Mark Vineis, MBA’s Post

I was honored to join a number of my colleagues for this year’s Ride for Life and celebrate the 20th anniversary of the event. Coming together to walk and ride in support of the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation reminded me of the power of unity in the face of breast cancer – a disease that affects so many lives.   One of the highlights for me was listening to the incredible panel on the work Karine - Iseult Ippersiel and her team are doing to support caring services and research for those affected by breast cancer.   I’m proud to have participated in this event alongside such a dedicated group, all working toward the same goal to support the patient community. Thank you Greta Petrovici, Rachel Shea, M.Sc., Aimee Sulliman, Ayca Comek, Jocelyne Aubry, Gregory Rocha, Kelsey Zarate-Chin and everyone who contributed to making this day so special! I would also like to thank the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation for the crucial work they do to support those living with the condition.   #ReimaginingMedicineTogether Renaud Robert, Lyne martel, Marissa DIon-Meihuizen, Francois Blanchette, Santiago Molano, Daniel Khazzam, Andreas Schnitzer, Valerie Gregory, Rosa D'Acunti

Last week, I had the opportunity to attend ESMO - European Society for Medical Oncology – European Society for Medical Oncology – where the global oncology community gathered with a shared determination to secure the best possible outcomes for patients.   2 in 5 Canadians will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, and it remains the leading cause of death in Canada. This disease impacts so many families, and that is why we at Novartis Canada remain committed to forging a new vision of cancer care in the future. By uniting groundbreaking science with genuine empathy, we are developing innovative therapies that can improve the lives of those living with cancer.   It was inspiring to hear about some of the pioneering research being done around the world, and to connect with some of my peers across the Novartis network and broader healthcare system. I am looking forward to bringing these key learnings and insights back to my team.    #ONEoncologycommunity #ReimaginingMedicine

Why are we afraid to be vulnerable in the workplace?   Early this year, I participated in a panel discussion hosted by Women Leaders in Pharma to share my experience with imposter syndrome. To be able to speak up when feeling like an imposter is powerful, and it was wonderful to hear from my peers on the panel about the tools each of us use to help push through doubt and uncertainty.   To keep this important conversation alive, I’m thrilled to share a video of my key learnings, and why feelings of doubt do not need to define you. What moment in your career made you doubt yourself, and what did you learn from it?   #ReimagineMedicineTogether #FutureOfWork #ImposterSyndrome

Thrilled to see this milestone achieved! Early diagnosis is crucial for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), and it’s inspiring to see the collective effort pay off.   This incredible achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the relentless efforts of Muscular Dystrophy Canada and the unwavering support from the community. This life-changing progress means every newborn across Canada will be screened for SMA at the moment of birth, giving these babies the opportunity to reach more advanced motor milestones like walking.   Our strong commitment to SMA has no limits. Let’s keep pushing forward, raising awareness, and supporting those impacted by SMA. Together, we’re reimagining medicine and making a lasting impact. #ReimaginingMedicineTogether

As leaders, we must continuously advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion as we work towards building a society where everyone feels they truly belong.    On Sunday, I had the honour of attending Fierté Montréal, an annual pride festival and one of the largest pride events in the world!     This was an important moment for Novartis Canada, as 2024 marked the first year we were an official Fierté partner. This partnership is more than a milestone; it is a powerful reaffirmation of our commitment to creating an environment where every associate feels supported and encouraged to be their authentic selves.    Our partnership would not have been possible without the support of our employee resource groups (ERGs), cross-functional teams, associates and loved ones who marched together representing the Novartis delegation. Thank you to everyone who came out to show their support for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Your presence made a difference and embodied our collective commitment to inclusivity and belonging.    #ReimagineMedicineTogether #CollectiveCommitment #WeBelongHere #FierteMontreal #Pride2024 

As we enter the middle of the summer holiday season, I find myself reflecting on the importance of work-life balance as taking time to rejuvenate enables us to put our best selves forward. I’ve just returned from a vacation with my family, which gave all of us the opportunity to unplug and come back refreshed. We rode bikes in Amsterdam, hiked in Zermatt and had the opportunity to attend a Taylor Swift concert in Zurich, which was a dream for my daughter. I went into the experience with a very thorough, year-long education on her music (thanks to Alina!) and left suitably impressed by Taylor Swift as a performer and an overall person. Taking time away is important – to separate, reconnect and embrace new moments and experiences. This time to rest and recharge was essential for me and my family. As the summer continues, I hope you all find moments to do the same. 

In our modern healthcare system, health equity shouldn’t be a “nice to have” – it is a “must have”.   At Novartis Canada, we recently launched a health equity funding initiative that aims to help tackle persistent health disparities and promote equal access to healthcare in Canada. This initiative will support non-profit/charitable organizations that are working to advance health outcomes in communities across Canada.   Thank you Pasquale Frega, for highlighting this initiative as a significant effort that is driving positive change in our region. It's inspiring to be part of an organization who is committed with an equitable healthcare ecosystem for all. Together, we can go far and beyond for the LACan patients!   I’d like to recognize the project team formed by Shari Fraser, Allyson Chew, Tina Gruosso, PhD, Hugo Patiño Cuellar and Adam Miller, for leading the development of this important initiative and actively upskilling other members of our organization.   If you’d like to find out more about our new health equity initiative, click here: https://lnkd.in/gxXrk5c8  #ReimagineMedicineTogether #HealthEquity

It was wonderful to connect, Sylvia Jones. Your support is crucial to our mission of advancing healthcare in Canada and it was great to discuss your government’s commitment in providing Ontarians – and all Canadians – faster and easier access to treatments they need. Looking forward to continuing these important conversations! 

I recently had the pleasure of connecting with our summer students for a roundtable lunch alongside Rosa D'Acunti, Ashley Sardjoe, Sophia Kajla MD, Thea Discepola and Rodrigo Teixeira in our Gare Viger office. I was inspired by their fresh ideas, motivation and inquisitive nature.   This group of 19 young talents is growth-oriented and eager to learn; two qualities that I strive to embody every day. Together, we talked about personal growth, and I shared the pivotal moments in my career.   These moments of connection are where relationships grow and ideas are born, something we should cherish at all stages of our careers. Together, we are shaping a brighter future and reimagining medicine.   #FutureOfWork #ReimaginingMedicineTogether

What a great week in Nova Scotia! I was delighted to participate in the Innovative Medicines Canada - Médicaments novateurs Canada Medicines Canada’s strategic offsite in historic Halifax. The meeting was an opportunity for me and a number of my industry colleagues to meet some of the health care leaders in the province, who are actively working to transform their healthcare system. A special thank you to Premier Tim Houston and Minister Michelle Thompson for their warm hospitality and taking the time to meet with us! The trip was also an opportunity to connect with several health care professionals from the province, and I was reminded again that the future of our industry lies in true, cross-functional collaboration. Last, but by no means least, the visit was a chance to connect in person with part of the Novartis Canada team based in the province. It is always a joy to meet our dedicated and talented associates! #FutureOfHealthcare #ReimaginingMedicineTogether