Olfat Berro's journey in healthcare began in Lebanon, amidst a civil war that severely impacted access to medical services. Motivated by her early experiences, she pursued a degree in pharmaceutical sciences at the Lebanese University, followed by a doctorate in France. In 2003, she started her career at Roche and became the Middle East head in 2019, breaking barriers as the first female leader in this position.
Berro is passionate about making healthcare accessible for all, advocating that companies invest in their employees' growth. Under her leadership, Roche has initiated various programs aimed at improving healthcare, especially for women.
Her collaborations, including a significant partnership with the Egyptian Ministry of Health, have led to improved screening and treatment services for breast cancer. Berro believes in the importance of research and equitable access to medication, ensuring that all patients, regardless of their background, receive the best care possible.
Difficult words
- advocate — Support or speak for a cause or group.advocating
- accessible — Easy to reach or obtain for everyone.
- collaboration — Working together on a common goal.collaborations
- significant — Important and meaningful.
- initiated — Started or began something.
- equitable — Fair and just for everyone.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How can healthcare become more accessible for everyone?
- What are some barriers women face in healthcare leadership?
- Why is collaboration important in healthcare initiatives?
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