Accelerating Health Outcomes Through Innovation Symposium Date: Thursday, March 14Time: 10AM-2PMLocation: The Marquis Room at Westerner Park Session Recording About the Event Alberta is facing unprecedented healthcare challenges, which will require unprecedented solutions. Join us for a half-day symposium where the province’s top healthcare leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs will gather to identify tech-driven solutions for the biggest challenges facing Alberta’s healthcare system. We can accelerate access and outcomes in our healthcare system by coming together and thinking differently. This is more than a conversation; this is transforming collective experience into effective action. What we launch today can make Alberta a future global leader in innovative healthcare delivery. The Government of Alberta has taken the first step by refocusing Alberta’s healthcare system around four specialized areas: primary care, acute care, continuing care, and mental health and addictions. Each area faces its own unique challenges, but we can design solutions that effectively impact all of them. We’ve already started. By bringing healthcare professionals, innovators, and entrepreneurs to the table we can put real solutions in the hands of the healthcare professionals that drive immediate results for our most underserved patients. We will have thought-provoking discussions on primary care, Indigenous health and women’s health. Be part of the next wave of innovation in our healthcare system, be an architect of the future of health in Alberta. Join us on March 14. Let’s accelerate health outcomes, together. Agenda 9:00 AM: Registration & Networking, Coffee and light snacks10:00 AM: Opening Remarks, Welcome Ceremony10:15 AM: Panel One | Modernizing Care: Pathways to Progress 11:00 AM: Panel Two | Indigenous-led Innovation in Primary Care11:45 AM: Lunch, Networking, and Presentation with Arthritis Society Canada 1:00PM: Panel Three | Navigating Opportunities in Women’s Health1:45PM: Closing Remarks Host/MC Crystal Phillips Vice President | Thin Air Labs Fund I Founder and Chair | Branch Out Neurological Foundation Crystal Phillips is the Vice President of Thin Air Labs Fund I, Co-founder of Branch Out Neurological Foundation and a former elite athlete. Crystal has a range of experience that provides unique insight into investing in the health care space for significant human impact and outsized returns on investment. She has a nationwide network of public, private, governmental, and charitable leaders. Her experience, network and competitive spirit allow her to bring solutions to ventures that accelerate their growth. As the co-founder of Branch Out Neurological Foundation she and her team have raised over $4 million for neurological research in universities across Canada. Panel One | Modernizing Care: Pathways to Progress Explore the dynamic landscape of innovations reshaping healthcare delivery, from cutting-edge technologies to ground-breaking models. Discover how these modernization efforts are transforming patient care, easing operational demands, and ultimately improving health outcomes for Albertans. Our panel of experts will help navigate the intricate pathways that lead to progress in modern care, unlocking a deeper understanding of the transformative possibilities within the evolving health landscape. Panelists Dr. Richard Lewanczuk Senior Medical Director, Health System Integration | Alberta Health Services Moderator Dr. Richard Lewanczuk is the Senior Medical Director of Health System Integration, previously known as Enhancing Care in the Community, for Alberta Health Services. In this role he works within AHS as well as with provincial government ministries, municipalities, the volunteer sector, primary care and businesses to “help Albertans be as healthy, well and independent as they can be in their homes and communities”. Prior to this, Dr. Lewanczuk was the Senior Medical Director for Primary Health Care for AHS from its inception until 2019. He also co-chaired the international advisory panel for the Alberta MAPS initiative. Dr. Lewanczuk is Professor Emeritus within the Department of Medicine at the University of Alberta where he still co-chairs the Social Determinants of Health Working Group. He is also actively involved internationally with the International Foundation for Integrated Care and is a frequent speaker for them. Erin O’NeillAssistant Deputy Minister, Primary Care | Alberta Health, Government of Alberta Erin O’Neill is a Registered Professional Planner with over 18 years of government experience, including both municipal and provincial organizations. During her time with Alberta Health, Erin has served as the Operations and Logistics Section Chief for the COVID Emergency Operations Centre where she demonstrated her proven ability to lead large complex initiatives, including the distribution of rapid tests across Alberta, the border pilot project to reduce quarantine time following international travel, and the COVID Lottery. Erin was the ED of Research and Innovation where she led the Project Management Office for Alberta’s Surgical Initiative, the development of a Health Innovation Review and the creation of the Cancer Research for Screen and Prevention funding program. Most recently, Erin supported the initial work to Refocus the health care system and is now in the role of Assistant Deputy Minister of Primary Care. Lana SolbergHealthcare Solutions & Partnerships | Boehringer Ingelheim Canada Lana Solberg grew up in Saskatchewan and got a Bachelor of Social work at the University of Regina. She worked as a Social Worker in Regina for almost 10 years and then moved to Edmonton, Alberta where she started working for Boehringer Ingelheim in 2005. She has held a variety of different positions at Boehringer, but now works in Healthcare Solutions & Partnerships. In her Healthcare Solutions role, she has the responsibility for development of Partnerships across the Western Region. This is done thru co-creating healthcare system collaborations that improve patient outcomes and system efficiency. Over the past 6 years, Lana has championed numerous partnerships across the Western Region, including 3 partnerships with the University Hospital foundation and Gov’t of Alberta around respiratory disorders, another one with Central Zone PCNs, Health Cities and Alberta Innovates to deliver Chronic Disease Management virtually. A Partnership in Manitoba around improving diabetes care in Indigenous Populations, as well a partnership with Saskatchewan Research Health Foundation (SHRF) on improving chronic diseases in Indigenous Communities in Saskatchewan. Most recently, an exciting collaboration with Vancouver Coastal Health Authority and VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation focusing on funding innovation initiatives in the areas of planetary health, Indigenous health, and chronic disease. Jodi Thesenvitz,MA, BScOperations Lead | Central Zone PCN Committee Jodi has 20+ years of experience leading projects and people in health, non-profit and academic teams across a variety of areas including public health and rural primary care. For more than half of her career, Jodi focused on chronic disease prevention and social determinants of health with organizations such as Public Health Ontario, The Health Communication Unit at the University of Toronto, Health Canada, and Hamilton Public Health. After moving to Calgary, Jodi held a variety of AHS positions including interim manager of the South Health Campus Wellness Centre Campus where she worked with hospital and community partners to deliver unique health and wellness programming. For the last five years, Jodi has worked in the Alberta primary care system, supporting Central and South Zone rural Primary Care Networks (PCNs) physicians, and multidisciplinary teams to build capacity and implement system changes related to opioids, chronic pain, mental health, home health monitoring, and governance. Panel Two | Indigenous-led Innovation in Primary Care Across Canada, Indigenous-led innovation is reshaping the landscape of primary care and driving transformation in healthcare delivery. Throughout this panel, we’ll discuss the unique approaches, challenges, and successes driven by Indigenous communities, and examine how these experiences are paving the way for improved primary care access for all. This panel provides a compelling and meaningful journey into the forefront of healthcare innovation. Panelists Cassandra Gallant,MD, BScClinical Research Coordinator, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, Department of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging | University of Alberta Dr. Cassandra Gallant is a forward-thinking medical professional with a passion for innovation in medical research. Armed with a strong background in medical imaging and a dedication to advancing healthcare, Dr. Gallant is committed to harnessing cutting-edge technologies to shape the future of medicine. Dr. Gallant’s career has been marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a commitment to improving patient outcomes. Her research endeavors are driven by a desire to push the boundaries of traditional diagnostic methods, exploring novel approaches that hold promise for revolutionizing healthcare delivery. By bridging the gap between medicine and technology, she seeks to catalyze transformative change in the field of radiology, ultimately paving the way for a healthier and more resilient future. Stacey StrilchukPrincipal | 143 HealthCARE Consulting Stacey Strilchuk is a Healthcare Executive with over 25 years’ experience in the government, healthcare and not for profit space. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Alberta and has extensive leadership training in the Kouzes and Posner Leadership Model. She is also an Instructor for the Council on Licensure Enforcement and Regulation Executive Leadership Program. Stacey served as Executive Director for the Camrose Primary Care Network from 2008-2019 collaborating with patients, stakeholders, physicians, and healthcare professionals to provide enhanced team-based primary care. Good governance and acting as a system convenor remain a focus in her current position as Principal and Co-Owner of 143 HealthCARE Consulting. Stacey was appointed to the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta Council in 2019 and had the privilege of serving as Council Chair in 2022 and 2023. She was recently appointed to the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada International Board of Directors in the Fall of 2023. In 2022 Stacey was appointed by the Minister of Health to the 20-member Provincial Strategic Advisory Panel tasked with presenting recommendations to modernize Alberta’s primary health care system. Amanda MeasawigeDirector, Intergovernmental Relations & Community Engagement | The First Nations Health and Social Secretariat of Manitoba Amanda Meawasige is a proud Anishinaabe from the Migisi Sahgaigan First Nation (Eagle Lake) of the Treaty #3 territory in Ontario. Amanda currently serves as the Director of Community Engagement and Inter-Governmental Relations for the First Nations Health and Social Secretariat of Manitoba. Ms. Meawasige attended the Bachelor of Arts Program at the University of Manitoba and has attained the First Nation Health Manager’s Association designation.Amanda has been advocating for the advancement of positive health outcomes for First Nations people in a professional capacity for over 20 years, holding senior positions regionally and nationally for the Assembly of First Nations. Amanda believes it is imperative First Nation people are included as equal participants as it pertains to the planning and implementation of health system response and strategies. Colleen McDonaldSenior Manager, Heath Management and Support – Miyo Macihowin | Enoch Cree Nation Moderator Colleen McDonald is the External Senior Manager for the Health Management and Support— Miyo Macihowin— branch of Enoch Cree Nation. In her role, Colleen oversees inter-governmental relations and the building of pathways to sovereign health inclusive of traditional, cultural, and ethical considerations. Colleen’s vision includes an multi-million dollar medical campus for Enoch Cree Nation which offers a culturally safe and ethical space for the community. To achieve the Nation’s vision of being unified, prosperous, and self-sufficient, the Colleen and the Health Management and Support branch work to break down existing barriers and focus on building a healthy community that is connected, involved, and proud. The path forward cannot be done alone– we need partners to support and enable pathways that welcome and include all. “…As long as the sun shines, the grass grows, and the rivers flows.” – Treaty 6 Panel Three | Navigating Opportunities in Women's Health This session aims to shed light on the distinctive challenges and opportunities that arise in addressing women’s health within primary care settings. From promoting preventative care to tackling gender disparities in healthcare, our expert panel will share insights and strategies to enhance access, quality, and inclusivity in women’s healthcare. Engage in thought-provoking discussions and gain practical insights to enabling comprehensive and tailored healthcare solutions for women. This panel is an essential exploration into the evolving landscape of women’s health within the broader context of primary care. Panelists Danika Kelly CEO and Co-Founder | My Normative Danika Kelly is a health and wellness professional and trained socio-cultural scholar in issues around female health and representation. For the past 14 years she’s worked globally focusing on health advancement and knowledge translation in developing economies. Danika has a strong history of leadership excellence in the social innovation space —winning awards and recognition from Telus and The Future of Good, DMZ Woman of the Year, FemTech Analytics, Femtech Focus, Alberta Women Entrepreneurs, and more. Danika acts as an advisor on sex and gender equity to the Commonwealth Businesswomen Network and the United Nations Office of Outer Space Affairs. Dr. Colleen Norris Professor, & Associate Dean of Research, Faculty of Nursing | University of Alberta;Cavarzan Chair in Mature Women’s Health Research, WCHRI, Faculty of Medicine | University of Alberta;Research Director | CKHui/LHHW Women’s Heart Health Research Collaborative; Adjunct Professor, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry and School of Public Health | University of Alberta Dr. Colleen Norris is a Professor and Associate Dean of Research at the University of Alberta Faculty of Nursing. She is the CAVARZAN Chair in Mature Women’s Health Research, Research Director of the CKHUI/LHHS Women’s Heart Health Collaborative, a WCHRI investigator, and an adjunct professor with the Faculties of Medicine and the School of Public Health Science at the UA. Her PhD, is in clinical epidemiology. Dr. Norris, a Nurse by training, is the past Chair of the Canadian Women’s Heart Health Alliance (CWHHA), Health Policy and Services (HP&S) working group, whose mandate is to implement policies that advance our understanding of the unique sex and gender factors affecting the outcomes of women’s heart health. She is the co-lead of the Women’s Heart Health Atlas which is curated as an open access chapters on the Can Journal of Cardiology. Dr. Norris is a Fellow of the American Heart Association, a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences and the CO-PI in a CIHR/GENDER-NET Plus research project- GOING-FWD, an international collaborative of researchers from 5 countries, evaluating the impact of sex and gender factors on outcomes. Dr. Norris has mentored over 90 students/trainees. She has presented extensively and has over 400 publications in the areas of sex and gender differences in cardiovascular treatment and outcomes, and women’s heart health. Sandra Stabel Director, Digital Health | Heart & Stroke Moderator As the Director of Digital Health at Heart & Stroke, Sandra is passionate about harnessing innovation and technology to tackle complex health challenges, including inequities in women’s heart and brain health.Sandra holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Alberta. As a lifelong learner, she actively seeks out new knowledge and stays ahead of industry trends. Her recent accomplishments include completing the Financial Feminist Investment Lab through Movement51 and the AI in Healthcare Certificate Program through the Michener Institute.Beyond her role at Heart & Stroke, Sandra actively contributes to the innovation ecosystem. She serves on the Innovation Growth Council for Edmonton Unlimited, connecting with emerging trends and influential innovators. Additionally, she is a member of the 1000 Women committee at Norquest College, removing barriers to Women receiving an education in STEM. She is also an investor with Startup TNT, where she supports entrepreneurial opportunities and fosters the growth of promising health sector ventures. Sandra is dedicated to breaking down gender barriers and fostering inclusivity for her mother, sisters, daughters, and all those who identify as women. She believes that when women reach their full potential, we will shape a better future for all. Carmen Wyton Founder & Chair | Women’s Health Coalition of Canada;Principal | Ripple Enterprises Carmen has more than 25 years experience working with non-profit organizations, government advisory councils, charities, and industry associations in multiple areas of the private and public sector. In addition to the Women’s Health Coalition, Carmen is an appointed member of the Alberta College of Pharmacy and on the Executive of Public Affairs Association of Canada (Alberta). As the primary consultant with Ripple Enterprises she is currently serving private sector and non-profit clients in health, kid and youth sports, community foundations and industrial associations.