The pharma consultant’s role during Covid-19
Myka Osinchuk of Western Management Consultants discusses the impact of Covid-19 on the consulting sector (720 words, 6 mins.)
NPC Healthbiz Weekly is presented to you in cooperation with Peak Pharma Solutions
While the Covid-19 pandemic has had negative impacts on several industries over the past 15 months, it has created opportunities for the consulting business, according to Myka Osinchuk of Western Management Consultants (WMC).
Osinchuk is the Managing Director and Management Consultant at WMC, a Canadian consulting firm providing expertise to support organizational growth and change.
“Most organizations realize that what got us [to the point before the pandemic] isn't going to get us [past Covid-19],” Osinchuk (photo below) explained on a recent episode of the NPC Podcast, a program for Pharma executives hosted by Peter Brenders. (Listen to the episode here.)
“The opportunity to have that cold, [extra] set of eyes to look at your situation, to help you define very different ways of doing business, whether it's your operating model, whether it's your resourcing, your strategy overall [can be helpful],” Osinchuk continued.
“I think companies are really taking that opportunity to look at ‘Do we need to make some significant changes?’ and having that outside expertise is a real opportunity,”
The opportunity has meant Osinchuk, who works out of WMC’s Calgary operation, is as busy as she has ever been.
Osinchuk notes that before the pandemic in Alberta’s energy sector, many companies began downsizing and focusing on voluntary retirements in their workforce. By the end of 2020, she said many in the energy sector realized they’d been caught up in the day-to-day obstacles of conducting business during Covid-19. That they didn’t have the internal resources to get their respective business prepared for the new post-Covid-19 normal, which has resulted in more work for WMC.
She believes as the country enters the new normal, companies won’t go back to business as usual, and the companies that will be the most successful are those that can most effectively implement change for the post-Covid-19 world.
Osinchuk, who assists companies with everything from strategic planning to stakeholder management, said she had used her network for business during the pandemic.
“Business developments are definitely more challenging [during Covid-19], but I've always been somebody that's kept in close touch with my own network,” she said. “That definitely continues to be my approach.
“You might not be able to go for coffee with somebody, but I can do a quick Zoom call, and [discuss] ‘What's keeping you up at night? What are the challenges that you're having? and say, ‘Why don't I think about that, and I'll come back to you tomorrow or the next day with a couple of thoughts, and maybe we can find a way through.”
The takeaway: For those considering entering the consulting business, Osinchuk offered three points to think about before making a decision.
To begin with, it is essential to decide whether consulting is just a stop on the way to the next employment opportunity. “It changes the way that you might look at developing your business and the level of commitment,” she said. “I think you really have to understand, ‘Are you in this for the long term? Or is this a short stop?’ because it will change how you approach it.”
Additionally, Osinchuk said it is key, as a consultant, to allow the client to lead. If a consultant is going to be effective and help their client make a change, they need to help their client find a solution and not predetermine what the endpoint will be. “I think it is really important, especially for people who have been in executive leadership roles, to take [themselves] out of that leadership—I'm making decisions, I'm problem-solving—and actually find that path to work with a client to get to that desired end-stage.”
Lastly, Osinchuk suggests it is beneficial for the consultant to consider who they want to work with. There are pros and cons to both being an independent consultant or joining a firm, she said. “I think you need to ask yourself, ‘Am I more comfortable doing my own thing? Or do I really like working with others?’ That'll help guide you in your decision about whether you take off as an independent or you join a firm,” Osinchuk remarked.
Further reading: Covid-19 is forcing consultants to rethink ways of working, according to a Financial Times article. The piece notes consultancies have been eager to explore new ways of working. Story here.
ANNOUNCING CHRONICLE.ACADEMY’S NEWEST COURSE FOR LIFE SCIENCES PROFESSIONALS
Chronicle.Academy is pleased to announce a new program in Direct-to-Consumer Marketing for Canadian pharma, device, OTC, biotech marketers, and managers. Offered in three interactive modules, concluding with a live seminar. The Direct-to-Consumer Marketing program was recently featured in the Vancouver Sun, Edmonton Journal, Montreal Gazette and Toronto Sun (see below). Find out more about this innovative structured learning opportunity by clicking here.
HARVEY LEVINE
NPC Healthbiz Weekly recently learned of the death of Montreal pharma executive Harvey Levine, an inductee in the Canadian Healthcare Marketing Hall of Fame and a friend to many readers of this newsletter. Readers may wish to share memories of Harvey with his family on the memorial page of Paperman & Sons, where the following memorial notice appears:
With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Harvey Levine on Saturday, May 22nd, 2021, in his seventy-second year, after a courageous battle fought with courage and dignity and the love and support of his beloved wife and best friend, Doreen Zrill, for 50 years.
Cherished father and father-in-law of Zena Levine and Steven Clark, and Selena Levine and Noel Gonthier. Dearly loved brother and brother-in-law of Gloria and Harry Freedman and Allan J. and Rhoda Levine, Livia and Larry Woloshin and Arthur Zrill. Harvey is predeceased by his parents, the late Sol and the late Gilda Levine, and son-in-law of the late Sam and the late Zelda Zrill. Harvey will be greatly missed by his aunts, nieces and nephews, cousins, friends and colleagues.
From the earliest age, Harvey Levine was an exceptionally creative and talented individual. He began his career in graphic design. With boundless optimism, passion, and vision, he distinguished himself in the Canadian pharmaceutical industry and then in a second career in community service. As a professional, he always endeavoured to help people achieve a better quality of life –- whether it was connected to introducing a new therapeutic option for an unmet medical need or to help improve the lives of those in need in our community. A tireless volunteer for B’nai Brith Canada for more than four decades, Harvey’s most meaningful role as a professional was as Quebec Regional Director of B’nai Brith Canada, where he was a fierce advocate and spokesperson against anti-Semitism and all forms of hate and intolerance. He also played an important role in constructing and realizing Chateau B’nai Brith, a subsidized residence for seniors.
Recently he was awarded the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award by the City of Cote St. Luc, an honour that meant a great deal to him. This was one of many accolades, including being inducted into the Canadian Healthcare Marketing Hall of Fame, past president and honorary life member of the Pharmaceutical Marketing Club of Quebec (PMCQ), past president of the Canadian Association of Medical Publishers, past vice-chair of the Marketing Section of the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association of Canada, and past-president, advisor and trustee of the Maple Leaf Lodge of B’nai Brith.
Despite his health challenges, Harvey continued his tradition of chairing the annual Chanukah candle lighting program at the Jewish General Hospital, bringing the holiday spirit to hospitalized patients, and often dragging his friends in to assist.
Of all of Harvey’s interests, none took precedence over his love and devotion to his family. Doreen was his sun, moon and stars, and he wore their public displays of affection proudly. When it came to his girls Zena and Selena, no father could take more delight or pride in their many accomplishments or support their choices. Steve and Noel were considered and treated as sons.
Harvey was an avid golfer. The “Hawk,” as he named himself, always looked forward to an annual Hamburger Match with his buddies. From his love of rock and roll to dressing up in a spiderman costume, his love of dogs, great wines and good food or assuming the persona of being a “wild and crazy guy,” Harvey will forever be remembered as a smart, fun, kind and gentle man. He was an amazing husband, father and treasured friend. We will miss him terribly. A private graveside service will take place.
In place of flowers, a donation to Montreal CVS www.bnaibrith.ca would be appreciated.
YOUR HEALTHBIZ WEEK 05/25/21
Pyramid Biosciences Inc. announced it began a Phase I clinical trial to treat PBI-100 for mild to moderate psoriasis in patients. PBI-100 is a TRK kinase inhibitor that targets both the psoriatic lesions and related symptoms, including itch. Pyramid Biosciences plans to conduct further clinical testing of PBI-100 for use in additional indications.
According to a report from Reuters, the European Union’s drug regulator said sotrovimab, a Covid-19 antibody treatment, can be used to treat patients who are at risk for severe disease and do not need supplemental oxygen. The treatment developed by GlaxoSmithKline and Vir Biotechnology can be used in adults and adolescents 12 years and older. Interim data showed sotrovimab to be 85% effective in reducing hospitalizations and deaths among Covid-19 patients.
Incyte announced positive results from its Phase 3 TRuE-V clinical trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of ruxolitinib cream, an investigational, nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory, JAK inhibitor, topical therapy, in adolescents and adults with vitiligo. The TRuE-V1 and TRuE-V2 studies both met the primary endpoint showing more patients treated with ruxolitinib cream 1.5% twice daily achieved ≥ 75% improvement from baseline in the facial vitiligo area scoring index compared to patients treated with a vehicle control at Week 24.
NATIONAL PHARMA CONGRESS SUMMER WEBINAR
“Post-Covid Countdown” is the theme of the National Pharma Congress Summer Webinar, scheduled for Tuesday, June 22, 2021. The event follows the recent NPC Spring Webinar, which had 400 registrants. Faculty for the Summer 2021 event are Ronnie Miller (Roche Canada), Melissa Coomey (Gilead Sciences), and Brian Canestraro (Intercept Pharma). Your hosts are: Ben Parry (Pangaea Consultants) and Mitch Shannon (Chronicle Companies.) Be sure to watch the NPC HealthBiz Weekly for updates on the event.
CANADIAN HEALTHCARE MARKETING HALL OF FAME
The Canadian Healthcare Marketing Hall of Fame awards were established in 2002 to honour healthcare marketers who have contributed to our avocation and inspire others.
More than 100 honourees have been selected during the past 18 years. In the selection committee's view, they stand for a representative cross-section of the qualities that make our business unique and fulfilling. Each week, NPC Healthbiz Weekly will acknowledge one past Hall of Fame Honourees.
2009 Inductee
Ray Chepesiuk
PAAB
Toronto
Editor’s note: Ray served as the Pharmaceutical Advertising Advisory Board commissioner from 1998 to 2018. He is currently a self-employed consultant.
Studying international business and having a background in the military are experiences upon which Ray Chepesiuk, commissioner of the Pharmaceutical Advertising Advisory Board (PAAB), draws to implement efficiencies and bring business acumen to his position.
A native of Thunder Bay, Ont., Chepesiuk left the northwestern region of the province after completing high school in 1969 to pursue a pharmacy degree at the University of Toronto. He also completed the Regular Officer Training Plan and found himself stationed for the summer in Germany, BC, and Ottawa. Chepesiuk participated in a United Nations peacekeeping effort and retired as a captain.
“You learn discipline in the military, and you find out what you can do,” says Chepesiuk. “You think to yourself that you can’t do anymore, but you can. I learned about persistence and just going for it. I also learned problem-solving and how to work with others.”
When he returned to Canada, he decided to take a hospital pharmacy position in Collingwood, Ont. Chepesiuk’s older brother, a large influence in his life, encouraged him to enhance his education and expand his horizons.
Chepesiuk decided to pursue an international business program at the University of South Carolina. The program offered language training, so Chepesiuk learned French and took an internship at the Compagnie Générale de Radiologie in Paris. “It was an experience where I learned about big business,” notes Chepesiuk.
Upon completing his business degree, he graduated into a recession without employment. Chepesiuk’s solution was to return to Canada and operate a pharmacy franchise in Mississauga, Ont. “I decided I liked Toronto and came back with a degree and a wife,” remembers Chepesiuk, whose spouse was a fellow student in the international business program in the US.
After running the pharmacy chain for a year, Chepesiuk was contemplating other career avenues.
Chepesiuk saw an advertisement for a reviewer at the PAAB, the board that offers pre-clearance reviews for advertising health products, including prescription drugs, directed to health professionals. Chepesiuk applied for the position and got the job.
“It was kind of a first,” explains Chepesiuk, noting the PAAB had no reviewers on staff in the early 1980s. “I had no idea what PAAB was about, but I ended up liking it.”
Chepesiuk endured an arduous daily commute across the Greater Toronto Area, travelling from his home in Burlington, Ont. to the Pickering, Ont. offices of the PAAB. After several years and seeing a long-term future at the PAAB, Chepesiuk and his wife relocated to substantially shorten his commute. “They made me deputy commissioner, and I moved to Whitby, Ont.,” says Chepesiuk.
Chepesiuk was made commissioner of the PAAB in 1999, and he currently has a staff of 15, with nine reviewers. Chepesiuk is a proponent of self-regulation in the pharmaceutical industry and sees PAAB’s role as advocating for high standards in drug advertising.
“We are the mechanism for self-regulation,” says Chepesiuk. “We know it can work, and it has been working well.”
As head of the PAAB, Chepesiuk has maintained a minimal turnover of his staff, an accomplishment with which he is pleased. “I am proud of the PAAB staff and appreciate their help in getting this recognition,” says Chepesiuk.
A NEW PODCAST
“NPC Podcast Presents: Next in Pharma” is coming soon to a podcast download site near you. The first episode, “AI-Powered Analytics,” is hosted by Michael Cloutier. Mike’s guests are Martin Booth, Director of Analytics and Data Excellence at AstraZeneca; Omer Ariburnu, Affiliate Head of Customer Excellence and Operations at Biogen; and Shawna Boynton, Omnichannel Marketing Manager at Novo Nordisk. “NPC Podcast Presents: Next in Pharma” is presented in co-operation with our friends at ODAIA.ai
NEXT WEEK
The 06/01 edition of NPC Healthbiz Weekly will feature Gordon McCauley, President & CEO of adMare BioInnovations, who discusses building a sustainable Life Sciences sector in Canada. It’s easy to get your no-charge subscription and have the issue sent to your phone or inbox each Tuesday at 6:00 a.m. sharp.
Stay safe, stay sure, and stay on your game. We’ll see you again next Tuesday.