About› Leadership› Board of Directors› Board of Directors Election: Meet the Candidates› Elliot Desilets

I am the Director of Government Relations at Petal Health, where I manage our government relations program, focusing on engaging with government and health delivery organizations to address their most challenging problems and improve patient access to care. With over a decade of experience in the healthcare sector, I have supported and led sales engagements with health system stakeholders across Canada and the United States.

I have a Master of Science degree from the University of Manitoba and has been actively involved in the digital health community since joining Petal in 2021. This role has allowed me to develop strong relationships and a deep understanding of the healthcare landscape, positioning my organization to make meaningful contributions to the advancement of digital health initiatives.

In addition to my work at Petal, I also serve as the Member-at-Large for Manitoba with the HIMSS Prairie Chapter, where I contribute to advancing health information and technology in the region. I also actively participate in Digital Health Canada’s regional and national events and advocated for my organization to join the community.

Elliot has been a Digital Health Canada Member for 4 years.

Why do you want to join the Digital Health Canada Board of Directors at this point in your career?

With over a decade of experience in healthcare, serving clients across Canada and the United States in various capacities, I joined Petal in 2021 and quickly immersed myself in the health technology space. I was pleasantly surprised by the tight-knit yet welcoming nature of the digital health community across Canada, which is deeply committed to both learning and teaching. My participation in numerous Digital Health Canada events has allowed me to witness firsthand the organization’s pivotal role in connecting organizations and fostering collaboration. This experience has fuelled my passion for digital health and reinforced my belief in the transformative power of technology in healthcare.

I am eager to join the Digital Health Canada Board of Directors to leverage my experience and passion for digital health in driving innovation and positive change. This opportunity aligns perfectly with my commitment to continuous learning and growth, allowing me to contribute to shaping the future of healthcare while expanding my own knowledge and skills in this dynamic field.

How does your experience align with the Digital Health Canada strategic plan and mandate?

Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working for small to medium sized organizations, which has underscored the critical importance of building strong relationships to better understand and serve my clients. Connecting with like-minded professionals has been fundamental to both my personal and professional growth. In my role at Petal, I focus on identifying and addressing the needs of governments, health delivery organizations, and individual providers. My goal is to help these entities overcome their greatest challenges and align their priorities to support the well-being of Canadian citizens. This experience has equipped me with a deep understanding of the health technology landscape and the collaborative spirit needed to drive meaningful change, which aligns with Digital Health Canada’s strategic plan that focuses on connecting and empowering those enabling digital healthcare in Canada.

What unique skills, perspectives and contributions would you bring to the Digital Health Canada Board?

I believe that I bring a unique blend of skills and perspectives to the Digital Health Canada Board, shaped by over a decade of experience in healthcare and health technology, as well as a lifetime of understanding the healthcare space given that my mother was an ED nurse for over 35 years!

  • Cross-Sector Experience: My role at Petal involves collaborating with governments, health delivery organizations, and individual providers, giving me a comprehensive view of the healthcare ecosystem and the ability to align diverse priorities.
    Innovation and Adaptability: Transitioning into the health technology space in 2021, I quickly adapted and thrived, demonstrating my ability to embrace new challenges and drive innovation.
  • Community Engagement: Active participation in Digital Health Canada events has deepened my understanding of the digital health community and its collaborative spirit, which I am eager to contribute to and enhance.
  • Commitment to Continuous Learning: My dedication to ongoing education and professional development ensures that I stay abreast of the latest trends and advancements in digital health, enabling me to bring fresh insights and ideas to the board.
Do you or have or have you ever had any direct patient care experience (clinical)?

No

What segments within the Digital Health Canada community do you feel you will best represent?
  • Emerging Professionals
  • Vendors
  • Academic & Research
With which Digital Health Canada committees, task groups or activities have you volunteered in past five years?
Recognizing the importance of fostering relationships both in-person and virtually, I have actively participated in the majority of Digital Health Canada’s regional and national events over the past four years. My commitment to these events has allowed me to build meaningful connections and stay engaged with the digital health community. In 2021, I successfully advocated for my organization to join Digital Health Canada, which has significantly expanded our network and facilitated collaborations with like-minded organizations across Canada. Through these efforts, I believe I have contributed to Digital Health Canada’s mission to connect, empower, and inspire those enabling digital healthcare in Canada
What other board appointments or relevant leadership experiences have you had in the past five years?

I currently serve as the Member-at-Large for Manitoba with the HIMSS Prairie Chapter, where I actively contribute to advancing health information and technology in the region.

At Petal, I manage our government relations program, focusing on engaging with government and health delivery organizations to address their most challenging problems. My primary goal is to improve patient access to care, ensuring that healthcare services are more efficient and accessible for all.

Why do you feel Digital Health Canada members should vote for you?
Digital Health Canada members should vote for me because I represent the small to medium-sized vendor community, which often faces challenges in having their voices and innovations recognized. My unique blend of experience, dedication, and collaborative spirit positions me to effectively advocate for these vendors and the prairie provinces, ensuring their contributions to digital health initiatives are valued and heard. My commitment to fostering connections and supporting diverse perspectives will help drive meaningful change and innovation in digital healthcare across Canada.
Do you currently hold the CPHIMS-CA credential?
No
Educational background
Master’s Degree, Science – University of Manitoba
Bachelor’s Degree, Chemistry – Transylvania University, Lexington (KY)