The National Conversation
The CCHL National Conversation is an opportunity for CCHL members from across the country to learn more about and contribute to advancing thought leadership on a priority topic facing health leaders with the intention to support effective health leadership within and beyond the CCHL community. We aim to achieve this by gathering our members in an expert-informed dialogue on an specific topic of priority facing Canadian health care, collecting thoughts on the leadership skills required to address the topic, and by disseminating an Executive Summary of the National Conversation through networks across Canada.
Leadership for Health System Redesign
The need for health system redesign in Canadian healthcare is critical to address the growing challenges of accessibility, equity, and sustainability. As the population ages and the demand for services increases, our current systems must evolve to ensure timely, equitable care for all Canadians. Redesigning the health system will help us adapt to these pressures, integrate innovative technologies, and create a more resilient and responsive healthcare environment that meets the needs of every community.
What strategies may health leaders employ to influence the redesign of health systems within their specific contexts?
Table of Contents
Part 1 – National Virtual Conversation
Hosted April 8 from 12 pm – 1 pm Eastern Time
Part One showcased the personal stories of two healthcare executive leaders as they navigated and led transformative change within their organizations or communities. Each leader delved into their approach, showcasing the strategies, tools, and frameworks they employed. They also discussed the challenges and barriers they encountered and share the valuable lessons and insights gained along the way. Participants had the opportunity to engage through Q&A opportunities and dynamic breakouts.
We were privileged to have as speakers:
Krista Brower, PhD, CE, CHE
Executive Director - Edmonton O-Day’min Primary Care Network (PCN)
Krista Brower, PhD, CE, CHE is a certified health executive and credentialed evaluator with over 17 years of experience in healthcare leadership, strategy, and evaluation. As Executive Director of an Alberta-based Primary Care Network (PCN), she leads clinical and operational initiatives to enhance patient care and system efficiency. She is widely recognized for her expertise in data-driven decision-making, change management, and stakeholder engagement, with a passion for building high-performing teams and driving measurable success. Krista also serves on the Board of Directors for Youth Empowerment and Support Services (YESS) and provides expert consulting services in evaluation and research, publishing insights to influence policy and systemic change in healthcare and beyond.
Tera Osborne, RN, B.Sc.N., M.Sc.
Executive Director - Tsi Kanonhkhwatsheríyo Indigenous Interprofessional Primary Care Team (IIPCT)
Tera is an accomplished leader with experience in healthcare administration, strategic planning, and community-centered care. As the Executive Director of Tsi Kanonhkhwatsheríyo IIPCT, she brings a deep commitment to advancing health equity and delivering culturally competent, patient-centered care to Indigenous communities. With over 20 years in leadership experience, Tera has worked alongside diverse stakeholders to enhance access to comprehensive health services while respecting Indigenous knowledge and traditions. Under her leadership, the team integrates a holistic approach to healthcare, blending the expertise of multiple disciplines to address the physical, mental, and spiritual health needs of Indigenous populations. Tera is passionate about building strong relationships with Indigenous leaders, communities, and health organizations to ensure that care models are rooted in cultural sensitivity, trust, and empowerment. She is a licensed Registered Nurse, holds a Masters degree in Population Medicine from the University of Guelph, and is currently completing her Ph.D. in Rural and Northern Health through Laurentian University. Tera also serves on several boards and advisory committees, advocating for policies and practices that elevate Indigenous healthcare rights. Through visionary leadership and a collaborative approach, Tera is dedicated to fostering a healthcare environment that is both inclusive and transformative, ensuring that Indigenous peoples receive the care and respect they deserve.
Part 2 – Plenary session at the CCHL National Conference
Hosted June 17 – 8:30 am - Plenary session at the CCHL National Conference
The CCHL National Conversation brought members together throughout the year to explore a priority topic in Canadian health care, fostering thought leadership and supporting effective health leadership. Through expert-informed dialogue, storytelling, and member participation, we identify key leadership skills and share insights via an Executive Summary distributed nationwide
This high-energy plenary session combined dynamic expert panelists with interactive audience participation to create a memorable and impactful experience. Attendees actively contributed using live polls, Q&A platforms, and rapid-fire audience challenges. Knowledge Nuggets—concise, high-impact bursts of information—were woven seamlessly throughout the session, delivering key insights and actionable takeaways in just a few minutes, ensuring maximum engagement and immediate applicability for the audience.
Attendees left energized, equipped with actionable insights, and inspired to apply new knowledge in their leadership roles.
Panelists:
Dr. Santanna Hernandez
Rural Family Medicine Residency - Medicine Hat, University of Calgary
Dr. Santanna Hernandez is Dene, from the Liidlii Kue Nation and Cold Lake First Nation on her father’s side and Dutch on her maternal side. She was raised on the traditional territory of the Sto:lo Nation and spent many years as a guest on the unceded territory of the Sinixt (Lakes), Syilx (Okanagan), Ktunaxa and Secwepemc (Shuswap) nations, whom she honours for the many traditions and gifts they shared with her. Dr. Hernandez is a mother of four children, and she is working on her own healing journey from post-generational trauma and ongoing systemic racism.
She recently completed her medical education at the University of Calgary and will be continuing her training in southern Alberta in rural family medicine. She served as the first Indigenous president of the Canadian Federation of Medical Students and continues to support the federation in the position of past president. She serves as co-chair on the ii'taa'poh'to'p student advisory circle and is continually working on research and initiatives to support Indigenous students at the university.
Dr. Hernandez uses her leadership and governance experience to walk a parallel path with allies. Before attending medical school, she completed a bachelor of Indigenous social work degree at the University of Victoria with a focus on Indigenous health and health policy. Dr. Hernandez has served three terms as the Student Director for the Canadian Medical Associations Board of Directors.
Dominic Giroux, CHE/LCS, FACHE, OCT/OEO, ICD.D
President and Chief Executive Officer
Dominic Giroux, CHE, FACHE, serves as President and CEO of Hôpital Montfort, Ontario’s Francophone academic hospital based in Ottawa. He previously served as President and CEO of Health Sciences North in Sudbury. He is Past Board Chair of the Ontario Hospital Association and Special Advisor to the CEO of Ontario Health.
Shiyen Shu
CCHL Faculty and LEADS Executive Coach
As an acclaimed Speaker, certified Executive Coach, and trusted advisor, Shiyen Shu is committed to helping great people become extraordinary healthcare leaders. Recognized as one of the Top 200 Biggest Voices in Leadership by leadersHum, alongside luminaries such as Simon Sinek, Adam Grant, and Marshall Goldsmith, Shiyen’s thought leadership has made a global impact. She has also been celebrated as a Top 75 Canadian Immigrant and awarded the prestigious Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Award for her contributions.
With a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from McMaster University, Shiyen began her career as a frontline clinician before shifting her focus to Organizational Development. Through her work across the healthcare system, she saw firsthand the leadership challenges that impacted teams and organizational outcomes. Her passion for developing leaders led her to establish Dream Dare Lead Inc., a firm dedicated to supporting individuals and organizations achieve greater levels of success and excellence in healthcare and beyond.
Shiyen extends her impact as an Adjunct Lecturer at the University of Toronto and Board Chair for a not-for-profit organization. Born in Mumbai, and now based in Mississauga, she finds joy as a devoted mother of three, blending family life with her mission to transform the future of leadership.
Janet M. Davidson
Healthcare Consultant
Janet Davidson works in healthcare consulting with a focus on strategy, organization management and design, and governance. Formerly, she served as Deputy Minister of Health for Alberta. Janet has over 40 years of experience in healthcare in the government, voluntary and hospital/community sectors in a number of Canadian jurisdictions and internationally. Janet currently holds the position of Administrator of the Nova Scotia Health Authority. She is a Board member of Bayshore Healthcare, the Hospital for Sick Children and Health Workforce Canada. She is immediate past chair of the Canadian Institute for Health Information and the Digital Research Alliance of Canada. She is the inaugural Johnson Fellow with the CD Howe Institute and co-chairs their health policy council.
Facilitator
Brenda Lammi – Senior Vice-President, Professional and Leadership Development
Since 2013, Brenda and the Professional and Leadership Development team have been instrumental at the Canadian College of Health Leaders, expanding programs and partnerships nationwide to integrate LEADS along with leadership development and integration initiatives across all provinces. Under her leadership, the Certified Health Executive (CHE) credential and Fellowship designation programs were refreshed, resulting in record uptake and surpassing registration expectations. Brenda also spearheaded the creation of the CCHL Circle, an exclusive networking and leadership development platform for members. She and the Professional and Leadership team have fostered numerous academic and employer alliances, building collaborative relationships that promote health leadership and lifelong learning.