Uber needs no introduction. Since its inception, just over a decade ago, it has succeeded in revolutionizing an entire industry. Coming on the heels of the “applification” of our everyday lives, what were the ingredients for its success? Was it ‘really’ the app? And what does this all mean for the future of healthcare as we know it?

In recent years the number of health apps has proliferated considerably. Today, there are a dizzying number of them available at our fingertips. Some are designed to manage a multitude of chronic illnesses or mental health conditions, others to help us relax, sleep, stretch, breath, exercise — you name it.

Do any of them work? Yes, some do, and very well, as I wrote in my last article about the behavioral changes spurred by one of the more successful apps.

Why then is the adoption curve for broader digital health apps in clinical practice so lacklustre?

Simply put, we are overfocussed on the app itself.  There are lots of great apps, but that isn’t the only factor that will drive their adoption and use. Digital health apps can very well revolutionize the future of healthcare, but a number of conditions necessary for this to happen are either lacking or in their nascent stages.

But first, for comparison’s sake, let’s take ridesharing apps. If you’re like me, you’ve been in and out of an Uber car too many times to count. Let’s face it, Uber and other ridesharing apps are like having your own personal limousine service; always at your beck and call, wherever you are. And please, don’t get me started on why taxis just don’t get it.

I can’t possibly imagine explaining this app to my late father. You use your phone, pick your destination and… voila! … a person in a car, with the name and picture you were shown, arrives a few minutes later. Without saying a word, that person takes you wherever you’re going; you get out and walk away, your payment already made.

What’s interesting is that the app itself is probably the least important predictor of success for Uber. Sure, it has to work well, but an entire ecosystem and a whole slew of underlying systemic conditions needed to be in place before Uber could ever see the light of day. Without these factors, the Uber model would have simply never worked, let alone risen to prominence.

Broadly speaking, 6 conditions needed to be met, 3 technical and 3 societal and behavioural.

Ce qui est intéressant, c’est que l’application elle-même aurait probablement été incapable de prédire son propre succès. Bien sûr, pour réussir, elle devait bien fonctionner. Mais tout un écosystème et une série de conditions systémiques sous-jacentes devaient aussi être mis en place avant qu’elle puisse naître. Sans de tels éléments, le modèle Uber n’aurait tout simplement jamais marché et ne serait pas devenu si important.

De manière générale, six conditions devaient être réunies, soit trois techniques et autant de sociétales et de comportementales.

The technical ones are the most obvious: 

1. Cellular networks needed to be widespread and support broadband data access.
   Cellular networks were developed in the 1970s, but it wasn’t until 1996 that digital signals could access mobile devices. The first 3G networks appeared in the mid 2000’s, and it’s no coincidence that Uber didn’t launch until 2008.
2. Phones had to be equipped with accurate GPS, and maps needed to be current and digitized.
   While the first GPS equipped phone was introduced in 1999, it wasn’t until 2000 that the US government ended the “selective availability” that hampered the accuracy of previous civilian-oriented versions. Without this, Uber could never have sent cars to a specific address. As for maps, Yahoo! Maps was only launched in 2004, and Google Maps in 2005. Uber could not have been launched before then.
3. A critical mass of people had to have mobile smartphones
   Smartphone ownership in the US was less than 20% in 2010.  It wasn’t until 2016 that about 70% of Americans owned a smartphone, and that is precisely when Uber revenues started taking off.

The societal and behavioral enablers are at little less obvious:

4. The ability and inclination to accept e-commerce transactions.
   While e-commerce dates back to 1979, it’s safe to say it did not enter the mainstream until much later. We may take PayPal and other payment systems for granted today, but the common, secure use of e-commerce transactions that are now so widely accepted did not occur until the mid-2000’s.
5. Trust.
   Uber could never work without trust. Just think about it, every time you step into an Uber, you are trusting the reliability of a perfect stranger and their personal vehicle. While Uber has its own checks and balances, the ground had already been broken by other trust-based transaction systems. eBay pioneered this societal change that had two strangers buying and selling goods with no assurance other than the mutual rating system. Uber uses this same method to maintain a dynamic assessment of rider and driver quality.
6. The availability of surplus cars.
   Uber would be lacking drivers were it not for a surplus of vehicles in a household. In fact, since 2000, the number of three-car number of three-car households in the US has increased to the point where now only less 9% of Americans have no vehicle.

Based on these conditions, it is fair to say that if ridesharing was launched in 2000, it would be a colossal flop and that it simply would not have worked.

So, what are the necessary conditions for digital health apps to take flight and revolutionize healthcare as we know it? If we used ridesharing as a barometer, we still aren’t quite there yet. Some of the key ingredients are there, but the pieces of the puzzle have not been put together.

The technological, societal and behavioural conditions for the widespread adoption of health apps is the subject of my next article. Stay tuned.

Les conditions technologiques, sociales et comportementales nécessaires en vue de l’adoption généralisée des applications de santé feront justement l’objet de mon prochain texte. À bientôt.

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Ravi Deshpande, PharmD is a pharmacist, and Chief Business Development Officer for ELNA Medical.

The views expressed are those of the author

Press release – For immediate release

Montreal, December 2, 2021 – ELNA Medical (“ELNA”), the largest network of primary and specialty care clinics in Canada, is pleased to announce two additional key management appointments to support and accelerate its growth strategy across Canada. In these newly created positions, Zachary Stauber becomes the Chief Strategy Officer, and Patrick Gosselin becomes Chief Technology Officer. Both will be part of ELNA’s management committee.

Zachary Stauber is a proven leader in digital transformation. He brings his experience from global management firm McKinsey & Company’s New York office where he drove digital transformation in complex, highly regulated industries, such as aerospace, automotive, and pharmaceutical. He notably led building out the global consulting firm’s digital procurement offerings, including the acquisition and integration of Orpheus, a spend intelligence platform. Prior to this, Mr. Stauber was a mechanical engineer for multiple startups and acted as a researcher in Asia and Europe. Mr. Stauber holds an MBA with a focus in Operations, and a Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering, both from the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). 

Patrick Gosselin is a highly skilled IT executive with proven success leading teams through the strategy, design, and implementation of advanced technology solutions across large medical and retail networks. As Head of IT at Medicentres Canada Inc., he was responsible for developing and implementing the strategic technology road map for the largest chain of corporately owned medical clinics in the country. The innovative solutions he put into place continue to help the clinic network – now part of ELNA Medical – rapidly expand, providing enhanced physician access and patient care, resulting in better health outcomes for Canadians. Prior to joining Medicentres, Mr. Gosselin held roles of increasing responsibilities in IT over two decades at the Rexall Pharmacy Group, owned by McKesson Canada. He led technology advancements for more than 450 retail pharmacies and long-term care homes.

“These key appointments add more depth to our experienced management team as ELNA continues to accelerate its growth strategy across Canada. The nominations of Mr. Stauber and Mr. Gosselin will greatly contribute to ELNA’s mission of improving the health outcomes of Canadians through easily accessible integrated care, prevention and the use of advanced technology, stated Laurent Amram, President and Founder of ELNA Medical.

About ELNA Medical

ELNA Medical is a Montreal-based company that brings together the largest network of medical clinics in Canada. It has over 800 medical professionals in 61 primary and specialty health care and occupational health clinics under the private and public healthcare systems. True to its mission and innovative spirit, ELNA is committed to making a meaningful contribution to the health and well-being of every patient by providing personalized, easily accessible and exceptional-quality medical services, all supported by leading-edge technologies. ELNA Medical is associated with CDL Laboratories, a leader in the private laboratory industry in Quebec.

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Contact :

Peter Subissati
Senior Manager, Communications and Public Relations
ELNA Medical
media@elnamedical.com

Press release – For immediate release

Montreal, September 13, 2021 – ELNA Medical, the leading network of primary and specialty healthcare clinics in Canada, announces the acquisition of GMF Roger Laberge, the largest medical clinic in  Montérégie West.

Established more than 30 years ago under the name “Châteauguay Medical Clinic,” the Roger Laberge group of family medical practitioners offers family, preventive and walk-in medical services seven days a week. Known for its collegial approach, it is staffed by nine general practitioners and one specialized nurse practitioner as well as clinical nurses. This clinic also provides a number of complementary professional health services from nutritionists, kinesiologists, social workers and a pharmacist.

“ELNA Medical is the ideal acquirer,” stated owner Gilles Fleury, who went on to add: “It will allow us to provide both our team and our patients with added value, thanks to its network of clinics and partners as well as a host of specialized medical services, among others. It is with considerable pride that GMF Roger Laberge now joins this reputable organization.”

“Thanks to our network’s experienced professionals and its ability to provide close to 400 medical services, ELNA Medical establishes itself as a major player that will provide the residents of Châteauguay with better health care and contribute to a healthier lifestyle,” said ELNA president and founder Laurent Amram. “The addition of GMF Roger Laberge reflects our commitment to offering our patients fast and easy access to healthcare services that make effective use of state-of-the-art technologies.”

This sixth acquisition announcement of 2021 is part of a major expansion operation by ELNA Medical. Over the coming weeks, other clinics will be added to this extensive network.

About ELNA Medical

ELNA Medical is a Montreal-based company that brings together the largest network of medical clinics in Canada. It has over 800 medical professionals in 61 primary and specialty health care and occupational health clinics under the private and public healthcare systems. True to its mission and innovative spirit, ELNA is committed to making a meaningful contribution to the health and well-being of every patient by providing personalized, easily accessible and exceptional-quality medical services, all supported by leading-edge technologies. ELNA Medical is associated with CDL Laboratories, a leader in the private laboratory industry in Quebec.

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Contact :

Jonathan Prunier  
Director, Marketing and Communications, ELNA Medical 
media@elnamedical.com  

Press release – For immediate release

Montreal, September 7, 2021 — ELNA Medical (“ELNA”), the largest network of primary and specialty healthcare clinics in Canada, is pleased to announce the acquisition of the Metro-Medic Centre-Ville super clinic, offering leading-edge medical services in downtown Montreal for more than 25 years. Metro-Medic’s acquisition marks ELNA’s 60th clinic.

Founded in 1986, Metro-Medic provides general medical services that are covered by Quebec’s public health insurance. It has a dynamic team of 22 family doctors, 14 specialized physicians and eight nurses. Metro-Medic also offers specialized medical services such as cardiology, gynecology, general surgery, and multiple other subsidiary services. It provides quick access to quality care and services its patients with extended business hours, 7 days a week.

“We’ve identified ELNA Medical as the ideal partner to ensure Metro-Medic’s continuing support for its professionals and its team and in maintaining its extensive family medicine and specialty service offer focused on quality and accessibility,” stated founder Dr. Fernand Taras.

“The acquisition of Metro-Medic strengthens our position in strategic and core urban locations. It’s an established clinic in downtown Montreal that is well-known for its excellent service,” said Laurent Amram, President and Founder of ELNA Medical.

“This acquisition again demonstrates our commitment to providing access to quality, integrated healthcare through the use of cutting-edge technology. We have further plans for growth to consolidate our status as the largest network of medical clinics in Canada,” added Mr. Amram

About ELNA Medical

ELNA Medical is a Montreal-based company that brings together the largest network of medical clinics in Canada. It has over 800 medical professionals in 60 primary and specialty health care and occupational health clinics under the private and public healthcare systems. ELNA is committed to making a meaningful contribution to the health and well-being of every patient by providing personalized, easily accessible and exceptional-quality medical services, all supported by leading-edge technologies. ELNA Medical is associated with CDL Laboratories, a leader in the private laboratory industry in Quebec.

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Contact :

Jonathan Prunier  
Director, Marketing and Communications, ELNA Medical 
media@elnamedical.com  

Press release – For immediate release

Montreal, August 5, 2021 – ELNA Medical (“ELNA”), the largest network of primary and specialty healthcare clinics in Canada, is pleased to announce the acquisition of the StatCare super clinic, the largest of its type on Montreal’s West Island.

Founded in 1988 and located across from the Lakeshore General Hospital, this Pointe-Claire clinic provides walk-in general medical services covered by Quebec’s public health insurance. StatCare has approximately 40 physicians and 10 nurses dispensing medical services to more than 60,000 patients annually. In fact, StatCare was one of the province’s very first “Clinique-réseau”.

“We are delighted to be joining the ELNA Medical Group and continuing to offer the population quick access to high-quality services and extended business hours 7 days a week. We are also thrilled to be benefitting from ELNA Medical’s extensive range of services,” stated the co-founders of StatCare, Drs. Michael Munzar and Laurie Bregger, and General Manager Ms. Eleanor Phelan Mootoosawmy. 

“The acquisition of StatCare makes total sense for our company, as it is a well-established clinic with an excellent reputation,” explained Laurent Amram, President and Founder of ELNA Medical, who added: “It reflects our commitment to providing fast and easy access to quality integrated healthcare using cutting-edge technology.”

ELNA Medical now consists of 59 primary and specialized healthcare clinics in Canada. Staffed by more than 800 medical professionals, they provide both in person and telemedicine healthcare services of the highest quality to more than one million Canadians every year. “And we will continue to grow, further consolidating our status as the largest network of medical clinics in Canada,” asserted Laurent Amram.

About ELNA Medical

ELNA Medical is a Montreal-based company that brings together the largest network of medical clinics in Canada, with over 800 medical professionals in 59 primary and specialty health care and occupational health clinics under the private and public healthcare systems. True to its mission and innovative spirit since its inception in 2016, ELNA is committed to making a meaningful contribution to the health and well-being of every patient by providing personalized, easily accessible and exceptional-quality medical services, all supported by leading-edge technologies. ELNA Medical is associated with CDL Laboratories, a leader in the private laboratory industry in Quebec.

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Contact :

Jonathan Prunier  
Director, Marketing and Communications, ELNA Medical 
media@elnamedical.com  

Press Release — For Immediate Release

Montreal, July 28, 2021 – Today, ELNA Medical (“ELNA”), the largest network of primary and specialty care clinics in Canada, is pleased to announce key management appointments to support and accelerate its growth strategy across Canada. Jean-François Boily becomes the new Chief Financial Officer and, in a newly created position, Yolaine Cohen Scali becomes Vice-President, Business Development – Value Creation. Both will be part of ELNA’s management committee.

Jean-François Boily has 17 years of experience in the field of finance. He has a proven track record in financial and investor relations, raising capital, corporate governance as well as mergers and acquisitions in the pharmaceutical, clinical and bioresearch sectors. During the course of his career with mid-size private as well as large publicly traded companies, he held several top-level positions and successfully implemented and monitored company-wide objectives, policies, procedures, processes, programs, and practices to ensure continuously sound financial accounting and the achievement of established goals. Before joining ELNA, Mr. Boily served as CFO of two publicly listed innovative biopharmaceutical companies and, prior to that, held senior financial positions at TEVA Canada. A CPA, CA, he holds a Bachelor of Business Administration – Specialization in Accounting from HEC Montreal.

Yolaine Cohen Scali is an experienced executive in business development strategy whose strong ability to identify and secure valuable partnerships and collaboration opportunities led to important pharmaceutical product portfolio expansion and growth across Canada. Most of her close to 20-year career was spent in the healthcare sector, more specifically in various key roles at Pharmascience Inc. Before joining ELNA, Mrs. Cohen spearheaded the successful licensing of Crescita Therapeutics Inc.’s flagship dermatology product in key international markets. Mrs. Cohen holds a Master in Operations Research as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Quantitative Methods from HEC Montreal.

“We are extremely pleased by today’s appointments, which will further bolster our experienced management team at a time when ELNA continues to accelerate its growth strategy across Canada. We will pursue our journey to lead the industry in terms of innovation, with an eye to generating new ways to improve the health outcomes of Canadians through prevention, integrated care and advanced technology”, stated Laurent Amram, President and Founder of the ELNA Medical group.

About ELNA Medical
ELNA Medical is a Montreal-based company that brings together the largest network of medical clinics in Canada, with over 800 medical professionals in 56 primary and specialty health care and occupational health clinics under the private and public healthcare systems. True to its mission and innovative spirit, ELNA is committed to making a meaningful contribution to the health and well-being of every patient by providing personalized, easily accessible and exceptional-quality medical services, all supported by leading-edge technologies. ELNA Medical is associated with CDL Laboratories, a leader in the private laboratory industry in Quebec.

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Contact :

Jonathan Prunier
Director, Marketing and Communications, ELNA Medical
media@elnamedical.com

Press release – For immediate release

Montreal, July 19, 2021 – Montreal-based ELNA Medical, the largest network of medical clinics in Canada, and Cominar, one of the largest real estate investment trusts in the country, announce the opening of a brand-new medical complex at Rockland Centre in the Town of Mount Royal by the end of 2021.

The result of a first-ever agreement between ELNA and Cominar, the new healthcare facility will occupy 24,000 square feet in the shopping centre, serving the entire local community using leading-edge medical technology. It will include a family medicine group (FMG), urgent care, several specialty medical services with appointments covered by the RAMQ, as well as lab services, a private corporate medicine clinic, as well as esthetics and physical therapy clinics. As with other ELNA Medical operations, in-home and telemedicine services will also be available.

This new complex will maintain ELNA Medical’s signature experience of easy and timely access to quality care, including preventive and personalized medicine, while leveraging advanced technology.

Laurent Amram, President and Founder of ELNA Medical said, “The addition of this new clinic to the ELNA network offers a greater range of high-quality care services to populations in the vicinity of the Rockland Centre, in an ultra-modern and high-tech location. Situating a medical complex within in a shopping centre is a thoroughly innovative concept; as there is a tendency today for such venues to redefine themselves, we are very proud to participate in our own way to a transformation that is beneficial for the population .”

“We’re really excited to bring ELNA Medical and Rockland centre together. ELNA is Canada’s largest network of primary and specialty healthcare clinics,” affirmed Sébastien Dubois, Vice President, Leasing – Retail at Cominar. “We are certain that this new offering within Rockland Centre will enhance our guest experience while ensuring another successful operation for ELNA Medical in Quebec. This new medical complex will definitely be a highlight of our work to diversify use and turn our shopping centres into everyday destinations. In fact, this additional service will give more than 25,000 visitors a year the opportunity to take advantage of other services, retailers and restaurants at Rockland Centre.”

The new clinic will join ELNA’s 56 other facilities across Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta, where 800 professionals provide in-person and telemedicine care to more than one million Canadians and 1,500 organizations every year.

About ELNA Medical
ELNA Medical is a Montreal-based company that brings together the largest network of medical clinics in Canada, with over 800 medical professionals in 56 primary and specialty health care and 2|2 occupational health clinics under the private and public healthcare system. True to its mission and innovative spirit, ELNA is committed to making a meaningful contribution to the health and well-being of every patient by providing personalized, easily accessible and exceptional-quality medical services, all supported by leading-edge technologies. ELNA Medical is associated with CDL Laboratories, a leader in the private laboratory industry in Quebec.

About Cominar
Cominar is one of the largest diversified real estate investment trusts in Canada and is the largest commercial property owner in the province of Quebec. Its portfolio consists of 310 high-quality office, retail and industrial properties totalling 35.7 million square feet located in the Montreal, Quebec City and Ottawa areas. Cominar’s primary objective is to maximize total return to unitholders by way of tax-efficient distributions and maximizing the unit value through proactive management of its portfolio. For more information, visit cominar.com. Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn .

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Source: ELNA Medical and Cominar

Information:

Jonathan Prunier
Director, Marketing and Communications, ELNA Medical
media@elnamedical.com 

Julie Lajoye
Senior Advisor, Communications, Cominar
julie.lajoye@cominar.com 

I hate running. For me, running is boring, slightly uncomfortable, repetitive and I never seemed to make much progress at it. I practise plenty of other sports, but last year, COVID put a damper on all of them. So, after much humming and hawing, I decided to take up indoor and outdoor running. Did I mention I hate running? Hoping for the best, I downloaded a running app to motivate me.

The app seemed pretty straightforward — you got a pre-programmed set of runs which gradually increase in length and intensity, culminating in a 10K run.

Whatever, I said. Let’s just get on with it.

That’s when I met Her. She was the voice coach for the app. Hers was an easy-going British voice, eternally sunny, smooth and comforting, warm as honey. Firm but fun. Her confidence and gentle encouragement were endearing. When She cheered, “Fantastic! You’ve been running nonstop for three minutes now!” I wondered what she’d say when I hit 40 minutes.

At first, She was there for every little step. But then I noticed She became strategic with Her comments. Sometimes I expected a little praise but got nothing. I kept trying harder, striving to merit hearing Her gently encouraging voice.

Then, the more I ran, the more I wanted to win Her approval. Meanwhile, I was making steady progress with my program: I hit 5K in less than two months and was moving on to longer runs. The app was really working. Spurred on by Her steady encouragement, I went from hating running to looking forward to my sessions. In fact, I would have run more frequently, but She, ever solicitous, gently reminded me I needed to rest to avoid injury.

After a few weeks went by, I began to wonder: do I actually have a crush on my running coach? And I wasn’t alone! On the chat group blog for the app, everyone wanted to know who She was, and I could completely relate. It was what She said and how She said it. She was neither aloof nor bossy, but somewhere in between: supportive at exactly the right time and strategically silent at others. What did She look like? Where did She live? We all assumed She ran, but was coaching Her full-time job? Honestly, we all wanted to meet Her.

You can imagine our disappointment when we learned that She was in fact a digitally created voice. Our English Rose was in fact likely a perfectly ordinary programmer working out of a basement in Manchester.

The moral of this story is that digital apps that are well designed and take into account basic human psychology and key elements of interaction between people can impact behavior. That running app certainly did it for me — even though taking up running this way seemed a vastly underwhelming prospect.

The long periods of time we spend without guidance about our health, away from the watchful eye of our doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and hospitals, can constitute a real and significant health care gap. For 23 hours and 55 minutes each day, we make a thousand solitary self-management decisions that affect our health, and we may at times feel alone, overwhelmed, despondent, or confused. The fact is, those with illnesses live with their condition 24/7. They need support that the health system cannot possibly provide them in person. Enter the well-designed digital health app that offers structured, relevant, customized, and well-timed interactions.

2021 marks the beginning of the digital health care era. The timing is right: COVID-19 has taught us that in-person care is not always possible. Conversely, many of the conditions that will make digital health apps effective are in place. (More on that in a subsequent article.)

You’ve all experienced bad apps, the ones you use for a few days or weeks and then just discard. How are current apps different? A lot of them aren’t — so many simply don’t make the grade among the legions that are being created. But the production of literally hundreds of these apps will ensure 1) “survival of the fittest” (apps), and 2) a more sophisticated set of users who recognize what makes an effective app stand out: the one that supports demonstrable and sustainable behavioral change. That is why I’ve recommended the aforementioned running app to anyone who will listen.

Apps alone will never be a substitute for in-person health care. But combined with intelligently designed platforms that curate and bring together digital and physical care, they optimize and extend the reach and influence of health care.

Ravi Deshpande, PharmD is a pharmacist, and Chief Business Development Officer for ELNA Medical. The views expressed are those of the author.

The company is simultaneously launching ELNA+, a network of clinics offering private medical services in Quebec

Press release – For immediate release

Montreal, Feb. 4, 2021 – Montreal-based ELNA Medical, a leading network of primary and specialty care clinics in Canada, completed today the acquisition of PrivaMED, a group of private medical clinics.

Founded in 2009 and established on Montreal’s south shore, PrivaMED offers primary and specialty care services by telemedicine or in person through two clinics – in Boucherville and in Brossard – and 16 health professionals. It offers a comprehensive range of family practice services, including mental health services as well as corporate medicine under its MY FAMILY DOCTOR ® program.

“With our arrival in the ELNA Medical family, our clients will continue to benefit from timely access to high-quality personalized services and the same professionalism that define us,” said PrivaMED’s cofounders, Dr. Francine Grosjean and Dr. Nathalie Nicloux. Our patients will gain from this partnership on two fronts: by accessing a broader range of medical services and benefiting from new technologies that will improve their consultation experiences.”

Experienced leadership
“PrivaMED has been a recognized leader in private health care with a reputation for excellence for over 10 years,” said Laurent Amram, President and Founder of ELNA Medical. Such an acquisition makes total sense for our company. It reflects our strong commitment to providing timely and convenient access to integrated quality health care, including personalized and preventive medicine, leveraged by advanced technologies. Quick access to reputable physicians is the central aspect of private health care delivery.”

ELNA Medical now has 56 primary, specialty and occupational health care clinics in Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta. More than 800 medical professionals provide high-quality care in person and through telemedicine to more than one million Canadians and 1,500 organizations each year. “And we will continue to grow to strengthen our status as the leading network of medical clinics in Canada,” said Laurent Amram.

New division
This first-ever private health care acquisition also allows ELNA Medical to launch ELNA+, a network of private clinics not affiliated with the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ). These clinics will provide a full range of accessible, timely health care for individuals as well as companies concerned with the health and well-being of their employees. It currently includes the two PrivaMED facilities in the south shore of Montreal, and the ELNA+ clinic opening soon at Decarie Square, in Montreal.

About ELNA Medical
ELNA Medical is a Montreal-based company that brings together the largest network of medical clinics in Canada, with over 800 medical professionals in 56 primary and specialty health care and 2|2 occupational health clinics under the private and public healthcare system. True to its mission and innovative spirit, ELNA is committed to making a meaningful contribution to the health and well-being of every patient by providing personalized, easily accessible and exceptional-quality medical services, all supported by leading-edge technologies. ELNA Medical is associated with CDL Laboratories, a leader in the private laboratory industry in Quebec.

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Information
Jonathan Prunier
Marketing Director
media@elnamedical.com

Accomplished business leader to contribute to ELNA’s significant North American growth

Press release – For immediate release

Montreal, Jan. 21, 2021 – The management team at ELNA Medical is delighted to welcome Ravi Deshpande (PharmD) as Chief Business Development Officer, Canada.

An Outstanding Career Path

“I am very pleased to welcome Ravi to our management team, stated Laurent Amram, President and founder of ELNA Medical. Ravi is an accomplished executive who brings a wealth of impressive experience from a global Fortune 500 organization that is a leader in the pharmaceutical distribution industry and in healthcare solutions. He will facilitate our ambitious projects for Canada and the United States.”

Ravi Deshpande has held a range of management positions at McKesson for over 15 years. Among others, he was Chief Strategy Officer for McKesson Canada and Senior Vice-President at Medicentres; he played a key role in the expansion of the multinational’s Canadian footprint, tripling the pharmacy network through numerous acquisitions.

A registered pharmacist, Ravi Deshpande has held appointments in the hospital sector in Toronto and in the US and served as Assistant Professor of Medicine in North Carolina. He co-founded Phase 4 Health, a pharmaceutical services firm providing patient, prescription, and consultant services to the pharmaceutical industry, acquired by McKesson Canada in 2005.

An Experienced Leadership Team

Based in Toronto, Ravi will focus on strategy, mergers and acquisitions, and partnerships for ELNA Medical across Canada. He will play an instrumental role in helping the organization achieve its aggressive growth objectives. He joins a leadership team of renowned experts:

Laurent Amram, Founding President of ELNA Medical and Founding President of CDL Laboratories
This dynamic, visionary entrepreneur founded in 1993 CDL Laboratories, a leading Canadian diagnostic laboratory and technological showcase of Roche Diagnostics. Subsequently, in 2016 he pioneered a network of medical services facilities under the ELNA Medical banner, which quickly rose to the rank of industry leader in Canada.

Levi Perez, Chief Operating Officer
An engineer with over 40 years of experience in management and consulting to his credit, Levi has held numerous senior positions, including Vice-President at Bell Canada and Bell Sygma. He also served as member of the Board of Directors of Cognicase and of Polytechnique Montreal.

Terry Lefebvre, Chief Financial Officer
Terry has extensive experience and expertise in strategic financial planning and operational excellence, mergers and acquisitions, cash management, risk and governance. He worked 18 years at SNC-Lavalin holding many senior positions, namely as Chief Financial Officer of the Canadian engineering division, in addition to 10 years at the Royal Bank of Canada.

Dr. Benjamin Burko, Chief Innovation Officer
For almost 25 years, this pediatrician was Chief of Staff and Medical Director of the Tiny Tots Medical Centre, the largest ambulatory (non-hospital) pediatric centre in Canada. He pioneered the use of technology to improve office administration and clinical appointments. He also co-chaired the McGill University Faculty of Medicine and Health Services Faculty Council.

About ELNA Medical

ELNA Medical is a privately owned, Montreal-based company comprising the largest network of medical clinics across Canada, with over 800 medical professionals working in 54 primary and specialty care and occupational health clinics. In operation since 2016, ELNA has been delivering public health-covered primary and specialized healthcare. True to its mission and spirit of innovation, ELNA is committed to making a distinctive contribution to the health and well-being of every patient by providing easily accessible medical services of exceptional quality, thanks to cutting-edge technology. ELNA Medical is associated with CDL Laboratories, a leader in the industry of privately owned laboratories in Quebec.

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Information
Jonathan Prunier
Marketing Director
media@elnamedical.com