An Inspiring Evening at the Novartis Gesundheitsforum: A Personal Reflection

On October 28th, 2024, I had the privilege of participating in the 26th Novartis Gesundheitsforum at the Landesmuseum Zürich. The event tackled a pivotal question: Does Switzerland need a Women’s Health Plan? This thought-provoking topic drew together healthcare experts, policymakers, and industry leaders to explore the unique needs of women’s health and how addressing them could lead to a more equitable healthcare system.

Get to Know Novartis

Founded in 1996 through the merger of Ciba-Geigy and Sandoz, Novartis is one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies, headquartered in Basel, Switzerland. With a global presence, the company employs approximately 100,000 people across 140 countries and reported a turnover of over USD 50 billion in 2023. Novartis is consistently ranked among the top pharmaceutical companies worldwide, known for its innovative contributions to medicine.

During the Novartis Gesundheitsforum, the company highlighted its focus on addressing healthcare challenges through innovation and collaboration. By working with experts across disciplines, Novartis aims to contribute to a more inclusive and personalized healthcare system. These initiatives reflect the growing global trend of prioritizing patient-centered approaches in healthcare.

Elevating Gender Perspectives in Medicine

From the outset, it was clear that integrating gender perspectives into medicine is not just essential for women—it benefits society as a whole. Professor Catherine Gebhard’s presentation on cardiovascular disease provided a striking example of how health risk factors differ between men and women. She explained how stress, hormonal imbalances, and lifestyle choices affect women’s cardiovascular health uniquely, and I couldn’t help but draw parallels to my work as a cancer coach. These same factors often intersect in cancer care, reinforcing the importance of a holistic approach to prevention—one that accounts for physical, emotional, and social health.

What we know is that women respond to cancer treatments differently than men, highlighting the need for a personalized approach. Every individual’s journey is unique, and tailoring treatments to account for these differences ensures more effective and compassionate care.

Professor Beatrice Beck Schimmer, Director of University Medicine Zurich, expanded on this theme by highlighting the importance of equity in medicine. She emphasized that true progress requires moving beyond a “one-size-fits-all” approach. Gender-sensitive research and treatment are not only necessary for fairness but also for improving health outcomes. Her words were a powerful reminder of how essential it is to recognize and address gender differences in healthcare.

Addressing Funding Disparities

One of the evening’s most compelling messages came from Sophie Revaz of Groupe Mutuel, who shared an alarming statistic: despite women making up half the population, only 4% of health research and innovation funding is specifically allocated to women’s health. Her call for targeted investment resonated throughout the room, underlining the urgency of closing this gap. Without adequate funding, advancements in understanding and addressing women’s unique health needs will remain limited.

National Councillor Bettina Balmer echoed this urgency by pointing out that the medical field still heavily relies on a “male prototype” in research and treatment. This systemic bias can lead to disparities in care and outcomes. Her call for incorporating gender medicine into public policy was both timely and necessary, reminding us that systemic change requires advocacy at every level.

Women’s Health Benefits Everyone

A particularly inspiring moment came when Professor Bettina Borisch articulated how improving women’s health extends beyond individual benefits to positively impact society as a whole. When women’s unique health needs are met, families, communities, and workplaces also thrive. This broader societal perspective reframed the discussion, highlighting that women’s health is not just a women’s issue—it’s a societal imperative.

David Traub, the Country President of IM Switzerland, added another layer to this discussion, emphasizing the role of industry accountability in addressing gender disparities in healthcare. His commitment to driving meaningful change from within the corporate sector reminded us that collaboration across fields is crucial to progress.

Breaking Taboos and Empowering Women

A recurring theme throughout the evening was the need to break taboos and empower women to take charge of their health. This message resonated deeply with me, as it aligns with my mission as a cancer coach to help women navigate their health journeys with confidence and resilience. As Christine Maier, our skilled moderator, noted, the discussions were filled with inspiration and actionable insights, reflecting the profound impact of the event on all who attended.

The Q&A session was particularly moving, with audience members voicing their perspectives and personal experiences. Two participants specifically highlighted the value of having a cancer coach during a patient’s journey. They advocated for making holistic support—not just medical treatment—a standard part of care. Hearing this affirmed my belief that cancer coaching is not an optional luxury but a vital resource. It provides patients with emotional, practical, and lifestyle support, empowering them to approach their healing journeys with greater ease and confidence.

A Holistic Vision for Healthcare

The evening reinforced my conviction that health is a complex interplay of physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Personalized, gender-sensitive approaches to medicine are not only ideal but essential to meet the unique needs of individuals. Whether it’s addressing disparities in funding or advocating for gender medicine in public policy, the forum showcased the collective effort required to create a more inclusive and effective healthcare system.

As I reflect on the evening, I feel immense gratitude for being part of such an important conversation. I’m especially thankful to Agnès Bachofner, Public Affairs Manager at Novartis Pharma Schweiz AG, whose exceptional coordination ensured a seamless and impactful event. Her efforts brought together a diverse and knowledgeable panel, fostering rich discussions that left a lasting impression.

Christine Maier’s skillful moderation also played a crucial role in creating a space where ideas could flow freely. Her ability to guide conversations with clarity and focus added depth to the evening.

The Novartis Gesundheitsforum was more than an event—it was a call to action. It reminded me of the power of sharing stories, advocating for change, and collaborating across sectors to drive meaningful progress. I leave with a renewed commitment to champion holistic, inclusive approaches to health and to advocate for cancer coaching as an integral part of healthcare.

By addressing disparities, investing in research, and challenging outdated norms, we can build a future where every individual’s health journey is met with compassion, care, and the resources they deserve. Together, we can create a system that not only serves women but benefits all of society.