Covid-19: The Great Teacher
January 21, 2026
Can you believe it? Almost six years have gone by since the Covid-19 pandemic crashed into the world, challenging healthcare systems across the globe to meet the moment. In the midst of the pandemic, we asked several pharmaceutical stakeholders how their organizations were managing through the crisis. They moved us with their courage and commitment to do whatever it took to protect Canadians through the storm. Read the original article here.
For this special issue, we asked them to reflect on how the pandemic has changed their organizations and how they expect these changes to shape their future. If there’s one thing their takeaways have in common, it’s that working together can break down the highest walls.
How did the pandemic reshape your approach to patient care—then and now?
“Within 48 hours of Health Canada’s approval of one of the Covid-19 vaccines, our Innomar teams were already importing product into the country, and we helped distribute more than 50 million doses nationwide. We learned that resilience isn’t just about infrastructure, but about people, partnerships, and the ability to respond to extraordinary pressures without losing sight of the individual patient.”
Guy Payette President, Innomar
“Covid was the ultimate test of a business continuity plan. The experience led us to fortify our patient care model to withstand significant disruption. We now put more emphasis on cross-functional collaboration and problem solving. Looking ahead, we are more focused on building adaptable systems and processes and fostering a culture that thrives in uncertainty.”
Marc Grenier Vice President of Operations, BioScript Solutions
“Managing patient care through the pandemic helped us optimize our virtual services, such as virtual injection training and counselling, which patients quickly embraced out of necessity. We adopted a philosophy of ‘unreasonable hospitality,’ recognizing that our time with patients could be the brightest part of their day during a period of deep isolation. The lessons from that time continue to guide us, keeping us focused on connection, empathy, adaptability, and purpose-driven care.”
Taflyn Hornibrook CEO, Sentrex Health Solutions
“When COVID hit, McKesson set up a ‘war room’ and mobilized quickly to get urgent medications to patients without delay - despite lockdowns, supply chain disruptions, and shifting protocols. That urgency accelerated our digital transformation and sowed the seeds for a more comprehensive digital patient journey. This mindset continues to guide us today in the face of the next disruption: AI.”
Uchenwa Genus Vice President, Specialty Pharmacy, Specialty Health, McKesson Canada
“During the pandemic, we learned to listen more closely, communicate more transparently, and prioritize mental health alongside physical well-being. Silos broke down as teams came together to solve complex problems quickly. That spirit of agility and collaboration continues to shape our work today. We’re more focused on planning for the unexpected and on patient-centred solutions.”
Jenny Stapleton National Director of Pharmaceutical & Payor Solutions, Bayshore Specialty Rx