Juan Roman

Juan Roman is a distinguished figure in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industry, currently residing in Boston and originally hailing from the vibrant culture of Spain. His 23-year career is a testament to his dedication, hard work, and a profound desire to contribute positively to healthcare delivery and outcomes. Juan’s journey began in consulting, where for 12 years, he collaborated with a myriad of healthcare organizations, striving to enhance efficiency, care, and innovation. His strategic insight and deep understanding of healthcare dynamics made him a revered consultant among peers and clients alike.

Transitioning to the pharmaceutical sector, Juan has spent the last 11 years at the forefront of drug development and market strategies, significantly impacting patient care and treatment options. His work is underscored by a commitment to ethical practices and patient-centric solutions. Beyond his professional endeavors, Juan is deeply ingrained in his Boston community, actively volunteering and organizing sports events for youth. His dedication to community service has earned him numerous awards, recognizing both his volunteer efforts and his ability to inspire communal giving.

An avid sports enthusiast, Juan’s passion extends to tennis, pickleball, basketball, and soccer—reflecting his belief in physical well-being and teamwork. Educated at the University of Pennsylvania and NYU Stern School of Business, his academic accolades include making the Dean’s List for outstanding performance. Currently, as Vice President of Market Access at Veranex, Juan continues to influence the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries with his innovative approach to solving complex problems and his unwavering support for patient care.

What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?

My typical day involves a mix of strategic planning, team collaboration, and continuous learning within the healthcare and pharmaceutical landscape. I start my day early, prioritizing tasks that align with our long-term goals, particularly in market strategies and patient care initiatives. Staying productive means balancing focused work with regular breaks for mental clarity. I also dedicate time to staying informed about the latest healthcare trends and research, which fuels my work and sparks innovation.

How do you bring ideas to life?

Bringing ideas to life in the pharmaceutical industry requires a collaborative effort. My approach involves initial brainstorming sessions, followed by thorough market and scientific research to validate the feasibility of these ideas. Engaging with a multidisciplinary team, including researchers, healthcare professionals, and market analysts, is crucial. This collective wisdom, coupled with strategic planning and ethical considerations, transforms ideas into tangible solutions that benefit patient care.

What’s one trend that excites you?

One trend that truly excites me is the integration of digital health technologies into patient care. The potential for remote monitoring, telehealth, and personalized medicine to improve patient outcomes and accessibility to healthcare is immense. This digital revolution not only streamlines healthcare delivery but also empowers patients in their care journey, promising a more efficient and patient-centered healthcare ecosystem.

What is one habit that helps you be productive?

A habit that significantly boosts my productivity is setting and reviewing short-term and long-term goals regularly. This practice keeps me focused and aligned with our company’s mission and my personal career objectives. Additionally, dedicating specific time blocks for deep work while minimizing distractions has been instrumental in maintaining high productivity levels.

What advice would you give your younger self?

To my younger self, I would emphasize the importance of resilience, openness to change, and the pursuit of continuous learning. I would advise being fearless in exploring new opportunities and not being deterred by failures. Embracing change, especially unexpected career shifts, can lead to fulfilling paths that align more closely with one’s passions and values.

Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?

A belief I hold, which often faces skepticism, is that true innovation in healthcare isn’t just about groundbreaking technology or drugs; it’s equally about improving accessibility and affordability of care. I argue that innovation should be measured not only by scientific breakthroughs but also by our ability to make those advancements available to everyone in need, regardless of their economic status.

What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?

One practice I adhere to and recommend is continuous learning and self-improvement. Whether it’s through reading, attending workshops, or engaging in meaningful conversations with mentors and peers, investing in personal growth is paramount. This habit not only enhances one’s skill set but also keeps one adaptable and prepared for future challenges.

When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?

When I feel overwhelmed or unfocused, I take a step back to meditate and reflect on the bigger picture. This practice helps me regain clarity and focus on what truly matters. Engaging in physical activities like playing basketball or tennis also helps clear my mind and relieve stress, allowing me to approach tasks with renewed energy and focus.

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?

A strategy that has significantly contributed to my career growth is networking and building strong relationships within the healthcare industry. Establishing a robust network of mentors, colleagues, and industry peers has opened doors to opportunities, provided invaluable insights, and supported my professional development. Actively participating in industry events and forums has been crucial in expanding my network.

What is one failure in your career,  how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?

A pivotal moment in my career was facing job loss due to company reorganization. Initially, it felt like a devastating setback, but I turned it into an opportunity for growth. By focusing on the positives, networking, and exploring new paths, I transitioned into healthcare consulting, which propelled my career forward. This experience taught me the importance of resilience, adaptability, and the value of a supportive professional network.

What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?

I’m willing to share a business idea focused on leveraging digital health technologies to improve healthcare accessibility in underserved communities. This could involve a platform that connects patients with healthcare providers for remote consultations, monitoring, and personalized care plans, breaking down barriers to healthcare access.

What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?

A piece of software that enhances my productivity is Trello. I use it for project management, organizing tasks, setting deadlines, and tracking progress. Its intuitive interface and flexibility in managing various projects and collaborative efforts help keep me and my team aligned and efficient.

Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?

A book that has had a significant impact on me is “The Innovator’s Prescription” by Clayton Christensen. It offers insightful perspectives on disrupting the healthcare industry through innovation, emphasizing value-based care models. This book has influenced my approach to innovation in healthcare, guiding me towards patient-centric and sustainable solutions.

What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?

A series I recently enjoyed is “Ted Lasso.” Beyond its humor, it showcases the importance of leadership, teamwork, and positivity, regardless of the setting. Its messages about empathy, resilience, and the impact of positive leadership resonate with me, reflecting values I strive to embody in my professional and personal life.

Key learnings:

• Resilience and Adaptability are Key: This mindset is crucial for navigating the complexities of the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries.
• Continuous Learning and Community Engagement Enhance Career Success.
• Innovation in Healthcare Goes Beyond Technology: Systemic changes to healthcare delivery emphasizes the impact on patient care and outcomes.