Pharmacy Changemakers: Diverse Careers

Pharmacy is an evolving branch of healthcare. As the profession expands, new and different opportunities emerge.  Join us as we explore new and diverse careers in the pharmacy profession.

Date: Wednesday, April 30, 2025
Time: 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Location: Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy

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Presenting Sponsor:

Moderator:

Ravi Deshpande

 

Ravi Deshpande 

8T3 BScPhm

Chief Business Development Officer, ELNA Medical Group

Ravi Deshpande is currently Chief Business Development Officer of ELNA Medical Group, a national operator of primary and specialty care clinics and medical laboratories. 

Formerly Senior Vice President of M&A and Strategy at McKesson Canada, he led the acquisitions of Rexall, Drug Trading, Remedy, GMD Distributing and the AIM Medical Group, among others. He also founded the FDA risk management services at McKesson Corp, based in Scottsdale, AZ. 

Prior to that Ravi founded Phase 4 Health, a specialty pharmaceuticals service, research & pharmacy firm that was acquired by McKesson Canada. 

A pharmacist by training, he has also worked in academic hospital settings in Ontario, New York State and North Carolina.

Panelists:

George Hanna

 

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George Hannah

2T1 PharmD

Associate-Owner, Shoppers Drug Mart

George is an alumnus of the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy as part of the 2T1 PharmD class. Since graduating, he has held several management positions for Loblaw Pharmacy and Shoppers Drug Mart, most recently becoming an Associate-Owner at Shoppers Drug Mart Queens Quay and Dockside Drive.  

His pharmacy is the first Pharmacy Clinic model within the City of Toronto, where he focuses on providing professional services such as point of care testing, strep throat swabbing and prescribing, travel consultations, minor ailment prescribing, and more. George is most passionate about pharmacy transformation towards clinical service provision, and has been an advocate for pharmacist expanded scope and furthering professional development.   

Helen Huh

 

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Helen Huh

8T6 BSc Phm

President, Medisystem Pharmacy

Helen is with Medisystem Pharmacy Limited, which specializes in providing pharmaceutical solutions to Long Term Care facilities.  She started with the organization as a consultant pharmacist in 1997 moving to VP of operations, then became its President in 2006. Under her leadership, Medisystem became a national LTC pharmacy now servicing over 50,000 seniors residing in nursing and retirement homes across Canada.

Prior to joining Medisystem, Ms. Huh was the Associate-owner & operator of 3 Shoppers Drug Mart stores where she brought her Pharmacy background into a business environment, honing both her subject-matter knowledge and business acumen.

Helen is a strong advocate in her community serving on various boards, including the first Korean nursing home in Ontario.  In addition to her board responsibilities she also engaged with parliament to get approval for funding as well as headed up fundraising for the foundation.

Helen received her Bachelor of Pharmacy from University of Toronto in 1986.  Throughout her career, she has also participated in various executive education through Rotman's Judy Project and Ivey's Executive Program.  She has also received various awards and recognition such as the Villa Charities Outstanding partnership award.

Michael Nashat

 

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Michael Nashat

2008 PharmD, ACPHS

Pharmacy Owner
Managing Partner, Prince Theodore Group
Board Member and Executive Director, OnPharm
Director and Strategic Advisor, Box Labs

Michael Nashat is a pharmacist, healthcare executive, and strategic advisor with over two decades of leadership in pharmacy operations, pharmaceutical management, specialty pharmacy, compounding, drug plan management, and patient care delivery. As Managing Partner of multiple pharmacies, he oversees financial, regulatory, and operational strategy, ensuring sustainable growth and innovation across multiple practice sites. 

He is a Board Member of OnPharm United, where he plays a critical role in finance, advocacy, and strategic direction. A co-founder of OnPharm United (formerly OnPharm), he has been instrumental in expanding the network to over 600 independent pharmacies, strengthening their competitive position and advocating for policies that enhance pharmacy sustainability and patient access. 

Michael is also a co-founder of TerrAscend Corp (TSX: TSND) and has held multiple C-suite leadership roles, including CEO, President, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Clinical Officer, and Chairman of the Board. Under his leadership, TerrAscend became the first cannabis company to operate across Canada, the U.S., and Europe, pioneering global market expansion, launching innovative product lines, and securing EU-GMP certification for medical cannabis exports to Germany. 

Beyond his leadership in pharmacy and healthcare business strategy, Michael has extensive experience in pharmaceutical industry operations, drug plan management, and patient support programs. His expertise in clinical and commercial strategy is built on a strong foundation of scientific and business acumen, shaped through extensive training and leadership roles in global medical affairs, neuroscience strategy, and regulatory frameworks. He has worked with leading organizations, including Bristol Myers Squibb, Rutgers University, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), where he gained critical insights into drug development, regulatory policy, and healthcare market dynamics. 

Michael has served on the Boards of the Ontario College of Pharmacists, the Ministry of Health Pharmacy Council, and various industry committees, including those with the Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada and the Ontario Pharmacists Association Economics Committee. 

He is committed to advancing healthcare through innovation, policy development, and pharmacy practice transformation. By sharing insights at major international conferences and contributing to leading medical journals, he works to improve patient care, support independent pharmacies, and influence policies that enhance healthcare access and quality. 

Sangeeta Shah

 

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Sangeeta Shah

9T1 BSc Phm

Director of Operational Excellence - Patient Services, Takeda Canada

Sangeeta Shah is a pharmacist by profession and a dynamic. accomplished senior executive leader in the Pharmaceutical Industry. She brings extensive Canadian and Global experience spanning pharmaceutical Medical, Sales , Sales Training , Marketing, Business Development, and currently Patient Support Services expertise.

Sangeeta’s diverse career achievements are united by her unwavering dedication to improving patient care and outcomes.

Her leadership is marked by strategic insight and operational excellence, consistently driving initiatives that place patients at the center. Sangeeta’s ability to navigate and excel in both local and global markets underscores her versatile skill-set and adaptability.

A recognized leader in the industry, Sangeeta excels at building and guiding high-performing, cross-functional teams toward shared goals. Her patient-centered approach and commitment to innovation have made her a trusted figure in the pharmaceutical and patient support services sectors.

With a clear vision and unparalleled expertise, Sangeeta Shah continues to advance patient care and redefine leadership excellence in healthcare.

Note: Peter Tolios is no longer able to attend