Cancer Initiative Nets Collaboration Award

A collaboration between Novartis and Johns Hopkins Medicine wins Most Valuable Collaboration at eyeforpharma Philadelphia



"You have cancer." Those three words can change life in an instant. Questions about the diagnosis, treatment options and managing work become top of mind.

That is why Novartis collaborated with Johns Hopkins Medicine to create Ensemble: Managing Cancer at Work. Ensemble is a supportive community originally developed by Novartis to help associates and their loved ones or colleagues whose lives are touched by cancer.

The initiative was crowned the Most Valuable Collaboration award at our North American awards last month.

Commenting on the win, Dawn Aubel, Director of Global Patient Relations said: “Winning the award makes me feel proud and energized! Makes me want to do more.

“The Most Valuable Collaboration award is important in helping others think of innovative ways for unlikely partners to excel. In the case of Novartis-Hopkins, I hope that my colleagues in Pharma consider this model in supporting their own employees affected by cancer. As leaders in healthcare, we live our mission for our own colleagues.”

Novartis recognized the opportunity to partner with Johns Hopkins Medicine – which had launched its own Managing Cancer at Work program with a similar focus – to create the combined initiative.

Knowing that the cancer journey can be so complex, the program was designed with simplicity in mind and provides expert support from a renowned research and clinical center. Ensemble provides helpful resources and quality health, emotional and physical support with information on how to prevent cancer, recognize its early warning signs, and manage treatment to optimize health and well-being.

Nurse Navigators listen with compassion and complete confidentiality, providing guidance on medical resources and work issues, with the ability to direct questions to other appropriate resources.

Novartis implemented Ensemble as an extension of its mission to improve patient’s lives. Because of the success of Ensemble – and the increased awareness achieved with the Hopkins’ collaboration – the program is growing globally. Novartis often shares the story of Ensemble-Managing Cancer at Work with external organizations such as the CEO Roundtable on Cancer to highlight the power and value of partnership.

Find out about the other finalists here