Chronic Disease at Work
Feb. 4, 2026 | Virtual event
Confirmed sessions:
Fireside chat: Prevention in practice at Symcor
As an organization with well-being at the core of its employee value proposition, Symcor Inc. takes a holistic, inclusive and data-informed approach to chronic disease prevention. In a fireside chat, Rachel Wong, vice-president of total rewards and human resources technology, will discuss this approach, including how it reaches a diverse workforce with awareness and educational campaigns, as well as a new chronic disease program that targets diabetes, cardiovascular health and personalized medication delivery.
Speaker:
Rachel Wong, vice-president, total rewards and HR technology, Symcor
Moderator:
Jennifer Paterson, editor, Benefits Canada
More than skin deep: How chronic skin conditions impact work and well-being
The impacts of chronic skin disorders aren’t always visible; they can lead to significant consequences on work productivity and mental health. With a focus on atopic dermatitis and prurigo nodularis, this session will explore how employers can create workplaces that support health, inclusion and performance. It will highlight how thoughtful policies and benefits design can make a real difference in supporting employees living with chronic skin conditions.
Speaker:
Dr. Maxwell Sauder, dermatologist, Toronto Dermatology Centre
This session has been made possible by Galderma.
How relationship-based care drives better employee health
Today's health care is fragmented. Employees are forced to navigate a siloed system for physical and mental health, contributing to stress, burnout and unmanaged chronic conditions. This session will explore how a benefits program can offer employees a single, trusted "quarterback" for their total health needs. It will discuss proven models built on relationship-based care and explore how an integrated approach, with one team working together to address factors that contribute to chronic disease, is key to proactive prevention. It will highlight how these models build trust, can catch small issues before they become catastrophic claims and support preventive health goals by tackling the risk factors of chronic disease.
Speakers:
Dr. Matthew Chow, chief mental health officer, Telus Health
Dr. Adam Myers, senior vice-president, Telus Health Care Centres
Navigating the chronic disease landscape
Chronic diseases continue to drive rising health-care costs and impact workforce productivity. This session will explore how comprehensive wellness and prevention programs can help improve long-term health outcomes and support cost management for employers. It will also highlight strategies for implementing effective wellness initiatives and preventive care programs.
Speaker:
Alexandra Smith, director, ePharmancy, Sun Life
Hope and healing: Treatments for postpartum depression
Postpartum depression is an underdiagnosed and undertreated condition with potentially long-term impacts on both mother and child. Fortunately, mothers in Canada now have access to more information, resources and treatment options than ever before. This session will explore postpartum depression and its effects, review Canadian treatment guidelines and highlight the importance of early detection and timely treatment.
Speaker:
Dr. Tanya Tulipan, assistant professor of psychiatry, Dalhousie University
This session has been made possible by Biogen.
More sessions to be announced soon.
INTERESTED IN SPONSORING?
Contact Francesca Allman about availability
SPONSORS
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE AGENDA?
Please email Alyssa Palmer





