From the Burgundy Chairs

Digital Health Founders is a Santis Health series featuring one-on-one conversations with leaders from across Canada’s digital health ecosystem. From transformative startups to public sector changemakers, these episodes explore how innovators are shaping the future of care through collaboration, technology and bold thinking. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Mohamed Alarakhia, Founder and CEO of Amplify Care, a leading not-for-profit organization dedicated to driving bold digital health and AI adoption across the healthcare system. Dr. Alarakhia shares the story of Amplify Care’s founding and evolution, how his firsthand experience as a practicing family doctor shapes his approach to technology, his passion for co-designing solutions with clinicians and patients to reduce administrative burden, and where he sees the Canadian digital health landscape going in the future. -- Dr. Mohamed Alarakhia, Chief Executive Officer, Amplify Care Dr. Mohamed Alarakhia is the founder of and visionary force behind Amplify Care (formerly the eHealth Centre of Excellence), where his extensive experience in primary care as a practicing family doctor at the Centre for Family Medicine FHT and deep expertise in health informatics have shaped the organization’s bold approach to digital health and AI adoption. As a leading influence in the field, Dr. Alarakhia is dedicated to transforming Canada’s healthcare system by driving ground-breaking, patient-centred solutions that reduce administrative burden for clinicians, while creating more efficient and proactive workflows that can improve patient outcomes. His passion for actioning evidence and championing co-design with clinicians and patients has made him a transformative player in the Canadian digital health ecosystem, continually pushing boundaries to ensure Amplify Care remains at the forefront of innovation and that care is delivered efficiently and effectively. Dr. Alarakhia was awarded the Digital Health Executive of the Year Award in 2019 and the College of Family Physicians of Canada Award of Excellence in 2018 and 2022. He was recognized by Digital Health Canada as the Clinical Innovator of the Year in 2023, and in 2024, he was the recipient of the John C. Sibley Award for Excellence in Education for Part-Time Faculty. Dr. Alarakhia and Amplify Care won the Innovation Award in 2022 from the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. Amplify Care also received a Canadian Medical Association Joule Innovation Grant and an AFHTO Team Award in 2020, as well as a Patient Care Innovation Team Award at the 2019 Canadian Health Informatics Awards, and a 2019 Ingenious Award from the Information Technology Association of Canada.

On March 23, Prime Minister Mark Carney asked Governor General Mary Simon to dissolve Parliament and call a federal election, officially kicking off what’s known as the Writ Period. During this time, the federal government and its 370,000 public servants must follow the Caretaker Convention—a set of rules ensuring government operations continue while avoiding major new decisions until election day. But what happens in times of crisis? How does the government function when leadership is in flux? In this episode, we break down the Caretaker Convention and its real-world impact. We’ll hear from those who’ve lived it firsthand—senior civil servants Marcel Saulnier and Saäd Rafi, former Alberta Health Minister Tyler Shandro, and experienced political staffers from across party lines: Jill Pilgrim, Dave Penner, and Sean Ashton. Guest Biographies: Peter Cleary: Former Advisor to Health Ministers federally, provincially and currently Principal managing Santis’ Government Affairs practice. Tyler Shandro: An Associate at Santis Health, lawyer and Alberta’s Health Minister during the COVID-19 pandemic. Saäd Rafi: Former Deputy Minister in the Government of Ontario, CEO of the Pan Am/Parapan Am Games, and formerly a senior partner at a “Big Four” consulting firm. Currently an Executive Advisor at Santis Health. Dave Penner: Former Prime Minister’s Office Advisor to Stephen Harper and currently the Senior Director of Santis’ Federal Government Affairs practice. Jill Pilgrim: Lawyer and former Director of Policy to Health Minister Mark Holland, as well as Policy Advisor to the Ministers of Families, Children and Social Development, and Employment and Workforce Development. Currently a Senior Consultant at Santis Health. Marcel Saulnier: An Associate with Santis Health, formerly an Advisor in the Prime Minister’s Office, Director of Policy Research at the Canadian Medical Association, Executive Director of the pharmacare initiative at Health Canada, Executive Secretary of the Naylor Report and Associate Assistant Deputy Minister with Health Canada. Sean Ashton: Former political advisor to British Columbia’s Health Minister, Adrian Dix, Advisor to Ontario NDP’s 2022 election campaign, and campaign mobilizer in the United States. Currently, a Consultant on Santis Health’s Western Canada team.

Mental health and addictions care is a critical issue affecting countless individuals and families across Ontario. As the demand for services continues to grow, the challenges within the system have become increasingly apparent, from long wait times to inadequate access to community supports. In this episode, Avis Favaro is joined by Dr. Nadiya Sunderji, President and CEO, and Dr. Kevin Young, Vice-President of Medical Affairs and Chief of Staff at Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care to explore the current state of mental health and addictions care in Ontario. This conversation explores some of the innovative solutions that have been introduced at Waypoint to address these pressing issues, as well as the ongoing gaps that still need to be filled across Ontario. Tune in as we navigate this complex landscape and uncover the insights that can help shape a more effective and compassionate mental health system for all Ontarians. -- Dr. Nadiya Sunderji has been President and CEO of Waypoint since 2022, prior to which she served as VP Medical Affairs & Chief of Staff for several years. Under her leadership, Waypoint has continued to support and lead health and mental health system transformation, working with valued partners, as well as advancing internal quality improvement and staff well-being initiatives. Dr. Sunderji is a psychiatrist affiliated with the University of Toronto and she completed a Master of Public Health at Johns Hopkins University. She is also a physician adviser to the Ministry of Health, as well as a contributor to the creation of a provincial Core Services Framework for mental health and substance use health care, and to the governance of Ontario Health’s Mental Health and Addictions Centre of Excellence. receiving international and national recognition for her leadership and research in collaborative care, quality improvement and education, Dr. Sunderji oversees Waypoint’s STREAM lab, Supporting Transformation through Research, Evidence and Action in Mental health, and previously held several competitive research grants and a journal editorship, all advancing integrated mental health care. Dr. Kevin Young is the Vice-President of Medical Affairs and Chief of Staff at Waypoint, a position he has held since June 2022, and the co-Medical Director of Provincial Geriatrics Leadership Ontario. He previously served as the inaugural Medical Director of Integrated Care at Waypoint. With more than a decade of leadership in geriatric medicine, Dr. Young founded and led a regional geriatric program and is now also advancing innovation in mental health and addiction care, including involvement in provincial governance. Notably, Dr. Young led the development of the province's first Hospital to Home program focused on mental health and addictions, the first adoption of publicly funded repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in Ontario Health Central Region for treating severe depression, and an innovative urgent psychiatry assessment clinic to prevent unnecessary admissions from regional general hospitals. He has also driven a transformative vision for addiction services at Waypoint and surrounding region. Passionate about system integration, Dr. Young is committed to achieving meaningful change through partnerships and collaboration.

This podcast was created with support from Boehringer Ingelheim Canada. Schizophrenia is a complex mental disorder that affects millions worldwide. Though psychosis is the hallmark symptom of this serious mental illness, cognitive impairment is another core feature that significantly impacts patients' daily functioning and quality of life. In this podcast episode, we delve into the critical intersection of schizophrenia and cognitive impairment, exploring its far-reaching effects and the challenges it presents for both patients and healthcare providers. Our expert panel, consisting of Chris Summerville, CEO of the Schizophrenia Society of Canada and Dr. Heather McNeely, Clinical Psychologist and Neuropsychologist in the Schizophrenia and Community Integration Service at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton explores the various domains of cognition affected, including memory, attention, and executive functioning, and how these impairments manifest in patients' lives. The conversation also touches on current assessment methods, emerging treatment options, and the importance of addressing cognitive symptoms alongside other aspects of schizophrenia management. Our guests share their perspectives on the challenges faced in clinical practice, ongoing research initiatives, and the potential for cognitive remediation therapies to improve outcomes for individuals with schizophrenia. This episode aims to raise awareness about the often-overlooked cognitive aspects of schizophrenia, highlight the need for comprehensive care approaches, and discuss strategies for enhancing cognitive function and overall well-being in patients living with this challenging condition. -- Chris Summerville, D.Min., CPRRP, LL.D (Honorary), Chief Executive Officer, Schizophrenia Society of Canada Chris has been a prominent advocate in the mental health field for over 30 years, driven by personal experiences with family members who have bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and depression, and through his own journey with mental health services. Since 2007, he has served as CEO of the Schizophrenia Society of Canada. With a doctorate from Dallas Theological Seminary and certification as a Psychosocial Rehabilitation Recovery Practitioner (CPRRP), Chris also received an honorary Doctor of Laws from Brandon University for his leadership in mental health advocacy. As a leader and advocate, Chris supports a recovery-oriented, holistic approach to mental health that incorporates bio-psycho-social-spiritual perspectives. His contributions include serving on the Board of Directors of the Mental Health Commission of Canada since 2007, where he has been involved in initiatives like the Hallway Group and the Headstrong Project. Chris has also been active on various boards, including the Mood Disorders Society of Canada and Psychosocial Rehabilitation Canada. Dr. Heather McNeely Clinical Psychologist and Neuropsychologist in the Schizophrenia and Community Integration Service at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton Dr. Heather McNeely is a practicing clinical psychologist and neuropsychologist in the Schizophrenia and Community Integration Service at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton where she is also Clinical Lead for the Clinical Neuropsychology Service. She is also a Full Professor and Academic Lead of the Schizophrenia Division in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences at McMaster University. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. McNeely is actively involved in teaching, psychology training and research aimed at improving clinical and social outcomes for adults with schizophrenia and related disorders. She has been extensively involved in leading quality improvement initiatives at St. Joseph’s Healthcare, Hamilton, and she has been an invited contributor to provincial and national expert panels on implementation of quality care standards for adults with schizophrenia.

Supported by Gilead Sciences Canada. Canada is experiencing an HIV crisis and we’re moving in the wrong direction. By the end of 2020, there were 62,790 Canadians living with HIV. The following year, there were 1,472 additional diagnoses in Canada — a 11.3% increase from the previous year. PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a once-a-day pill that reduces the risk of transmission by 99% if taken consistently. This breakthrough medication has offered protection for those at risk of contracting HIV. While gay, bisexual and men who have sex with men (gbMSM) still make up over 40% over new HIV cases, there has been a notable decline in these numbers, largely attributed to the increased uptake of PrEP within this community. Worryingly, however, is that in groups where PrEP uptake is virtually non-existent, transmission rates are on the rise. Indigenous Peoples, immigrants, and members of African, Caribbean and Black communities are all seeing increasing impacts of HIV. Women are also disproportionately affected, especially among Indigenous populations, where one third of new HIV infections were among women in 2020. Yet, less than 10% of the population that would benefit is using PrEP. During a 2022 Montreal conference, the Government of Canada committed to 2030 global targets of zero new HIV infections, zero AIDS deaths, and zero stigma and discrimination. With only six years to go, Canada is further away from this goal than when we committed. So how do we increase awareness of this issue? How can we increase uptake of PrEP and other person-centric options for at-risk groups? How can we increase the urgency in the fight against HIV? As part of Pride Month conversations, and in collaboration with Gilead Life Sciences Canada, Danielle Flieler sat down with Patrick O’Byrne, a Nurse Practitioner and Full Professor of Nursing at the University of Ottawa; Mia Biondi, Assistant Professor and the Nurse Practitioner program coordinator at York University School of Nursing; and Ken Monteith, Executive Director of COCQ-SIDA. -- Patrick O’Byrne NP PhD is a Nurse Practitioner and Full Professor of Nursing at the University of Ottawa. Dr. O’Byrne’s work focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of sexually transmitted and bloodborne infections. Dr. O’Byrne set up the first nurse-led HIV PEP and PrEP clinics in Canada, and Canada’s first mailout HIV self-testing program. Mia Biondi is trained as a Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner and is PhD prepared in Microbiology. Mia is an Assistant Professor and the NP program coordinator at York University School of Nursing. Clinically and her research is focused on refugee health, street outreach, HIV prevention and viral hepatitis. Ken Monteith is the Executive Director of COCQ-SIDA (la Coalition des organismes communautaires québécois de lutte contre le sida). Trained as a lawyer, he worked in the community youth sector and in the HIV/AIDS sector. He participates actively in research, especially projects concerning the quality of life of people living with HIV and prevention for men who have sex with men. He holds degrees in Industrial Relations, Common and Civil Law from McGill University and was a member of the Québec Bar from 1991 to 2001, when he resigned to devote himself more fully to his community work on HIV/AIDS. Ken Monteith was diagnosed with advanced HIV infection in 1997.

Delivering world-class care and research, Ontario’s hospitals play a pivotal role in diagnosing, treating and coordinating care for a growing population. But Ontario’s health system is under incredible pressure. Hospitals are faced with a series of unique challenges including capacity restraints, staffing shortages, rising infrastructure costs and the evolving needs of patients. Tackling these challenges is top of mind for hospital leaders with the ultimate goal to deliver efficient, accessible and high-quality care. Hosted by Santis Health Executive Associate, Saäd Rafi, this podcast episode offers a pulse check on Ontario’s hospital system. Bringing together three hospital leaders from across the province, we explore the shared challenges and overarching themes for sector-wide improvements. -- Dr. Frank Martino is the President and Chief Executive Officer of William Osler Health System, one of Canada’s largest community hospital networks, serving Brampton, Etobicoke and the surrounding region with over 1.1 million patient visits each year. A strong advocate for quality patient care, Dr. Martino has dedicated his over 30-year career to improving the health of individuals and communities to effect change for the betterment of patients. Dr. Martino joined Osler in 1991 and has held progressively senior roles – including serving as Interim Vice-President of Quality & Medical Affairs, Chief of Staff, and Chief of Family Medicine. He has practiced family medicine in Brampton for decades. Lynn Guerriero is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Niagara Health. She came to Niagara Health as an accomplished leader in the Ontario health care system, with more than 30 years of leadership, management and clinical experience within a variety of health care provider settings. Lynn has also held senior roles at Cancer Care Ontario and prior to joining Niagara Health was Assistant Deputy Minister for the OHIP Division of the Ontario Ministry of Health. Cynthia Davis is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Lakeridge Health. A registered nurse by profession, Cynthia has a passion for patient-centred care, which she fosters through engagement and partnerships. Over the course of her time in this position, she has led the organization through many transformative changes as it continues to realize its vision as the integrated health system in Durham Region. She has also advanced the development and opening of a new long-term care home and the site selection process for a potential new hospital in Durham Region

In 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission released its report “Honouring the Truth, Reconciling for the Future.” The report detailed how colonization historically undermined the health of Indigenous Peoples and how past policies continue to contribute towards the persistent health gap between Indigenous communities and the general population. At the same time, the Commission released 94 calls to action for reconciliation between Indigenous Peoples and Canadians. Among them was a call to action to “those who can effect change within the Canadian health care system to recognize the value of Indigenous healing practices and use them in the treatment of Indigenous patients in collaboration with Indigenous healers and Elders”. One example of an organization effecting change is St. Joseph’s Care Group. Located in Thunder Bay, St. Joseph’s Care Group is a catholic health care organization with a unique focus on caring for those with unmet needs. They operate a hospital and several long-term care facilities, while also providing housing support, mental health and addictions support, rehabilitation and palliative care. Given their northern location, they also provide care and support for a large Indigenous population. In this episode, Pia Lindemann Kristensen is joined by Paul Francis Jr., Vice President of N’doo’owe Binesi, the Indigenous Health, Partnerships and Wellness division of St. Joseph's Care Group. They discuss the importance of culturally safe care for Indigenous Peoples and explore St. Joseph’s Care Group’s journey to recognize and implement Indigenous healing practices in its health care settings. -- Paul Francis Jr. is the Vice President of N’doo’owe Binesi (Healing Thunderbird), the Indigenous Health, Partnerships and Wellness division of St. Joseph’s Care Group in Thunder Bay, Ontario. A registered social worker, Paul is a graduate of the Master of Social Work Indigenous Field of Study Program at Wilfrid Laurier University and a member in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. Since 2019, he has maintained a small private practice, Shkode Mkwa Counselling. Paul is committed to his Anishinaabe spiritual practices and enjoys attending and helping with traditional ceremonies. Paul believes in the power of Indigenous healing practices and that possibilities exist to integrate them within the mainstream health care system for the benefit of all. Paul is Odawa (Anishinaabe) and mixed European ancestry, a member from Wiikwemikong Unceded Territory on Manitoulin Island and is a member of the Bear Clan. Paul is a proud father to Tristan, Royal, Harlow, Ailee and Siinese, with his wife Kyla.

In February 2023, the Government of Canada announced it will increase health funding to the provinces and territories by $196.1 billion over the next 10 years. Included in this funding, in an effort to address Canada’s overdose crisis, is targeted support for mental health and substance use to ensure Canadians have equal access to “timely, equitable, and quality mental health, substance use, and addictions services.” With rates of addiction rising across the country, community organizations like Addiction Services Central Ontario (ASCO) offer services including bed-based treatment slots, drop-in programs, peer support, counselling, case management, harm reduction and psychoeducation to those affected by addictions. On International Overdose Awareness Day, the world’s largest annual campaign to end the overdose crisis and acknowledge those who are affected by addiction and overdose, Santis Health is proud to share this conversation with Penny Marrett, Executive Director of ASCO. We discuss the current state of addictions services in Ontario and across Canada, some of the challenges being faced today and the steps we can take together to strengthen the addictions sector. -- Penny Marrett is the Executive Director of Addiction Services Central Ontario (ASCO), a leading government funded clinical treatment provider for substance use, problem gambling and mental health concerns. Under Penny’s leadership, ASCO operates more than 13 programs from different locations in York Region, South Simcoe and North York, embracing a holistic, biological, psychological, social and spiritual approach to understanding addiction. This year, ASCO celebrates their 40th anniversary. Since 1983, the organization has served thousands of clients each year, providing a range of addiction and mental health programs and services, supports and referrals for adults, youth (12+) and their families. Over the span of her 40-year career in the not-for-profit sector, Penny has also been an active volunteer. Her volunteer experience has included serving a Board Member of Addictions and Mental Health Ontario, the Windsor Family Health Team, the National Youth Orchestra of Canada, the Trillium Chapter of the Canadian Society of Association Executive and the Canadian Soccer Association. She has also volunteered at Distress Centres of Greater Toronto and the Assaulted Women’s Helpline, among others.