbacktothelifeandjobshewassodesperatelymissing.
Mygrandmother,whowasamakeupartistatElstree StudiosinLondon,England,justwantedtogether confidencebackinordertonotonlylookandfeelbeautiful buttoensureshecouldmakeother'slookandfeelbeautiful. Inherworkasamakeupartist,oneofherclients complimentedheronherskin'sfresh,healthyandyouthful appearance.Flattered,andshockedthatsomeonewould
actuallycomplimentherskinafterhavingsuchdamage donetoit.Elizabethtoldherclientaboutthemiracleserum thatshehadcreated.Thewomanleftwithasample,onlyto return10dayslater,askingformore.
Margot Grant Witz grew up as a student of beauty and style. Her Grandmother, Elizabeth Grant, is the original founder of the luxury skincare company Elizabeth Grant International Inc., and her mother, Marion Witz, is the President. Several years ago, Elizabeth and Marion welcomed Margot into the company. The three women work side by side, making Elizabeth Grant Skin Care a widely successful international beauty brand. Margot now proudly holds the position of Vice President, and she is an on-air spokesperson for Elizabeth Grant Skin Care television shows around the world.
Itwasinthose10days;herclienthaddiscoveredthepower ofElizabeth'smoisturizingmiracle.Herskinwasstartingto feelnormalagain,andhersymptoms-cloggedporesand skinthatlookedtiredandage-worn-weredisappearing. Whenshevisitedmygrandmotherafterthose10days,her skinwasglowing.Littledidmygrandmotherknowthather littleproductthatshecreated,notonlywouldlaunchour company,butalsocreateanewcategoryintheskincare industry,theserumcategoryforathomeusein1948.At first,sheprivatelysoldherproductstopeoplewhoasked, untilshelaunchedhertrademarkedsecrettothepublicwith thelaunchofhercompanyin1958,andshediditwithher ingredientknownasTorricelumm™.
Inthe1950s,itwasmostunusualforwomentorun companies.Buttoknowmygrandmotheristoknowshe didn'ttakeanynoticeofthis;mygrandmotherdeclaredher commitmenttohelpingempowerwomenandchangethe narrativeofhowwomenfeltabouttheagingprocess.She knewtheinsandoutsofthebeautyindustry,notjustwith makeupbutknowinghowimportantitwasforwomenof anyagetofeelconfidentintheirskin.Shewantedtoshare herremarkableskincarewithpeopleeverywhere.
Onthestrengthofmygrandmother'smiracleblend, Torricelumn™,andherowndeterminationand perseverance,sheevolvedthecompanyfromahome-based businesstoamulti-million-dollarglobalcorporation. Formerlyavailablebyspecialorderonly,theElizabeth Grantlineofskincareandbeautyproductsarenow availabledirectlyfromourwebsiteandonselect teleshoppingchannelsinCanada,theUnitedStates,the UnitedKingdom,Germany,France,Italy,Australia,and NewZealand.
So,whatmakesElizabethGrantSkinCaresodifferent? Well,therearetwomainaspects:
Ÿ Weareoneoftheonly,ifnottheonly,privatelyowned skincarecompaniesintheworldownedandoperatedby 3generationsofwomen,mygrandmother,Elizabeth, 99;mymother,Marion,whoismygrandmother's daughter-in-law,aged70andmyselfat38.
Ÿ Wedonotoutsourceanyformulations.Unlikemostskin carecompanies,whopurchasesomeoneelse'sformulas, wemake,manufactureandformulateeverysingle
productinourownprivatelyownedmanufacturing facilityinToronto,Ont,Canada.Thiswaswecould ensurewearecreatingqualityproductsthatnotonly workbuthavetheabilitytobeacutting-edgeindustry leader,somethingthathasallowedustonotonlybe aroundfor75yearsbutcontinuouslythriveinit.
Weareabletonotonlyadapttotheconsumer'sneedsbut alsochangeasthebeautyindustrychanges.Wehavenever testedonanimalsandcanensureourproductsholdourcore values:deliveringqualityproductsthatworkforallskin types.
Weunderstandourcustomersbecausethethreeofusare customerstoo.Wetrulybelieveagingisablessing, somethingthatnoteveryoneisafforded;weshouldn'tfeel badaboutourselvesduetoawrinkleortwoorthatweare overtheageof40,50,60,70,80…andbecauseweare threewomen,weunderstandhowandwhyourskinisaging andchanging,vs.beingtoldhowitmaychange,orwhywe shouldworryaboutit.
SowhatexactlyisTorricelumn™?Theheartof Torricelumn™isextractedfromthealgaeleaf,butthetrue transformativepowerlieswithinthepodsthatkeepthem afloat.Thepodsgivetheleavesbuoyancybringingthemto theocean'ssurfacetoabsorbsunlightandphotosynthesize oxygen.Thisishowtheygetlifeandenergy.Oncegathered fromthesea,theplantsundergoaheatingprocess. Biologicallyactivesubstancesandamixtureofnaturalsea vitaminsandmineralsareinfused,andthesuperior moisturizingcompoundiscreated.
Theseawaterabsorbedbykelpissimilartohumanplasma, allowingustoobtainthefullnutritivebenefitsofthesea's vitaminsandmineralsthroughtheprocessofosmosis.To preservetheirfreshness,theplantsmustreachthe laboratorybynightfall.Theretheygothroughan endothermicprocess.Biologicallyactivesubstancesanda soupofnaturalseavitamins,nutrients,andmineralsbond together.Thisishowthesubstanceknownas Torricelumn™isformed.
Asitisineverysingleoneofourproducts,andbecauseitis anaturalsubstancethatweharvestandreplant,imaginethe horrorwefelt,whenIquestionedthesustainabilityofour theingredientthathadmadeusnumberonefor75years.I thought,whatifwerunoutduetoenvironmentalreasons? (somethingcompletelyoutofourcontrol).Withcurrent globaltrends,wedonotknowthelong-termavailability, andwiththat,wewantedtotestwhatextreme
environmentalconditionscoulddototheefficacyofour Torricelumn™.
Inourcurrentstate,weharvesttwiceayear,withan additional10%allowedforR&Dpurposestointroduce newingredientstoourbase.Inthiscase,Iaskedpermission toruna3-monthtrialtosimulateextremeenvironmental conditionsandmeasurethevariableresponserate.(We placedextremeheat,extremecold,anabundanceoflight, absolutelynolight,oxygendepletion,oxygenabundance, freshwater,saltwater,aflashfreeze,andslowthaw).
Duringthe3-monthtesting,ourbiggestconcernswerethat ourTorricelumn™wouldrot,itwoulddecay,itwould decompose,anddeteriorateintosomethingwecouldn'tuse, andinmyfear,IhadwastedourentiresupplyforR&D purposesonafailedexperiment.However,notonlydidthe Torricelumn™notrot,notdecay,notdecompose,not deteriorateinstead,ahappyaccidentoccurred:it inadvertentlyunderwentafermentationprocess.
OurTorricelumn™isfermentedintosomethingbetter With thefermentationprocessedTorrcelumn™asweknewit, changedintosmaller,morebioactivemolecules.Simply put:Becausethemoleculesaresmaller,theyaremore readilyabsorbedintoyourskin.Thisbecameasuperboostedversionofaningredientthathasmadeusnumber onefor75years.Todaywehavefoundwehaveamore concentratedversionofanalreadypowerfulingredient.
OurproprietarycompoundTorricelumn™istrulythe compoundthathasrevolutionizedskincareandthereason wehavetransformedmillionsofpeople'sskinsaroundthe world.Theheartofwhoweareisaboutbalancingthe scienceofnatureandthenatureofscience.Allwhilebeing wrappedupinfamilyvalues.TolearnmoreaboutElizabeth GrantSkinCare,pleasevisitusat: www.elizabethgrant.com.
Greatleadersmotivatetheirteams,increaseoutput andsupporttheobjectivesoftheircompany. Strongleadershipiscrucialinthehealthcare industrysincedecisionstakenatthetopcanhavea significantimpactonentirepopulations.
NeilManiar,PhD,professorofpractiseanddirectorof NortheasternUniversity'sMasterofPublicHealth programme,says,"Inhealthcareandpublichealth,you needindividualswhocanbothhelptoraiseawarenessof certainconceptsandchampioninnovativeideaswhile inspiringotherstobeapartofthework."
Thedemandforprofessionalswithexcellentleadership skillsisrising.Onestudyclaimsthat84%offirmsbelieve theywillfacealeadershipshortageduringthenextfive years.
Maniarpointsoutthatgiventhehighdemand,nowisa fantasticopportunityforprospectivepublichealthleaders tosharpentheirabilities.Thebestleadershiptraitsfor healthcareprofessionalsareexaminedbelow,alongwith adviceonhoningtheseskillsetsrightaway
Let's dive in to learn about effective keys to leading the modern healthcare system.
Itdoesn'tnecessarilyfollowthataparticularmethodof doingsomethingisthemostefficientwaytodoitjust becauseithasalwaysbeendonethatway Thehealthcare systemhasevolvedandaltered,evenifitwaspreviously thatway.Today,itmightnotbethebestchoice.The capacitytoposethosechallengingquestionstoallparties concernedwhileavoidingassumptionsisoneofthemost crucialresponsibilitiesofasuccessfulhealthcareCEO.By posingquestions,youcaninspireparticipationandidea sharingfromyourteammembers.
Monitoringandmeasuringeverythingisoneofthebest waystoadjustworkinghypothesesandgaugeperformance. Numeroushealthcaresystemsalreadycollectenormous amountsofdata.
Utilizethedatatoevaluateperformanceandassessresults. Youmightdiscoverthatwhatyouinitiallyperceivedtobea problemisactuallyjustasymptomofalargerproblemand thatprogressmustfirstbemadeinanotherarea.By measuringperformance,youmayalsoidentifyindividuals whoperformwellsothatyoucanacknowledgethem. Likewise,youcanidentifyindividualswhomaybehaving difficultysothatyoucanprovidethemwithmoretraining.
Executivesinthehealthcareindustrycanincreasetheir performancebybeingdetailed.Thesamewaythat performancecanonlybemeasuredwhenprecisedata becomesavailable,managementcanonlyimprove employeeanddepartmentperformancewhenitisclear whatthegoals,objectivesandstandardsare.
Precise,quantifiableactionsincludethingslikehowlongit takestovisitapatientorrequiringthreedocumentsineach intakefilebeforethepatientmaybeseen.Itisnowsimpler totrackperformance,andstaffcanrelaxknowingthatthey achievedparticularobjectivesratherthantryingtocheck boxesforgeneralstatementslike"Itshouldn'ttakethatlong toseeapatient"or"Makesurethefileiscomplete."
Makingsurethatstaffmembersinhealthcareenvironments remainmotivatedandengagedeveninthemostdemanding andstressfulcircumstancesiscrucialtogoodhealthcare managementbecausetheyareultimatelyaccountablefor providinghigh-qualitypatientcare.
Employeeengagementinthehealthcareindustryisabove averageonaglobalscale.Althoughthisisencouraging, effectivehealthcareleadersareawarethattheymust constantlyimprovethewayinwhichtheysupporttheirstaff members'emotionalcommitment.Thiscommitmentcan frequentlymeanthedifferencebetweenlifeanddeathfor patients,whichunquestionablyimprovespatientsafetyand overallwell-being.Offeringabove-averagesalaryand conditions,ifpossible,andmakinganinvestmentinthe growthoftheirteamaretwowaysthateffectiveleadersin thehealthcareindustrymaykeeptheirpersonnelmotivated.
Managersinthehealthcareindustryshouldconstantlyset thebestpossibleexamplefortheirstaff.Letyouractions reflectwhatyouwouldlikefromothers.Alwayskeepin mindthataleader'sjobistomotivatetheteam.Thisentails givingguidance,encouraginginvolvement,listeningto teammembers,andsupportingthegrowthofeverymember ofyourleadershipteam.Keeplinesofcommunication open,utiliseyourstaff,andprovidedutiestothem.
Healthcareleadershaveadifficultybecauseofthe complexityofthehealthcareenvironmentasawhole. Keepingupwiththeexpectationsofmanyorganisationsto domorewithlessisdifficult.Anyhealthcarefacilitymay thriveevenindifficultcircumstanceswithbetter leadership.
-SaloniAgarwalGlobalhealthstatisticshavebeenalarming healthcarecommunities,withmentalhealth grabbingthespotlight.Andtounderstandthe primecausaleffectofmentalillnessacrosstheglobal communities,careprofessionalscameupwithresearchdata concerningthementalhealthscenario,asmentionedbelow:
Ÿ AccordingtotheGlobalDataPharmaAnalysis,onein sixadultsisreportedtohaveacommonmentalhealth disorder
Ÿ Althoughtheglobalcostofmentalhealthconditionsin 2010wasaround$2.5trillion,itisestimatedthatbythe year2030,thecostwillreach$6trillion,astheWorld EconomicForumsuggested.
Ÿ Giventhedata,pharmaceuticalcompaniesareableto seegapsinthemarketandhavebeenlookingfora betterunderstandingofhumanbehaviorundernatural conditions.
Ÿ Bothresearchanddevelopmentprocessesareessential toattaintheobjectiveofimprovingthetreatmentand careofpatients.
Suchasocialburdenofmentalillnessissubstantialto humankind.
Addressingthegap,MichaelLaranjo,thePresidentand GeneralManagerofOtsukaCanadaPharmaceutical Inc.(OCPI)isaninfluentialleaderinthehealthcare industrywithakeenfocusondrivinginnovationtoserve patientsbetter
Establishedin2010andheadquarteredinSaint-Laurent, Quebec,thecompanyhasbeenasuccessstoryforthe globalhealthcareindustrythatchallengestheareaofmental health.Itinnovatesandcommercializesmedicineswitha commitmenttoneuroscienceandnephrology
WeatInsightsCarereachedouttoMichaeltodiveintohis journeyofinnovativemedicineinanattempttoimprove qualitycare.
Michaelhasbeeninthepharmaceuticalindustryforover20 years.HavingcomefromDeloitte,heusedtoworkacross variousclientgroups,movingfromcompanytocompany. Suchanexperiencegavehimatremendousfoundation,and herealizedhewasalifelonglearner. Suchexcitementhad drivenhimtoOtsukaCanadaPharmaceuticalInc.(OCPI) in2010whenthecompanywasjuststartingtobuildits footprintinCanada.MichaeljoinedasaSeniorDirector beforebecomingVPandChiefFinancial&Operations Officer
"Joining the company in its infancy was an exciting opportunity, and I quickly learned that there is no experience like building a business from the ground up. It teaches you to appreciate every role on a team – and that, together, we're far greater than the sum of our parts," says Michael.
OCPIhasastrongNeuroscienceandNephrologybusiness unit,eachwithmultipleofferingstohelpitsCanadian patients.
MichaelLaranjo, PresidentandGeneralManager OtsukaCanadaPharmaceutical Inc.(OCPI)
Michaelstates,"As I continue this journey, I am excited to drive innovations that will push our industry forward and better serve our patients – and equally excited to do this in partnership with our team, whose passion fuels everything we do."
DrivenbyMission
OCPIoperateswithitsmission,i.e.,Otsuka-people creatingnewproductsforbetterhealthworldwide "And, guided by our mission, our daily work is driven by our three core values: honoring our commitments, enhancing customer satisfaction, and putting compassion for people first and foremost," pointsoutMichael.
Hecontinues,"We do all this not just through our drugs and therapies, but through critical partnerships with HCPs that allow us to go beyond the medicine and ensure patients always receive the best care possible."
Forexample,OCPIworkedwithseveralofthe schizophreniasocietiesacrossCanadaandStigmaFree Society,MentalHealthRecoveryPartner,andIAMto providescholarshipstoindividualswithmentalhealth issuestosupportthemingettingtheeducationtheyneedto succeed.Theindividualsinthescholarshipprogramdonot needtobeonOtsukamedicationtobeeligiblesincethe
Joiningthecompanyinits infancywasanexcitingopportunity, andIquicklylearnedthatthereis noexperiencelikebuildinga businessfromthegroundup. Itteachesyoutoappreciateevery roleonateam–andthat, together,we'refargreaterthan thesumofourparts.
initiative'sgoalistoputthepatientfirstandprovidesupport forCanadianswhereMichaelandhisteamcan.
Prioritizingcompassionforpeoplefirstandforemostgoes beyondtheorganization'scoreworkanddrivesthework thatitdoesasapartofourgreatercommunity
Inaddition,duringthepost-pandemicphase,Michaelhadto ensurethathisofficeteamwouldcometogether Toattain theobjective,theteambegansettingupmonthly"culture" officedays.Thisincludedactivitiessuchasateamlunch.
Michaeladds,"We are dedicated to giving our team the opportunity to contribute to a charitable organization. Our most recent opportunity involved collecting and filling backpacks for kids going back to school for l'Opération Sac à Dos."
"If our mission is to positively impact the world, that positivity needs to start with our employees,"suggests Michael.
AtOCPI,Michaelandhisteamengagedathirdpartytodo acompanycultureassessmentandwerepleasantly surprisedwiththeresults:"On average, our people were
more positive than employees at other companies they'd surveyed."
OCPItriestomaintainapositivecultureinseveralways:by reducinginternalbureaucracy,focusingoncollaboration acrosslevelsanddepartments,andensuringthatemployees haveinputintotheirwork-lifebalance.Thecompanyalso strivestoconnectitselftoagreatercause.
"When I first started as President & General Manager in 2020, many people asked what my vision for OCPI was. The answer here is simple, and it still rings true today – my vision is that all OCPI employees share in the passion for the company and take ownership of building it,"shares Michael.
Headds,"In the end, OCPI is here to make medicine that helps people, but what makes us stand out is how we come together as a force for good to achieve that goal."
OCPIworksmainlyintwokeyareas:neuroscienceand nephrology.Itsneuroscienceportfolioincludesproducts thathelppatientswithschizophrenia,bipolardisorder,and majordepressivedisorder Thecompanyhasmultiple
launchesfornewtreatmentscomingupinthenext36 months.
Additionally,OCPI'snephrologyfranchisehasbeen throughalotofchangesincelaunchingafirstindiseasefor autosomaldominantpolycystickidneydisease(ADPKD).
"We are in the middle of launching new products over the next 36 months that will provide treatment for patients where limited or no options are currently available, helping to increase the level of care for our patients in Canada," suggestsMichael.
Theopportunitiesfortechnologicalinnovationinthe pharmaceuticalindustryarelimitless.Atthesametime, therearemanysuccessfulexamples,onethathasbeen observedmostrecentlyandmostwidelywas—howthe industrywasabletoquicklybringthemRNAinnovationto marketfortheCOVID-19vaccine.
"And while we are seeing the impact technology is having in the way medicines are developed and produced, we are also seeing an immense impact in the role that technology can play in how people are treated,"saysMichael.
Forexample,inthementalhealthspace,therapyappsthat havebeenevaluatedinacontrolledclinicalsettingcan provideregularaccesstosupportandcareforthosewho needitatthepushofabutton.Hence,OCPIcontinuesto developandevaluatedifferentdigitaltherapeuticoptions.
However,togetOCPItowhereitistodayhasbeena journey–andlikewithallorganizations,hashadit'sups anddowns.
Aswithmanyorganizations,navigatingthepandemichas beenachallenge.Andoverthepasttwoyears,Michaeland histeamdidtheirbesttoputtheirpatientsandemployees firstbysteppingupcommunication,ensuringthat employeeshadtheflexibilitytheyneeded,andmaking everyefforttoensurethecompany'scultureandpatient focusremainedintact.
"Now that we are two plus years down the road, the challenge that remains is: what will our organization, our workplace, and our industry look like as our world begins to recover and learn to live with the COVID-19 virus?" questionsMichael.
Hecontinues,"While we don't have all the answers to this now, we know that at OCPI, one of our greatest strengths is
our culture. I am honored to work with a strong, dedicated, and stable leadership team whose everyday work continues to reflect our values and who will play a key role in leading our company into the future."
Michaelbelievesthatthecompany'scultureisitsguiding forceandisgoingtobeimperativeasheandhisteam determinehowtheynavigateOCPI'sfuture.Assuch,its currentchallenge,whichtheteamisactivelyworking through,istoevolvethisculturetoensurethatitcontinues tobeawell-knownstrengthwhilemaintainingtheevolving expectationsofthecompany'semployeesinitsnewhybrid world.
Michaelwasencouragedtosharehisadviceforthebudding entrepreneurswhodesiretoventureintothepharmaceutical space,towhichheresponded,"What drew me to the pharmaceutical industry was the opportunity to learn something new every day, and in my last 20 years in the industry, this has rung true."
Headds,"The pharmaceutical industry is one that is always changing, and to succeed; you need to be flexible and willing to embrace new opportunities and challenges. However, if there is one thing I have learned, it is that you are never expected to do this alone."
"At OCPI, I am surrounded by an incredible team who share my passion for the work we do every day. And so, my advice to those looking to enter the industry is simple: be passionate, stay curious, and surround yourself with people who you trust,"concludesMichael.
Aswelooktothefuture,OCPIwillrelyonitskey strengths,whichlieinitspeople."Hence, the company will be able to strengthen its position in the market now and into the future because of its people's dedication to putting the patient at the center of everything we do."
"Our other key strength is our products. We believe that having options is critical for patients. As such, we will continue to innovate and seek opportunities to bring new treatments to market and make them accessible to help improve the lives of Canadian patients," concludesMichael.
Weareinthemiddleof launchingnewproductsover thenext36monthsthatwill providetreatmentforpatients wherelimitedornooptionsare currentlyavailable,helpingto increasethelevelofcareforour patientsinCanada.
