The DLC’s primary purpose is to enhance the faculty’s reputation, external relationships, funding, and partnerships.
“The guidance of our DLC members is invaluable as we focus on how to successfully address research, education, innovation, and technology in our rapidly changing world,” says Dr. Jasmin. “With the upcoming launch of our new strategic plan in 2025, their external counsel brings fresh subject matter expertise to these topics.”
“I am honoured to be part of the Dean's Leadership Council of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Ottawa,” said Jean Pineault, Chair of the Council. “This commitment is an exciting opportunity to actively contribute to the evolution of world-class health research right here in Ottawa with the goal to ultimately improve patient outcomes in Canada and beyond, bringing diverse perspectives and innovative ideas."
"The creation of the DLC represents a crucial step in our mission to expand our global leadership in a dynamic environment through innovation in education, research, health of populations and patient-partnered care, in both official languages,” says Dr. Jasmin.
Members of the DLC have strong and demonstrated expertise in various fields and come from diverse backgrounds. Each member demonstrates a deep commitment to advancing the boundaries of medicine. Check out the biographies of the first seven DLC members below:
Dr. Sanjay Batra, PhD
Dr. Sanjay Batra, a distinguished professional, boasts a stellar career spanning 25 years across various sectors. A Fellow of the American College of Cardiology and former Adjunct Professor at the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Dr. Batra's expertise encompasses start-ups, biotech, big pharma, medical devices, and consumer products.
With a decade-long tenure at Johnson & Johnson, concluding as Vice President of Research and Development, Pharmaceuticals, Asia-Pacific, and Japan, Dr. Batra played a pivotal role in over 80 clinical trials. As President and CEO of a regenerative medicine company, he oversaw autologous point-of-care systems.
In 2013, Dr. Batra founded VIAS Partners, providing strategic collaboration for startups and established firms. In 2020, he established WeThrivv, focusing on scientifically based wellness products. Known for his interpersonal skills, mentorship, and scientific contributions, Dr. Batra is dedicated to bringing integrity, insight, and innovation to global healthcare.
Dr. Batra holds a PhD in medical physiology from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa.
Mr. David Dean, MSc, MBA
Mr. David Dean brings over 20 years of business development, company analysis, and corporate finance experience. He is currently the Chief Business Development Officer of Canary Medical, a global leader in building and connecting “smart” medical implants. Prior to Canary, Mr. Dean was the Chief Business Development Officer of Cardiome/Correvio, where he was part of a team that built a Geneva-based specialty pharma company focused on high-impact hospital drugs (later acquired by a well-established pharmaceutical company).
Before his work building companies from the inside, Mr. Dean was a Director and Research Analyst at the largest independent investment bank in Canada. There, he was central to creating one of the most impactful healthcare franchises on Bay Street.
Mr. Dean holds a Master of Science in physiology from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa.
Dr. Melissa Feldberg, MD
Dr. Melissa Feldberg began her 20-plus-year career in Community Family Medicine, which has led to multiple achievements, notably a fellowship designation by The College of Family Physicians of Canada for her commitment to patient care and experience. Her approach is distinguished by a patient-centered methodology that establishes trusting, compassionate, and beneficial therapeutic connections.
She has also served as a recurring lecturer for medical students and residents in the University of Toronto's Family and Community Medicine Department and the Family Medicine Longitudinal Experience Program.
Now she looks to provide that same commitment and passion to her role as an Investigative Coroner, utilizing her medical expertise, effective problem-solving, and drive for professional excellence to serve the Province of Ontario and its constituents.
Her journey in medicine began after graduating from the University of Ottawa as a Doctor of Medicine in 2001, followed by a two-year residency in Family Medicine at the University of Toronto.
Mr. Daniel Labonté MBA
Mr. Daniel Labonté is a retired CEO with over 30 years of leadership experience spanning the private, not-for-profit, and public sectors. He has led diverse teams across sales, marketing, information technology, talent management, organization development, and general management. Since retirement, he has continued to shape the next generation of business leaders by sharing his vast knowledge and experience through individual coaching.
Prior to retirement, Mr. Labonté was the CEO of MD Financial Management, a wealth management firm dedicated to serving Canada’s physicians and their families. As MD Financial’s CEO, he completed the successful integration of MD into Scotiabank and delivered the first Canadian pension fund designed specifically for physicians.
Mr. Labonté has also applied his experience in strategy and business to various board governance and committee roles, including the Investment Funds Institute of Canada, MD Financial Management, and MD’s multiple OSFI-regulated subsidiaries.
Mr. Labonté earned both a Bachelor of Science and an MBA from the University of Ottawa.
Dr. Guylaine Lefebvre, MD
Dr. Guylaine Lefebvre has had a distinguished career in healthcare leadership, focusing on education, quality improvement, and obstetrics and gynecology. Between 2001 and 2014, she served as chief of obstetrics and gynecology at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto, where she also chaired the Medical Advisory Council and became the inaugural joint chair of women’s health for St. Michael’s Hospital and the University of Toronto.
After relocating to Ottawa in 2015, she joined the Canadian Medical Protective Association as Director of Practice Improvement. This was followed by her appointment as the Executive Director of Learning and Connecting at the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, a post she held until 2024.
A past President of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada, she has received international recognition for her work, including an honorary fellowship at the Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists in the United Kingdom. In 2007, she received the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal for her contributions to women’s health in Canada.
Dr. Lefebvre completed medical school and her obstetrics and gynecology residency at the University of Ottawa, followed by a fellowship in advanced gynecologic surgery at the Mayo Clinic.
Dr. Jean Pineault, PhD,
Chair
Dr. Jean Pineault, a visionary executive in biotechnology and clinical diagnostics, excels in rapidly growing and professionalizing businesses. His leadership, emphasizing integrity and inclusion, has left a lasting impact.
As President & CEO of BioHybrid Solutions (BHS) between 2021 and 2024, Dr. Pineault restructured the company, established BHS Holdings, Inc., and strategically de-risked drug development, positioning BHS for breakthroughs. At Haematologic Technologies in 2020, he achieved a strong growth trajectory amid a global pandemic, introducing a unique Host Cell Protein mitigation strategy.
At Pyxant Labs, Inc., as President and COO, he led a turnaround, surpassing industry profit margins and introducing key innovations. SPEware's strategy under Dr. Pineault led to a successful sale to The Tecan Group in 2016, with remarkable rises in valuation, revenue, and clientele. At Tandem Labs, his strategic initiatives spurred exponential growth in value.
Dr. Pineault holds a Master's in Biochemistry from the University of Ottawa and maintains a strong alumni connection.
Mr. Tim Smith
Mr. Tim Smith brings over 30 years of experience working with and leading physicians across Canada. Since 2015, he has been the CEO of the Canadian Medical Association (CMA), a tenure that ends in November 2024. Since 2019, he has also served as the CEO of the CMA Group of Companies, which includes wholly owned subsidiaries such as CMA InvestCo, a private investment company that manages $2.9 billion in assets.
As CEO of the CMA, Mr. Smith led visionary changes to this 156-year-old organization. He revamped its governance structure and advocated for an organization that better reflected member wants, professional needs, and public expectations. In 2018, he led the historic sale of MD Financial Management to Scotiabank for over $2.5 billion.
Prior to becoming CEO, Mr. Smith served as the CMA’s Vice President of Professional Services and Leadership, as well as the Executive Vice President of Member Solutions for MD Physicians Services Inc.
Mr. Smith holds a degree in economics and an MBA from the University of Ottawa.
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