HealthPRO Canada News
April 05, 2024
Board Member Spotlight: Mark Fam
What drew you to a career in healthcare?
I grew up in a medical family, volunteered in hospitals as a youth, and studied science on my path into healthcare business leadership, so I’ve always had a passion for healthcare. I also grew up in the healthcare system as a patient, relying on surgical intervention in my early years, ongoing medical advances, and the compassion of our healthcare practitioners, so I appreciate the opportunity to give back.
In your view, what does the future of healthcare procurement look like?The supply chain has always been a vital part of our healthcare system, and that became even more evident during the pandemic. The future of healthcare procurement will continue to face challenges given global supply chain challenges, human resources challenges in our supply chain teams, and the changing health supply chain organization structures we see across the country. In the face of these challenges, there are also a lot of opportunities for procurement. I’m excited to see how our healthcare supply chain partners will continue to drive value in patient care, helping us create even deeper partnerships between providers and vendors, and enabling more investment in direct patient care delivery.
What makes the mission of HealthPRO Canada meaningful to you?
The ability to support providers across the country in delivering high quality patient care, with the right products, supplies and equipment is inspiring. We have great teams in healthcare, who need great resources to deliver patient care. HealthPRO Canada is part of making that happen, contributing to the patient care we all rely on everyday across Canada.
With an accomplished and impressive career, what are you most looking forward to in this next chapter?
Supply chains remain strained due to price volatility and inflation, the availability of skilled workers throughout the entire chain, and other factors. Although this sets a challenging foundation, I’m looking forward to the opportunity of how we build back better. As a vital part of Canada’s healthcare supply chain network, I’m excited to see how HealthPRO Canada will bring improved sustainability and value to the care we deliver.
What are your personal interests outside of work?
I have many hobbies, commitments in teaching, mentoring and accreditation, and professional association work. Outside of work, I’m lucky to spend most of my time with family and friends.
Favourite quote or motto?
I’ve never held to a specific motto or quote in life, but always appreciated the bias to action in Nike’s ‘Just Do It’.
As a Lecturer in both the Rotman School of Management, and the Institute for Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, at the University of Toronto, what’s your best advice for the next generation of healthcare leaders?
Healthcare, in all of its sectors both public and private, has an amazing impact on society, and has so many opportunities for career paths and growth. Lean-in, and you’ll find a great community among health professionals with whom you can build a rewarding career, while improving the health of your local community every day.