HealthConnect 2026: Connecting Future Healthcare Leaders with Industry Innovators
HealthConnect 2026 brought together aspiring healthcare professionals and leading organizations for an engaging afternoon of networking, career exploration and industry insight. Hosted in collaboration with Schulich’s Centre for Career Design and York University, the event welcomed students from Schulich’s Master of Health Industry Administration (MHIA) and MBA programs, York University Markham Campus’ Master of Biotechnology Management (MBM) program, as well as undergraduates from Health and Science disciplines and health-related programs within Liberal Arts & Professional Studies.
“The future of healthcare is evolving quickly, and students need more than theory to navigate it. They need access, insight, and connection,” said Zviko Mhakayakora, Associate Director, Corporate Relations, Centre for Career Design. “HealthConnect was designed to bridge that gap by bringing students and industry leaders into direct conversation, giving students real insight into what roles actually look like and helping demystify career pathways.”
Held on March 3, 2026, in the Executive Dining Room at the Seymour Schulich Building, the event created a dynamic space for students to connect directly with professionals across the healthcare ecosystem. Through focused, face-to-face conversations, attendees explored career pathways, industry trends, and opportunities, while gaining a clearer sense of how their academic experiences align with industry needs.
“HealthConnect 2026 is a catalyst for clearer career pathways, stronger partnerships, and more equitable opportunities for emerging health professionals,” said Tammy Kim-Newman, Director, Industry Partnerships, York University. “The Co-op & Career Centre is deeply invested in student success and workforce development, and we are designing community-driven, collaborative, conversational experiences that prepare students for the future of care, across all disciplines, levels and roles.”
The event underscored the importance of bridging academic learning with real-world application, particularly in a rapidly evolving sector. As healthcare continues to shift, opportunities increasingly sit at the intersection of business, technology, and patient care. Rather than passive networking, the event’s format encouraged meaningful dialogue and allowed attendees to explore roles in a more personalized way.
“Schulich’s CCD team and York University did an outstanding job organizing HealthConnect, giving students a valuable opportunity to learn directly from professionals across the healthcare sector, including representatives from insurance, pharmaceutical, and hospital organizations,” said Luke Hiyazaki, MHIA Candidate and Healthcare and Biotechnology Forum Co-President.
For many student attendees, the experience offered both clarity and confidence. Exposure to a range of organizations helped demystify the sector and provided insight into how different roles contribute to the broader healthcare system.
“Events like HealthConnect play a huge role in making those connections and career paths feel more accessible,” said Kritnaaz Kaur, Co-op Student, BSc, Biomedical Science.
Others emphasized the practical value of direct engagement with employers, particularly in understanding how to position themselves within the industry.
“Attending HealthConnect 2026 gave me a better understanding of my interests and the opportunity to speak with professionals working in this field,” said Tony Ngo, Co-op Student, BSc, Data Science.
Across conversations, a consistent theme emerged: the importance of collaboration in driving the future of healthcare. As systems grow more complex, success increasingly depends on partnerships across sectors, disciplines, and organizations.
“In today’s Canadian landscape, competitive intelligence requires students to synthesize how their field is influenced by geopolitical shifts, technology, economics, policy, and census data with critical thinking. Who are we shaping health for, and who is shaping it? When we understand the architecture that informs this answer, we build and shape inclusive ecosystems that truly innovate for the future,” said Julia Satov, M.Ed, Inclusion & Belonging Leader, Roche Canada. Julia also sits on the York University Alumni Board of Directors.
Participating organizations reflected the breadth of the healthcare sector. Attendees included Able Innovations Inc., BD Canada, Humber River Health, Klick Health, MedTech Canada, Mount Sinai Hospital (Toronto), OBIO, OneDental Toronto, Pharmaceutical Sciences Group Inc., Roche Canada, Sanofi, Sentrex Health Solutions, Scarborough Health Network, Wawanesa Insurance, and William Osler Health System.
HealthConnect 2026 highlighted the power of collaboration between academia and industry, reinforcing the institution’s commitment to preparing students for impactful careers in the evolving healthcare landscape.
“The engagement we saw from Schulich and York University students confirms that the next generation is ready to tackle the healthcare challenges of tomorrow by ensuring our technology makes a tangible difference on the front lines of care,” said Cathy D’Souza, Operations Manager, Able Innovations.
