Speakers
Elvar Eyjolfsson
Head of Global Medical Information, Kyowa Kirin, United Kingdom
Hakan Aribas, MD
CEO and Founder, ORION Healthcare, Turkey
Previous positions: Novartis Pharmaceuticals – Region Europe Medical Expert on Bone & Pain; Novartis Pharmaceuticals – Medical Information & Communication Manager; Novartis Pharmaceuticals ANKARA Rheumatology, Gastroenterology & Urology Therapeutic Area (Reg. Medical Manager); Sincanli Government Hospital, AFYON Medical Group Chairman & Chief of Staff, E.R. Doctor; Universal Group, Bodrum/MUGLA Emergency Boat and E.R. Doctor. Education: Faculty of Medicine, University of Trakya, EDIRNE.
Isabelle C. Widmer, DrMed
CEO elytra GmbH, Consultant, elytra GmbH, Switzerland
Isabelle Widmer, MD is a life science consultant and coach based in Europe. Isabelle supports teams in both Fortune 500 companies and biotech to deliver global transformation programmes in Medical Affairs and Med Info. Combining an entrepreneurial mindset, analytical and project management skills with the ability to design and implement tailored solutions, Isabelle takes pride in proposing pragmatic, sustainable and cost-effective solutions. A published author, frequent conference presenter, recent Programme Director at Basel University in postgraduate education in pharmaceutical medicine and a Program Committee member for the DIA Annual European Medical Information and Communications Meeting she is passionate about continuing education.
Jürgen W.G. Bentz, MD, PhD, MSc
Head of Medical Information & Patient Support, Belgium
Jürgen W.G. Bentz is the Head of Medical Information & Patient Support of UCB. In his current role, Jürgen oversights the provision of medical information and patient support to generate the best induvial experience for every patient, caregiver, or health care professional. Jürgen is enthusiastic about the well-being of people suffering from severe diseases and looking into all facets to provide the right solution to the right patient at the right time. During his professional career, Jürgen worked as scientific journalist, and contributed for more than 20 years to the well-being of patients in multiple medical, clinical and operational roles with increasing responsibility.
Katia Castrillo, PhD
Medical Information Europe Capability Senior Manager, Eli Lilly, Ireland
Katia is a European Medical Information Capabilities specialist for Eli Lilly. With a background in Genetics, Katia has been working for six years in medical information for the European market in Lilly. Before joining Lilly, she worked in competitive watch for the pharmaceutical market in France. After working on the frontline and specializing in the autoimmune and pain area, she is now involved in the development of the content creation platforms used by the MI team and digital channels. She is passionate about innovating and improving our Medical information customers’.
Marie-Luise Helmich, PhD
Head of Europe Medical Information , Sanofi, Germany
Marie-Luise is the Head of Europe Medical Information at Sanofi. Before, she has led Medical Information for Sanofi in Germany, Switzerland and Austria. Besides ensuring high-quality Medical Information for all customers and products, she is working on inclusion of new digital media in the Medinfo channel mix. She is the Co-founder of the subcommittee Medical Information of the industry association (VFA) in Germany. Before joining Medical Information she has gained experience in Medical Affairs, Supply Chain, and as a Qualified Person in Quality.
Michelle Bridenbaker, BSN, MS
Vice-President at MILE, Head of Global Medical Information, , Recordati Rare Disease, Switzerland
Michelle is currently the Global Medical Information Lead at Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Ltd. She has worked in industry Globally for over 15 years in roles including: Medical Device Sales, Med Info, Pharmacovigilance and Medical Affairs for Ethicon Endosurgery (a J&J Company), Eli Lilly, Pfizer, Amgen, Shire and Biogen. Michelle is very passionate about Med Info & Med Affairs and is highly motivated by innovative, customer centric ways to support healthcare and non-healthcare professionals around the world to ensure the safe and effective use of medicines.
Monica Rojo Abril
Medical Information Manager Iberia Cluster, Gruenenthal Pharma S.A., Spain
After graduating in Information and Communication Sciences, Mónica Rojo Abril expanded her training in Investigative Journalism, Library Science and Medical Information. She has developed her professional career in the Pharma Industry in MedInfo, up to her current position as MedInfo Manager Iberia cluster, Grünenthal Spain. Mónica was one of the co-founders of the Medical Information Working Group sponsored by the Spanish Medical Association of the Pharmaceutical Industry (AMIFE), and has been co-editor and co-author of the Spanish MedInfo Guidelines in pharma industry. Passionate about Medical Information and with a vocation to share knowledge and experiences, Mónica co-leads the first and unique MedInfo Postgraduate Course in Spain.
Peter Brodbin
Director of Medical Information Effectiveness, Pfizer Limited, United Kingdom
Peter is Director of Business Planning and Communications (EMEA) in Pfizer Medical Information, supporting global and regional operations, and leading their Global Customer Engagement Strategy. Peter has worked in Pfizer MI for over 15 years, covering numerous roles and responsibilities during this time. He is a passionate advocate for MI, the work MI does and the value that it provides to both the customer and the company.
Sabine Lischka-Wittmann, DrSc
Sr. Director - Medical Information, Europe, Lilly Deutschland GmbH, Germany
Sabine Lischka-Wittmann, PhD is currently the European Medical Information Director for Eli Lilly & Company. She was previously the Senior Manager of the Medical Information and Medical Liaisons teams in Germany. Sabine is a highly experienced Medical Information manager: she has managed the German team for over 20 years. Sabine has lead numerous projects across the European region during her role as a European MedInfo Coordinator, including the implementation of Virtual MedInfo Teams in Europe to increase productivity, a quality assurance system for MedInfo responses, and the harmonization of process flows in this function. Sabine has presented at the DIA US Medical Communications workshop as well as the European Med Info conference.
Sarah Dunnett
Medical Operations Partner, Sarah Dunnett Consulting Ltd, United Kingdom
Sarah is a Medical Operations Consultant working with Medical Information, Affairs and Compliance professionals, applying skills in clinical pharmacy and experience as a Regional Director and Cluster Senior Manager. She has partnered many teams and led a wide range of initiatives, e.g. catalysing complex projects; auditing and improving processes; developing clear operating frameworks; evaluating and implementing novel technologies; upskilling multi-cultural, cross functional groups; and effecting change. A Pharmacist and Medical Signatory, Sarah sustainably improves business and patient outcomes. She is a past President of PIPA, founding member of the MILE body, and has supported the DIA as a committee member and session chair since 2008.
Sara Torgal, MPharm
Senior Manager, Scientific Programs, DIA, Switzerland
Sara is currently Senior Manager, Scientific Programmes at DIA. In the EMEA region, she is responsible for engaging with external stakeholders and advancing the scientific content strategy by creating opportunities to integrate scientific and regulatory changes of interest in DIA initiatives. Additionally, she is responsible for the regional patient engagement and learning design initiatives, being the liason for the Middle East and SEE regions. Previously, she was Public Health Promotion Projects Manager at the Portuguese Pharmaceutical Society. Sara is a Master of Pharmacy since 2015 and a Soft skills Trainer since 2012, having delivered over 300h of Training internationally primarily focused on creating impactful interactions.
Simon Johns
Director, Medical Information and Marketed Product Safety, Lifecycle Safety, IQVIA, United Kingdom
Simon Johns has over 25 years of experience supporting global pharmaceutical customer projects. As Director of Medical Information (MI) and Marketed Product Safety at IQVIA, he manages global MI projects focused on process optimization and technology enablement to drive enhanced efficiency and customer engagement. Simon is a member of the European DIA Medical Information and Communications Training Team, advising pharmaceutical companies on best industry practices, innovation and automation. He speaks regularly on topics ranging from combined human and AI conversational agent models for MI to the benefits and increased value of integrating MI and pharmacovigilance.
Alan Henderson
Director, Original Digital Ltd, United Kingdom
Over 20 years experience delivering Software As A Service (SAAS), mobile & compliance software solutions in the healthcare industry. Alan has mixed a strong software development background with diverse product & team leadership skills to deliver organisational growth under strict financial & regulatory pressure. Alan spent 15 years with Datapharm (owners of emc) and was responsible for leading the delivery and growth of the UK’s most trusted medicines information resource in the UK working with over 200 pharmaceutical companies. Post-Datapharm, Alan consulted for several private equity companies performing Technical Due Diligence across many sectors whilst developing the MILE migateway and Next Generation solutions
Zebulun Adomako-Mensah
Medical Information Lead, Takeda Pharmaceuticals, Switzerland
Zeb is currently one of the Medical Information Lead’s at Takeda Pharmaceuticals and has an extensive background in MI roles, both at a country and regional level. Zeb is very passionate about MI and in showcasing the function’s value to internal and external stakeholders. Zeb is also particularly interested in seeking ways to leverage technology to improve MI systems and processes overall.
Mary Ann Evangelista, DrMed
Head Medical Affairs and Patient Access, Sandoz Philippines, Philippines
Mary Ann holds a medical degree, and has field expertise in Maternal and Child Health, Tuberculosis and HIV before moving to Sandoz Philippines as Head Medical Affairs. She has led teams of experts and partner institutions in local and international projects which support implementation of health programs. Her projects with donor and international agencies included health systems strengthening, health policy development, quality assurance and accreditation, and capacity building. She has done work in academia as Assistant Professor in Japan where she assisted in setting up a program for ministries of health on improving district health systems. Mary Ann also occasionally writes about TB and HIV stigma in Philippine broadsheets.
Andy Mackay, MSc
Global Medical Information Product Specialist, Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Switzerland
Andy is currently the Global Medical Information Lead at Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Ltd. He has worked for over 9 years in the industry. He has had experience at country, regional and global levels. Andy is very passionate about the value that Medical Information can bring both to external and internal customers.
Elena Molina, PhD
Sr. Mgr Scientific Communications, Amgen S.A., Spain
PhD in Biological Sciences, within the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology program of the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB). Elena is responsible for the Scientific Communication Service of Amgen Spain and Portugal and she has a wide experience in activities related to Medical Information (MI) and Communication in the Pharmaceutical Industry (PI). Elena has been a member of the MI Working Group (MIGW) of the Spanish Association of Medicine of Pharmaceutical Industry (AMIFE) since 2017. She teaches in three master's programs of the ESAME Foundation (Barcelona) and she is the co-director of the First Postgraduate Course in MI in the PI in Spain, a collaboration between MIGW-AMIFE and CEU San Pablo University (Madrid).
![Stefne Pienaar, MPharm](/_Images/member/Generic_Image_Missing-Profile.jpg)
Stefne Pienaar, MPharm
MI Regional Lead Europe, Global Customer Engagement Strategy Lead, Pfizer Limited, United Kingdom
Current position:Pfizer Ltd. MI Regional Lead Europe, Global MI Customer Engagement Strategy Lead Previous positions:18 years’ experience in Medical Affairs, including Scientific Advisor, Field Based Medical, Pharmacovigilance and Medical Information. For the past 10 years in a Senior Leadership position within Pfizer Medical Information. Education: Pharmacist by training. Masters in Pharmacy Practice.
Chedia Abdelkafi, MBA, MSc
MI Excellence Lead, UCB, Belgium
Chedia joined UCB in 2012, and before that held several positions at Eli Lilly & Company and N-Side, a decision optimization consulting company. She is currently responsible for Medical Information performance excellence, capability development and change management at UCB. Through her positions in the past 22 years, she has gained experience in clinical trials, supply chain, operational excellence, quality management, technology implementation, patient engagement/insights, talent/capability development and change management. Chedia holds a Master of Science from the Universite Libre de Bruxelles and an MBA from Vlerick Leuven Gent Management School (Belgium).
Vivien Schütz, DrSc
Medical Information Manager, AMGEN GmbH, Germany
After completing her PhD in biochemistry, Vivien joined Amgen Germany in 2015 and has been working at Medical Information for 7 years. As an experienced Medical Information Manager, she covers all indications with Amgen products including oncology, cardiology, and osteoporosis. Her focus areas are nephrology and inflammation. Vivien loves the helpful and valuable exchange and contact with customers. In addition to the Med Info business, she is very interested in developing new digital channels to increase the customer experience of Med Info.
Jason Villalobos
Managing Partner, 3vue LLC, United States
Jason is a Managing Partner at 3vue, LLC. He is a developer by trade, but his interpersonal skills, consultative sales approach, and ability to architect dynamic solutions have aided 3vue’s success. He starting his career in the financial retirement outsourcing sector with Aon Hewitt and Lincoln Financial Group (LFG). In 2006, he transitioned to the Life Science industry with a focus in Medical Information, joining Online Business Applications (OBA), makers of IRMS. Jason co-founded 3vue, LLC in 2009 and has been a driving force behind 3vue’s success and rapid growth within Life Science. Jason and 3vue are engaged with 6 of the top 25 Life Science organizations and are recognized as the leader in Medical Affairs analytics.
Celia Wilson, MS
Global Medical Information Specialist, EXCELYA, France
Celia is an experienced MI consultant and Project Manager, supporting both the industry and providers on a range of projects from outsourcing to training curriculum development. She has worked in several global senior positions within Medical Information over the last few years. Celia loves that there is always something new to discover about Med Info and is herself passionate about sharing her enthusiasm for the field! Her specific areas of interest are on how to best transform information to improve understanding, and how to approach innovation and technology with pragmatism and purpose to meet all stakeholders requirements.
Rashel Wilson, PhD
Global Training & Metrics Lead, Biogen, Switzerland
Global Medical Information operational strategist & functional excellence lead with extensive experience in transforming business intelligence, customer insights and functional training programs into high impact, high visibility operations; thereby increasing the MI function’s value position. She earned her PhD in Marine Biology training in genetic and molecular methods for drug discovery. Rashel has broad experience developing effective learning journeys and managing big data. She has developed technical methods that have enhanced data extraction from challenging sources. She is highly motivated to communicate and implement meaningful change with reliable data, education, and effective solutions.
Anuska Bidjai-Mahabir
Regional Therapry Lead, Pfizer Ltd, Netherlands
Anuska is a Regional Therapy Area Lead within Medical Information for Pfizer. Anuska has a background in Bio-Pharmaceutical Sciences, after which she completed her PhD. Her thesis was about developing an in-vitro model to detect genotoxic products. Anuska started working for Pfizer Medical Information as one the front-line colleagues in the Netherlands handling medical enquiries from customers. She has been working for Pfizer for more than 10 years in several different roles. Anuska is passionate about MI, the value it provides in the way they all help make patient’s life better.
![Anika Filandri](/_Images/member/Generic_Image_Missing-Profile.jpg)
Anika Filandri
Medical Information Manager, Chiesi Farmaceutici Spa, Italy
Anika has been working in Chiesi since 2003 and she covered different position and role within Research and Development . She had a Chemical and Pharmaceutical Technology background as well as Scientific Communication , during her Chiesi Experience she consolidate her background in Drug safety and Clinical Trial . Starting from 2018 she develop and lead a function of Global Medical Information with the aim of coordinate the overall message around Chiesi marketed products for 26 Affiliates.
Gaurav Kumar, PhD
Associate Director, UCB, Belgium
Gaurav is Global Medical Information System lead, responsible for end-to-end MI process at UCB. A pharmacy graduate with PhD in pharmacology was a passionate neuroscientist in epilepsy & cognitive impairment at UCB and J&J & published over 15 peer-reviewed manuscripts before his MI role at GSK – 2nd line support & global content for many vaccines. Transforming MI into a simple and simplified “process and content” in MI is a real passion for him. Gaurav led replacement of MI systems with new systems (Salesforce & Veeva MedComms) and its successful launch & implementation across >35 countries at UCB. He enjoys resolving issues that users face in the MI systems on daily basis and further improving the systems for users.
Laura Brennan, MSc, RPh
Medical Information Specialist, Pfizer, Ireland
Laura has a passion for delivering evidence-based medical information to patients and healthcare professionals and takes pride in building lasting, trusting relationships with patients and shareholders. She holds both a bachelor degree (BSc) and a master’s degree in Pharmacy (M.Pharm). Prior to joining Pfizer, Laura has worked in both the community and hospital pharmacy setting. As a clinician pharmacist, Laura managed a warfarin clinic and provided diagnostic testing for hypercholesterolaemia and diabetes. Laura joined Pfizer as a Medical Information Specialist in 2020 and is aligned with the hospital therapeutic area, supporting the anti-infectives portfolio. She is also the Country Relationship Manager for Ireland.
Maria Delgado Catrain
Medical Information Manager, Meisys, Spain
Maria is the Medical Information Manager in Meisys, supporting all the clients needs and the team. Maria has worked in Meisys for over 5 years. She and her team loves to work in MI helping patients and health care professionals. She is member of the Patient Centricity working group of the Spanish Medical Association of the Pharmaceutical Industry (AMIFE).
Gergana Hristozova
Associate Director of Operations, Medical Communications, PPD, Part of Thermo Fisher Scientific, Bulgaria
Gergana is Associate Director Operations - Medical Communications at PPD, part of Thermo Fisher Scientific. She joined PPD in 2020 and currently leads global and regional operations teams in EMEA and US for a number of clients. Gergana is result and people-oriented service delivery leader with over 15 years of management experience in the outsourcing sector. Gergana’s comprehensive knowledge of the operations ecosystem helps her teams continuously improve performance and deliver exceptional customer and client satisfaction in the Medical Information domain.
Aqid Iqbal
Medical Information Operations Manager, Pfizer, United Kingdom
Aqid is holds a master’s degree in Cancer Pharmacology, and has worked in Medical information for over 8 years. Currently working as Medical Information Operations Manager (secondment) at Pfizer. Having worked both at regional and global level and very passionate about MI, more specifically the digital change that MI requires and the changing landscape in optimising the MI journey.
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