Lisa McFarland

External Funding Specialist at AstraZeneca

Speaker

Lisa McFarland joined AstraZeneca Canada as an External Funding Specialist in March 2024. In this pivotal role, Lisa takes on the responsibility of reviewing and approving a variety of healthcare funding requests across Canada, including grants, sponsorships, and donations. Her work plays a crucial role in supporting eligible organizations and healthcare-related initiatives that aim to advance patient health, increase access to care, drive scientific innovation, and build resilient communities.

Beyond her approval duties, Lisa provides strategic consultation and educational support to foster a strong culture of compliance within the organization, reducing potential risks associated with external funding. With over 25 years of experience in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, Lisa has extensive knowledge and expertise in healthcare compliance. Before joining AstraZeneca, she spent eight years as a Healthcare Engagement Compliance Associate at Johnson & Johnson Canada, where she conducted thorough reviews and evaluations of funding requests and value transfers involving Healthcare Professionals (HCPs), ensuring strict adherence to compliance standards.

Earlier in her career, Lisa worked as a Contracts Administrator at Novo Nordisk Canada for three years, facilitating interactions with HCPs and vendors while managing complex contractual agreements. She also gained valuable experience as an Intellectual Property Associate at Biovail Canada and Hemosol Inc., and at renowned intellectual property law firms, such as Torys LLP and Borden Ladner Gervais. This diverse experience has deepened her understanding of laws, legal requirements, and compliance in regulated environments.

As a Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional (CCEP), Lisa appreciates the importance of maintaining high ethical standards. She is currently in her third year pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at Carleton University’s Faculty of Public Affairs, further strengthening her foundation in policy analysis and governance. Additionally, she has earned a Certificate in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Foundations from the University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine.