Igniting Patient-Driven Science: The Medical Affairs Blueprint - Keynote Address by Dr. Tania Small, SVP, Global Medical Affairs, BMS

Session details:

In a world where scientific innovation is accelerating but patients are still waiting- what if Medical Affairs didn’t just support the science, but led the change?

In this bold and deeply personal keynote, Dr. Tania Small challenges us to rethink how, when, and why Medical Affairs shows up-not just in drug development, but in the way we develop and deliver medicines across their entire lifecycle-so that every decision, from early research to real-world delivery, is grounded in the lives we aim to transform and drives measurable outcomes.

With a blueprint forged from frontline clinical experience and global leadership, Dr. Small reveals six transformative pillars to move Medical Affairs from function to force. You’ll learn how to:

• Start earlier in development and influence strategy at proof-of-concept
• Embed real-world patient and physician insights into trial design
• Accelerate access through inclusive research and global health equity
• Leverage AI, digital tools, and RWE to uncover unmet needs
• Break silos through powerful cross-sector collaborations
• And deliver measurable impact-not just activity 

This session is more than a playbook-it’s a rallying cry for those who believe Medical Affairs can be the engine of patient-driven progress. If you're ready to redefine what’s possible and lead with purpose, this is your moment.

Let’s not be the team that reacts. Let’s be the force that leads!