Joey Calandra’s Story
Joey has a diverse and extensive 24-year healthcare background that includes experience in innovation consulting, executive and board roles within various healthcare organizations, as well as hands-on frontline work as a pharmacist. His unique blend of experience has given him an in-depth understanding of the intricate needs and challenges within the healthcare system, allowing him to bridge the gap between innovative concepts and their practical application.
In his most recent roles, Joey served as the Head of Virtual Health at Medibank and as the Head of Strategy for AIA Vitality. In these positions, he was instrumental in designing digital health strategies aimed at making high-quality healthcare accessible and affordable to millions of Australians through digital channels and platforms.
As the General Manager of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, he pioneered new models of pharmacist care based on medicine safety evidence, fostering advocacy and cultivating strategic partnerships with various governmental bodies, including State, Federal, and local Governments, PHNs, and diversifying funding sources.
As board director for both the Victorian Pharmacy Authority and Osteopathy Australia, Joey played a pivotal role in co-designing strategic initiatives, overseeing legislative changes, and ensuring their effective implementation in clinical practice.
Joey has completed the AICD Not-for-Profit Governance Program, holds a Bachelor of Pharmacy with Honours, and has earned an Executive MBA. Notably, his MBA accolades include awards in Strategy, Financial Management, and International Business (with a focus on China). Joey’s dedication to innovation has also been recognised with a Silver medal for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation innovation program.
