Today we’d like to introduce you to Lorie Spence and Carolyn Pritchard

Hi Lorie and Carolyn, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?

Carolyn: My exploration of potential career paths began in high school. Inspired by my mother’s guidance and navigating the uncertain economic landscape of the 1980s, I gravitated towards the stability offered by a career in healthcare, specifically nursing. While I found immense satisfaction in directly supporting patients, I was inspired by the possibility of transferring the skills I had gained to help create large-scale change.

Throughout my career, I consistently strive for alignment between my core values and my professional pursuits. This unwavering commitment ultimately led me to co-found Bridge Medical Communications alongside Lorie. Our mission reflects our shared vision—to empower patients with the knowledge and tools necessary to actively manage their health and participate meaningfully in their care.

Lorie: I began my work experience in the medical communications industry by working in events for a large agency. During this time I had the opportunity to attend many conferences and industry workshops.

My interest in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industry prompted me to pursue an MBA, so I could gain knowledge about business and strategy that could help me support this industry. I knew I could create and build something unique in the medical communications field, specifically tailored to the needs of Canadian clients.

This desire, fueled by a shared vision with Carolyn, led to the development of Bridge Medical Communications. At Bridge, we leverage our network of connections to meticulously craft the most effective medical communication strategies, offering innovative solutions that deliver a real and lasting impact on the healthcare landscape.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

Navigating the rapidly evolving healthcare space has indeed posed challenges. While groundbreaking discoveries and innovative therapies revolutionize patient care, they often outpace the readiness of healthcare systems and providers. At Bridge Medical Communications, we recognize this lag between research and practical implementation. Our mission is to provide comprehensive support to healthcare systems and providers, ensuring they are well-prepared to integrate new advancements seamlessly.

To stay ahead of the curve, we foster a culture of continuous learning and innovation. This commitment ensures our team has the skills and expertise to develop solutions that meet the dynamic needs of the healthcare industry while maintaining our core values.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?

Bridge Medical Communications began with a mission to bridge the gap between the medical industry and healthcare professionals. However, the ever-evolving healthcare landscape demanded a more comprehensive approach. We have transformed to become a champion for collaboration among all stakeholders involved in patient care – physicians, nurses, patient groups, and beyond. Today, Bridge aims to be the Apple of medical communications, consistently delivering innovative solutions and experiences to patients and healthcare providers, dedicated to improving healthcare interactions and outcomes.

We’ve found that the role of medical communications is becoming increasingly prominent. The rise of specialized therapies and the emphasis on collaborative care within today’s complex healthcare systems require a nuanced approach to communication. Understanding the unique patient journey is paramount in determining the effectiveness of targeted treatments. By using effective communication strategies, providers, industry and patients can ensure proper disease and therapeutic care management, minimizing the risk of adverse events.

At Bridge Medical Communications, we’re proud to be a woman-led organization that has fostered a diverse and inclusive team for over 13 years. This very diversity reflects the collaborative spirit we champion. We believe in fostering open communication across the entire healthcare spectrum, empowering everyone with the information and resources they need to navigate the intricacies of patient care.

We recognize that the complexities of the healthcare space have significantly increased over the past decade. Consequently, collaboration and medical communications have become more important than ever. By ensuring everyone involved – from providers to industry to patients – has access to the right information and resources, we can empower healthcare professionals to optimize patient outcomes through innovative communication tools, creativity, and strategic collaboration.

We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?

Carolyn: I love staying on top of trends, both in healthcare and beyond. Just as I’m excited about the latest fashion releases from Canadian brands like Smythe or the hottest new restaurants in Toronto, I’m equally interested in what medical education influencers are doing and how the field is evolving in connecting with healthcare professionals.

The tools and tactics that were once effective in healthcare have undergone a significant transformation in recent years. By staying on top of the latest in healthcare, we keep Bridge Medical Communications impactful and ready to deliver cutting-edge solutions.

Lorie: We are deeply dedicated to empowering and connecting exceptional women in healthcare. By actively participating in initiatives and events designed to foster collaboration, we demonstrate our unwavering commitment to working together across the healthcare ecosystem.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bridgemedcomms.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bridgemedcomms/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bridgemedcomms/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/BridgeMedComms

Image Credits

Lorie Spence, Co-Founder, Bridge Medical Communications and Carolyn Pritchard, Co-Founder, Bridge Medical Communications