Dan Purdham, PhD
Summary
Strategic and results-driven Medical Affairs leader with over 15 years of expertise in pharmaceuticals, including 6 years in Medical Director role. Proven expertise in building and leading high-performing Canadian medical teams, launching specialty products, engaging KOLs, and ensuring Health Canada compliance. Collaborative leader with deep experience driving cross-functional strategies across Commercial, Market Access, Regulatory, and R&D functions in Canadian and global markets.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Country Medical Director (Acting)
Jazz Pharmaceuticals
02.2023 - Current
- Contributed actively to Canadian Leadership team initiatives and strategic planning.
- Participated in the EU medical leadership team, enhancing MSL/TA lead and CMD capabilities, and developing MSL operational frameworks.
- Served as primary liaison for global and regional medical information and pharmacovigilance.
- Empowered team members to deliver 'Communicating with Impact' training to Canadian medical staff.
- Planned and executed affiliate town halls and face-to-face cycle meetings effectively.
- Reviewed and updated Canadian SOPs to ensure compliance and operational excellence.
Medical Director, Neurosciences
Jazz Pharmaceuticals
08.2019 - Current
- Led Canadian Neurosciences medical affairs team focused on Sleep and Epilepsy.
- Launched three products: Sunosi, Xywav, and Epidiolex.
- Developed a high-performing, fully integrated Medical Affairs Department.
- Managed and coached Medical Affairs personnel, enhancing team capabilities.
- Collaborated strategically with cross-functional colleagues, including Commercial and Market Access.
- Executed medical plans effectively, ensuring compliance with national regulations.
- Reviewed and approved medical and marketing materials aligned with regulatory standards.
- Established influential relationships with National Key Opinion Leaders to enhance engagement.
Director, Medical Affairs, Ophthalmology
Bayer Inc
11.2017 - 08.2019
- Led Radiology team with one medical advisor and Ophthalmology team of four MSLs and three medical advisors.
- Developed and executed country medical affairs plan aligned to global and local brand strategies.
- Managed budgets for medical affairs studies, projects, and personnel effectively.
- Cultivated relationships with national thought leaders to enhance collaboration.
- Represented ophthalmology and radiology on medical leadership team to drive strategic initiatives.
Sr MSL manager & medical advisor, Cardiology
Bayer Inc
11.2013 - 11.2017
- Contributed to development of brand strategy and annual country medical plan for Xarelto/rivaroxaban.
- Initiated and implemented medical affairs activities aligned with brand objectives.
- Managed a team of 4 MSLs, identifying development needs and evaluating performance.
- Provided comprehensive medical summaries for cross-functional teams on new scientific data.
- Supplied MSL team with essential scientific tools to execute country medical affairs plan.
- Developed agendas and materials for customer-facing meetings, including advisory board sessions.
- Established strong relationships with national TLs in Canada to enhance collaboration.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of therapy areas through literature reviews and scientific congresses.
Medical Science Liaison, Cardiology
Bayer Inc
08.2012 - 11.2013
- Cultivated and maintained professional relationships with thought leaders in cardiology, hematology, and neurology.
- Provided scientific information to healthcare professionals for peer education presentations.
- Collaborated cross-functionally with marketing and sales to develop and execute regional business strategies.
- Organized specialist consultancy meetings to gather feedback for cross-functional brand teams.
- Acted as local medical resource for training sessions when required.
- Supported sales colleagues by addressing unsolicited medical inquiries.
- Attended and reported on findings from medical and scientific congresses.
Director, clinical quality and performance
Cardiac Care Network
01.2011 - 08.2012
- Led strategic initiatives by managing seven working groups of over 50 top TLs in cardiology to influence policy makers and hospital administration.
- Collaborated with TLs to develop and submit nine abstracts for Canadian cardiovascular congress (October 2012).
- Served as decision maker on national project teams focused on atrial fibrillation, heart failure, and cardiac rehabilitation.
- Managed Research and Publications committee and web portal to ensure effective use of cardiac registry data for research purposes.
- Developed reporting processes for 100,000 cardiac procedures conducted annually in the province.
- Evaluated proposals for new advanced cardiology programs at Ontario hospitals in partnership with Ministry of Health and Long Term Care.
- Supported clinical team in preparing meeting materials for working groups and external stakeholders through input and revisions.
Medical Science Liaison
Servier Canada Inc
01.2009 - 12.2010
- Participated in scientific discussions to address unmet medical needs for product launches.
- Cultivated professional relationships with key opinion leaders to enhance collaboration.
- Collaborated with team leaders on educational programs, symposiums, and publications.
- Influenced company strategy by delivering field feedback and scientific support across departments.
- Developed business plans aligned with global strategies for local implementation before product launches.
- Maintained innovation in tactics by engaging with current scientific literature and attending national congresses.
- Completed all tasks punctually while ensuring high standards of quality and completeness.
- Enhanced MSL team reputation by upholding professionalism and integrity per industry guidelines.
Education
Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) - Pharmacology and Toxicology, Cardiovascular Pharmacology
The University of Western Ontario
London, Ontario01.2009
Honors Bachelor of Science (Hon BSc) - Pharmacology and Toxicology
The University of Western Ontario
London, Ontario04.2002
Skills
- Product launch strategy
- Medical strategy development
- Cross-functional teamwork
- KOL engagement
- Regulatory compliance
- Scientific communication
- Team leadership
- Strategic planning
Timeline
Country Medical Director (Acting)
Jazz Pharmaceuticals
02.2023 - Current
Medical Director, Neurosciences
Jazz Pharmaceuticals
08.2019 - Current
Director, Medical Affairs, Ophthalmology
Bayer Inc
11.2017 - 08.2019
Sr MSL manager & medical advisor, Cardiology
Bayer Inc
11.2013 - 11.2017
Medical Science Liaison, Cardiology
Bayer Inc
08.2012 - 11.2013
Director, clinical quality and performance
Cardiac Care Network
01.2011 - 08.2012
Medical Science Liaison
Servier Canada Inc
01.2009 - 12.2010
Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) - Pharmacology and Toxicology, Cardiovascular Pharmacology
The University of Western Ontario
Honors Bachelor of Science (Hon BSc) - Pharmacology and Toxicology
The University of Western Ontario
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