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Health Practice

#TeamSyntax knows health. From promoting life-saving drugs or technologies to helping Canadians understand the importance of pediatric cancer research, our team is made up of communications experts with direct experience practicing medicine, as well as working in healthcare policy.

Our team knows how to effectively communicate complex information in a way that is easy for patients and other stakeholders to understand. We offer a full suite of communication services, from strategic advice to helping clients navigate the political and regulatory landscape, as well as increasing their media or digital presence.

related services we offer

Strategic Communications
Advocacy & Public Affairs
Digital Media & Design
Media Relations
Events Management
Marketing & Brand

our work

We deliver for clients in the healthcare industry.
Some of our work in this field includes:

meet our team

Dr. Katharine Smart
Pediatrician, Medical Leader, Passionate Advocate

Dr. Katharine Smart is an experienced medical leader and advocate who constantly challenges the status quo in medicine. A pediatrician in Canada’s north, her work focuses on innovative and collaborative partnerships between community and government to serve marginalized children in rural and remote areas. An outspoken advocate against misinformation, Dr. Smart regularly uses her voice to bring evidence and facts to the forefront of health communication.

Dr. Smart is the past president of the Canadian Medical Association (CMA), where in 2021 she became the 10th woman to serve in the organization’s 155-year history. A fierce and authentic leader, she has become a recognized and respected medical voice in Canada. Dr. Smart has been recognized as one of Canada’s 100 Most Powerful Women, with the Medical Post’s Changemaker Media Engagement Award and the Waterfalls Global Award. In recognition of her advocacy for primary care and family medicine, she received an honourary membership from the College of Family Physicians of Canada. She has held many leadership positions including president of the Yukon Medical Association and sits on the board of Ronald McDonald House charities.

Dr. Smart is a passionate communicator and sought-after media expert, keynote speaker, panelist, and podcast guest. She is the host of SPARK: Conversations by Children’s Healthcare Canada.

Jon Dugal
Director of Government Relations

Jon specializes in advancing public policy goals with the federal and Atlantic governments through integrated public affairs campaigns. With several years of experience in public affairs consulting, Jon provides strategic advice to clients in a variety of sectors, including cannabis, health and pharmacy, technology, charitable and not-for-profit, and transport.

Prior to joining Syntax, Jon helped launch Diplomat Consulting, where he led public affairs and government relations for a broad range of clients and oversaw the development of a first-of-its-kind report on the future potential of the cannabis industry, titled What Cannabis Can Be.

Beyond public affairs and government relations, Jon has been heavily involved in politics. He’s worked with the Liberal Party of Canada, served as a campaign advisor to a former premier of New Brunswick, and is active as a Table Officer with the PEI Liberal Party.

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