As a dedicated leader in the healthcare and pharmacy industry, Christine Donaldson is committed to leaving a positive impact on others. “I wanted to have a chance to impact someone’s daily living, their future, and their health”.
Christine joined HealthPRO Canada in 2017, where she led the organization’s national Pharmacy portfolio, and has served as Interim President and CEO since 2023 until her appointment in May 2024 as President and CEO. Before attaining her role at HealthPRO Canada, Christine was Regional Director of Pharmacy Services at Windsor Regional Hospital, overseeing pharmacy operations for a multi-site inpatient program, the regional cancer centre, as well as accredited outpatient pharmacies. Christine’s career in this industry started in teaching hospitals in downtown Toronto after she graduated from the University of Toronto. After 10 years, Christine moved back to her hometown in Windsor, working at a local hospital. “It was so rewarding to be able to take what I learned in a larger urban setting, bring it back to a smaller community hospital and elevate the programs that serve the community that I grew up in”.
Founded in 1996, HealthPRO Canada is a national group purchasing platform that connects healthcare teams to supplies and solutions needed to care for Canadians. HealthPRO Canada has been a trusted partner in Canada’s healthcare supply chain for over 25 years, facilitating and managing modern, innovative and sustainable contracts for supplies, equipment and medications. This year, HealthPRO Canada celebrates their 25th year anniversary as a Corporate Member with the College. Christine shares that since HealthPRO Canada joined an advisory council to the College, the organization can better understand some of the challenges in healthcare across Canada. As a leader, she believes that the College is “a unique opportunity to share practices and to learn from one another”.
As an industry leader, Christine considers the most rewarding part of her career is to leave a positive impact on others. Throughout her career, she has mentored students, and led organizations and national committees, which she adds have all “helped advance my profession and get involved in my community. These are the things that fill me up and make me feel a part of something important – the future of healthcare and where we’re headed”. Christine admits that teaching and mentoring have had a large importance to her career. “As part of a team, one always has an opportunity to educate others and really seek to understand the value and knowledge that everyone brings to the table”.
Christine advises new corporate members joining the College to jump right in and get involved, starting by understanding what the vision and leadership opportunities are. She professes that the College is a great way to connect visionary leaders across Canada, where they can learn from one another and share their experiences. When mentoring students, one of Christine’s biggest pieces of advice is: “Your plan evolves as you build your network, and new unexpected opportunities open doors to possibilities. Always be open to explore new paths”.
