Welcome to HealthConnect 2026

This afternoon has been designed to help you spark meaningful conversations, build connections, and gain firsthand insight into the evolving healthcare landscape directly from employers.

 

Event Agenda

12:15 pm – Registration Opens
12:30pm  – Event begins
12:45pm  – Brief Remarks by Tammy Kim-Newman, Director, Industry Partnerships at York University
1:00 pm  – Speed networking begins (3 rotations)
1:30 pm  – Open networking begins
*PIZZA LUNCH AND REFRESHMENTS WILL BE PROVIDED (GLUTEN-FREE/LACTOSE-FREE OPTIONS WILL BE AVAILABLE)*

Name Tags

  • Students & recent grad name tags will have a RED bar across the top
  • Employers will be wearing BLUE Schulich/York lanyards and their name tags will have a GREEN bar across the top.

Participating Employers

To help with your networking today, we’ve provided a list of attending companies, and their representatives below. Please note: Not all employers are currently hiring, so focus on building relationships, learning about the industry, and making strong connections.

 

Company Company Bio Name Title
Able Innovations Inc. Able Innovations is developing advanced medical devices to tackle the pressing problem of patient transfer in healthcare. The patient transfer equipment in use today is unsafe, inefficient, and undignified for all parties involved. The complex and physically demanding task of transfer leads to a high rate of injuries for care workers and patients. Consequently, patient transfers drain labour resources, costing hospitals billions of dollars annually. Able Innovations intends to extensively enhance the quality of care provision – ultimately improving clinical throughput across healthcare facilities and providing a safe and dignified care experience for patients and caregivers. Cathy D’Souza Operations Manager
BD-Canada BD is one of the world’s largest pure-play medical technology companies with a Purpose of advancing the world of health™ by driving innovation across medical essentials, connected care, biopharma systems and interventional. The company supports those on the frontlines of healthcare by developing transformative technologies, services and solutions that optimize clinical operations and improve care for patients. Operating across the globe, with more than 60,000 employees, BD delivers billions of products annually that have a positive impact on global healthcare. By working in close collaboration with customers, BD can help enhance outcomes, lower costs, increase clinical efficiency, improve safety and expand access to healthcare. Jelena Kundacina Regional Lead, Policy and Access (Ontario)
Kristen Waite Human Resources Generalist
Humber River Health Humber River Hospital is North America’s first fully digital hospital, serving 850,000 residents in North West Toronto with a strong commitment to equity, inclusivity, and active participation in the North West Toronto Ontario Health Team. By combining advanced technology with clinical expertise, the hospital streamlines care, reduces errors, and gives staff and physicians more time with patients. Formally affiliated with the University of Toronto and Queen’s University, Humber River Hospital is advancing its role as a leading community academic hospital, guided by clinical excellence, technology enabled care, and strong community connection while shaping the future of high reliability healthcare. Justin Grant VP, Research and Innovation
Klick Health Klick Health is the world’s largest independent commercialization partner dedicated exclusively to life sciences, with over 25 years of experience developing, launching, and growing brands to reach their full market potential. Expanding beyond North America, Klick is establishing regional hubs and key market offices designed to reflect its unique culture and unwavering focus on pharma and life sciences. Built on a people-first philosophy that prioritizes kindness and high performance, Klick fosters an environment where innovators thrive, believing that when its people succeed, clients benefit, and every challenge can become a life-changing opportunity. Luciano Palancio Director, Talent Intelligence & Innovation
“ “ Michal Kaplan Senior Talent Acquisition Partner
Medtech Canada Medtech Canada is the national association representing the medical technology industry in Canada. Our association advocates for achieving patient access to leading edge, innovative technology solutions that provide valuable outcomes. Our members are committed to providing safe and innovative medical technologies that enhance the quality of patient care, improve patient access to health care, and help enable the sustainability of our health care system. The medical technology industry in Canada employs over 35,000 Canadians in approximately 1,500 facilities across the country. Mia Spiegelman VP, Regulatory Quality and Environmental Affairs
Mount Sinai Hospital Toronto Mount Sinai Hospital, home to the Joseph and Wolf Lebovic Complex and part of Sinai Health, is an internationally recognized acute care academic health sciences centre. Formed in 2015 through the integration of Mount Sinai Hospital, Hennick Bridgepoint Hospital, the Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, and system partner Circle of Care, Sinai Health delivers comprehensive and coordinated care across the continuum. Mount Sinai Hospital holds Exemplary Status from Accreditation Canada, with patient care guided by a rigorous quality and safety framework, and was the first hospital in Canada to receive Magnet status for nursing excellence and patient care. It is also consistently recognized as a top employer for its strong workplace culture and people focused programs. Claire Perry Grief & Trauma Counsellor
OBIO Founded in 2009, OBIO® is a not-for-profit, membership-based organization engaged in strategy, programming, policy development and advocacy to address the needs of the next generation of companies developing innovative human health products. OBIO® supports early-stage and venture-backed life sciences and health tech companies enabling them to raise capital, hire and train industry-ready talent, facilitate the commercialization and market adoption of their technologies in health systems, and access infrastructure. OBIO® advances its mission through collaborative partnerships with industry, the investment community, academia, the healthcare system and government. Eric Thibaudeau Director Business operations & Program Management
One Dental Care We offer exceptional dental care focused on your needs.
At One Dental North York, we’re committed to delivering exceptional dental care that prioritizes your comfort, confidence, and long-term oral health. Our clinic is built on strong values of trust, transparency, and a deep commitment to personalized service.		 Ketaki Dhapare Talent Acquisition Specialist
Randy Dhookram Marketing Manager
Pharmaceutical Sciences Group The Pharmaceutical Sciences Group (PSG) is a Canadian non-profit organization, founded in 1971, dedicated to advancing the professional training and development of individuals in the pharmaceutical industry. Based in Toronto, with strong operations in Toronto and Montreal and expanding nationally, PSG offers a wide range of services including training programs, membership benefits, free seminars and special events, job postings and an annual job fair, an annual conference, publications, and networking opportunities. The organization is governed by a Board of Directors composed of experienced industry leaders who meet monthly to guide PSG’s strategic direction and future growth. Amanda Wright Executive Director
Laura Bradshaw Marketing & Programs Specialist
Roche Roche is a global leader in pharmaceuticals and diagnostics dedicated to advancing science to improve lives, and is recognized as the world’s largest biotech company. Founded in 1896, Roche combines expertise in medicines and diagnostics to lead in personalized healthcare, delivering innovative treatments across oncology, immunology, infectious diseases, ophthalmology, central nervous system disorders, and diabetes management. A world leader in in vitro and tissue-based cancer diagnostics, Roche also works to expand patient access to medical innovation worldwide. Thirty of its medicines are included on the World Health Organization’s Model List of Essential Medicines, and the company has been named Group Leader in sustainability within the Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology & Life Sciences industry by the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices for ten consecutive years. Julia Satov Roche Canada Inclusion & Belonging Leader
Kaushik Sripada Healthcare Systems Partner, Roche Canada
Justin Lear Provincial Healthcare Leader, Ontario, Roche Diagnostics
Heather Byce Commercial Enablement Director, Roche Canada, Diagnostics
Peter Geimer Director of Marketing and Strategy, Near Patient Care, Roche Canada Diagnostics
Sanofi We are an R&D driven, AI-powered biopharma company committed to improving people’s lives and delivering compelling growth.
We apply our deep understanding of the immune system to invent medicines and vaccines that treat and protect millions of people around the world, with an innovative pipeline that could benefit millions more. Our team is guided by one purpose: we chase the miracles of science to improve people’s lives; this inspires us to drive progress and deliver positive impact for our people and the communities we serve, by addressing the most urgent healthcare, environmental, and societal challenges of our time.		 Haris Celic Revenue Manager
Scarborough Health Network Across our three hospitals and eight satellite sites, Scarborough Health Network (SHN) is shaping the future of care. Our many programs and services are designed around the needs of one of Canada’s most vibrant and diverse communities. We are home to North America’s largest nephrology program, as well as the designated cardiac care and spine centre for Scarborough and surrounding communities to the east. We are proud to be a community-affiliated teaching site for the University of Toronto and partner with a number of other universities and colleges, helping to train the next generation of health care professionals. Dragana Despotovic Senior Organizational Development Specialist
Kady Sheng Clinical Career Navigator
Sentrex Health Solutions Proudly Canadian, Sentrex is a patient support services provider, specialty pharmacy, and pharmaceutical distributor committed to simplifying access to care and improving patients’ lives. Founded in 2017 with a bold vision to challenge the industry’s status quo, we’ve grown rapidly—supporting over 380,000 patients with PSP and specialty pharmacy services across Canada in just seven years. Today, our national presence includes 10 specialty pharmacy locations, 4 sterile compounding facilities, and a network of PerCuro Specialty Clinics, all dedicated to redefining care and exceeding expectations. Agile and responsive, we adapt quickly to meet our clients’ evolving needs, while empowering our people to make a meaningful impact every day. Mary Wong Talent Acquisition Manager
Wawanesa Insurance Wawanesa Insurance, founded in 1896, is one of Canada’s largest mutual insurers, serving more than two million members through over 1,900 broker partners. Its insurance solutions include auto, home, farm, property, commercial, and life coverage for individuals, families, and organizations, with a continued focus on innovation to meet evolving community needs. With more than 3,600 employees across Canada, $10 billion in assets, and $4 billion in annual premium revenue, Wawanesa is a top rated financial institution that also gives back generously to the communities it serves, contributing well above internationally recognized benchmarks for corporate philanthropy. Suzanna Tang Small Business Commercial Auto, Underwriter
William Osler Health System William Osler Health System (Osler) serves 1.3 million residents across Brampton, Etobicoke, and the Central West region through its three sites: Brampton Civic Hospital, which provides specialized care for the most complex and critically ill patients; Etobicoke General Hospital, a full-service community hospital offering emergency, surgical, and specialist care; and Peel Memorial Centre for Integrated Health and Wellness, an outpatient facility focused on urgent care, day surgery, specialty clinics, and chronic disease management. Nationally recognized for patient safety and accredited with Exemplary Standing, (the highest rating from Accreditation Canada), Osler is supported by the William Osler Health System Foundation, which inspires community investment in exceptional local health care. Madhumathi Rao, RN BScN MN Clinical Quality Consultant

 

 

Networking Tips

  • Lead with curiosity, not a job ask. Focus on learning about the organization and industry rather than asking for a position.

  • Prepare and personalize. Research employers in advance and open with a clear 30-second introduction (who you are, what you’re studying, what interests you).

  • Ask strong, specific questions. For example: “What skills make someone successful on your team?” or “What advice would you give someone entering this field?”

  • Be intentional about LinkedIn. Ask permission before connecting and send a personalized note reminding them where you met and what you discussed.

  • Follow up within 24–48 hours. Send a brief thank-you message highlighting one takeaway from your conversation to reinforce the connection.

After the Event: Next Steps

    • Submit your resume to all attending employers! Resume books will be open until Tues Mar 3 at 11:59PM.
    • Share your experience on LinkedIn
      If you have photos from the event, we’d love to see them! Please tag us and use: #HealthConnect2026 #HireYork #HireSchulich