Key AbbVie People
AbbVie Canada is made up of dedicated teams committed to the advancement of research into new treatments for patients. But first and foremost, AbbVie is about the people who devote their time to developing new, effective medications for Canadians who need them.
In this section, we’d like to give you a quick look at our organization, and give our people an opportunity to introduce themselves and share some of their passion for their work.
Employees of AbbVie
topThe Medical Affairs division, made up of medical advisors and scientific experts contributing to AbbVie many therapeutic areas from leading scientific projects to helping get a medication to market.
The Clinical Research department is responsible for the conduct of AbbVie’ studies in Canada. Its mission is to ensure that all clinical studies give priority to patients, with strict adherence to ethical and regulatory practices.
Anne and her team of Site Clinical Research Associates and Associate Clinical Operations Managers focus on the Global Clinical Trials; phases I to IV studies conducted in many countries including Canada.
Chantal and her team of Project Managers and Research Associates focus on Local Clinical Trials; from observational studies conducted by AbbVie after Health Canada approval of a medication to many studies initiated by independent Canadian researchers and supported by AbbVie.
These expert teams have various responsibilities: coordinating study submissions to Health Canada and various Ethics Committees, selecting Canadian sites and researchers, overseeing the studies with particular attention to patient safety, ensuring that the study’s milestones and budget are respected, providing daily support to Canadian research sites, assisting with patient recruitment and monitoring the data for accuracy and consistency.
What Our Team Has to Say
top
Anne Ohayon
topCountry Clinical Operations Manager
Site Management & Monitoring
It’s such amazing work to be able to help discover new treatments. Even if we don’t meet the patients face to face, we know their medical history — so we’re thrilled every time we find out that our efforts have brought them effective treatment and relief of their symptoms.
Chantal Lacasse
topSenior Clinical Operations Manager
Medical Affairs
My work is truly satisfying when people tell me what an impact our medications have had on their daily lives. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a medication put on the market and being used by people we know, or not, and knowing that we worked on those studies. That’s when I say to myself: “there’s a little piece of us in that!”
Marie-Josée Fournelle
Project Manager, Clinical Research
Medical Affairs
For me, working in clinical research isn’t only a way to contribute to the advancement of science. With our work, we strive to find ways that will help people improve their quality of life. When our research nurses tell us that the patients in one of our studies are doing better, I really feel that I’m doing my part for society.
Suzanne El-Hadi
topStudy Project Manager I
Clinical Program Development – Oncology
In one of my centres, the coordinator told me that our drug changed a child’s life. This young boy was covered in psoriasis, had itching, slept poorly, was teased by other children, had scales that fell all around him . . . and now he doesn’t suffer from any of these. It’s very moving to hear stories like that and we’re so proud to have contributed to changing someone’s life.
Annie Daudrumez
Project Manager, Clinical Research
Medical Affairs
Every day, my objective is to have my work contribute to giving patients a better quality of life. The patients may be strangers, or even my family, friends or colleagues. It’s a team effort with the doctors, study coordinators and each of the patients who agree to participate in AbbVie studies.
Josée Lafortune
topClinical Research Associate
Medical Affairs
You motivate us to do better so that you’ll be better.
Nathalie Foucault
Senior Project Manager, Clinical Research
Medical Affairs
I chose to pursue studies in the health field because I always had the desire and wish to help people achieve better health. Hearing testimonials from people whose lives were improved thanks to the development of new products or knowing that the creation of patient support programs has made a difference, is a great source of motivation.
Having the privilege to help is a deep, satisfying feeling that makes me want to continue day after day.
Olivier Landry
topSenior Site Clinical Research Associate
Site Management and Monitoring
The research we’re doing in partnership with the various medical teams is an enormous motivating factor. I sincerely believe that my work is useful and contributes to improving the lives of people afflicted by illness. It’s not unusual to see the lives of many volunteers completely transformed by the treatments we’re studying. For example, some are finally able to go back to leading a normal life by returning to school or work.
Fanie Wilson
topProject Manager, Patients Recruitment & Retention
Medical Affairs
Developing patient programs such as Patients at Heart is a very uplifting part of my job. I truly hope this program supports patients and their loved ones, and helps them better understand clinical research and the conditions they suffer from.
Catherine Mansour
Study Project Manager I
Clinical Program Development
The first time I heard a patient say “taking this medication gave me my life back!” I realized that I had helped make a difference in my own way. Patients and their well-being are at the centre of what I do every day. It is a truly unique opportunity to help contribute to changing and improving a life. To me, there is no better feeling than knowing I’ve played a part in this.
Karine Trudeau
topStudy Management Associate III
Clinical Program Development
I always keep in mind that what I am doing on a daily basis can have a direct impact on a patient’s life. The best part of my job is when a doctor or a study coordinator tells me that our drug has changed the life of one of their patients. That really makes my day! It’s the reason I work in clinical research: to help patients feel better and/or live longer.
Anna Passariello
Study Project Manager I
Clinical Program Development
It is gratifying to be part of clinical research leading to potential cures and/or treatments for our patients, families and friends. It’s also wonderful knowing that there may be a better tomorrow for everyone.
