IMPACT Conference - Medical Innovation for Access and Collaboration in Treatment

Laurentiu Dasca is a Physician, EMBA, and senior healthcare executive with over 20 years of experience leading hospitals, clinics, and medical operations. He has extensive expertise in healthcare management, business development, clinical governance, and operational excellence.

A strategic leader, he has transformed healthcare business models, managed multidisciplinary teams, and driven organisational growth while maintaining high standards of quality and compliance. He is a member of the Health Commission of the American Chamber of Commerce and a Fellow of the Aspen Institute Romania Healthcare and Quality of Life Programme.

Since 2021, as Country Manager of ARENSIA Exploratory Medicine, he has overseen international Phase I/II clinical research operations and managed hospital activities, ensuring alignment with global standards. His previous roles include Hospital Manager at the “Prof. Dr. Agrippa Ionescu” University Emergency Clinical Hospital, Chief Medical Operations Officer at Affidea Romania, and leadership positions at Medicover Romania and Med Experts.

Dr Dasca began his career as an emergency medicine specialist in leading hospitals in Bucharest. He holds an Executive MBA from the WU Executive Academy in Vienna and two Master’s degrees in Healthcare Management from the Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Bucharest.

Rozalina Lapadatu is an activist, a professional advocating for social change and civic responsibility, and the founder of A.P.A.A. - www.apaa.ro.

With more than 20 years’ experience in pharma, governmental and private health, CSR and NGO work she gained a unique expertise, a different point of view. Rozalina's approach, innovative and committed to social change was awarded and recognized as such: Woman of the Year 2013 for Initiative in People Support (Bucharest), Golden PR Award 2013 (Bucharest), Digital Communication Award 2013 (Berlin), Silver PR Award 2014 (Bucharest) and Vox Patientis Award 2014 (Bucharest). She is a Stanford University trainer for "Self-management in arthritis and fibromyalgia course" in Romania and European Patient's Academy on Therapeutic Innovations Alumni.

About A.P.A.A. Autoimmune Diseases Patient Association was founded for the benefit of Romanian patients initially, going into international partnerships later on and becoming one of the outstanding voices in supporting patients with autoimmune diseases A.P.A.A. in Romania and Europe. APAA is part of different national and international organizations: Alianta Pacientilor Cronici din Romania (APCR), International Alliance of Patients’ Organizations (IAPO), Platform of organizations of people with Rheumatic Diseases in Southern Europe (AGORA), Rare Disease Europe (EURORDIS), and EUPATI Romanian National Platform

Alina Comanescu is a senior communications professional, patient advocate, and founder of the Community Health Association Romania, with over 15 years of multinational experience across the public and private healthcare sectors. She combines strategic communications expertise with a strong patient-centred perspective, working to improve health literacy, access, and equity within complex health systems. As an experienced patient navigator, she supports individuals and families in overcoming systemic barriers and navigating care pathways, drawing on international standards and best practice.

She is a member of the Innovative Health Initiative (IHI) Patient Pool, contributing to European research programmes and ensuring that patient perspectives are integrated into scientific and policy processes. Since 2023, she has also served as HPV Action Consultant for Romania within the European Cancer Organisation, coordinating national efforts to advance HPV prevention and awareness. In addition, she has been part of the EORTC Group of Patient Experts since 2019, supporting oncology research and patient-centred clinical development at European level.

As founder of the Community Health Association (since 2014), she has developed national and European cancer advocacy strategies, built multi-stakeholder partnerships, and led awareness, educational, and informational campaigns. Her work focuses on transparent collaboration, responsible access to medicines and services, and strengthening public dialogue around cancer care in Romania.

Between 2017 and 2023, she served as a consultant for Lung Cancer Europe (LuCE), representing patient interests, supporting organisational governance, and contributing to advocacy, community engagement, and fundraising efforts across Europe.

Prof. Dr. Diana Paun (born 1968) graduated the Faculty of Medicine and had a PhD in Medical Science at the "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Bucharest. She is a senior specialist in endocrinology and is associate professor at the Endocrinology Department at "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy. She worked at the National Institute of Endocrinology "C. I. Parhon" as a doctor, researcher, professor, and from 2006 to 2015 as a hospital manager. She holds a certificate of complementary studies in Health Services Management and has graduated "Public Health Management and Health Services" Master Program, attended several management improvement programs, quality auditor programs, trainer and an expert in public procurement programs.

Dr. Diana Loreta Paun is member in several national professional associations (Romanian Association of Clinical Endocrinology, Romanian Endocrinology Society) and international (German Endocrinology Society, European Society of Endocrinology - ESE), member of the Romanian Association of AACE (American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists) being its chairman between 2011-2012. She published studies and scientific papers in national and international scientific journals. Currently she is working in health management. She was director and team member in several national and international scientific research projects and part of educational and continuing medical education programs. Dr. Diana Loreta Paun was appointed as State Councelor on public health issues at the Presidential Administration of Romania starting with 1st June 2015.

Dorica Dan was appointed Vice-President in 2022. She was elected to the Board of Officers in 2011 and has been a member of the EURORDIS Board of Directors since 2007.

Dorica is the mother of a daughter who was diagnosed with Prader Willi Syndrome at the age of 18.

Dorica initiated RPWA (Romanian Prader Willi Association) in 2003, established RONARD (Romanian National Alliance for Rare Diseases) through a project funded by CEE Trust in 2007 and Romanian Rare Cancers Association in 2011. She has taken part in the opening of the first Centre for Information about Rare Genetic Diseases in Romania and initiated the National Plan for Rare Diseases in Romania. In June 2011 she has opened the Pilot Reference Center for Rare Diseases “NoRo” through a project implemented in partnership with Frambu Norway and funded by Norway Grants.

Today she is the chair of the Romanian Prader Willi Association, Romania (RPWA); president of the Romanian National Alliance for Rare Diseases(RONARD); president of the Romanian Association for Rare Cancers and the coordinator of the Centre for Information about Rare Genetic Diseases and NoRo Center. She is member of  IPWSO (International Prader Willi Syndrome Organization) board, and is currently a EURORDIS EUROPLAN advisor.

Dorica represents EURORDIS at International Conferences throughout Europe and beyond, and is part of the Commission Expert Group on Rare Diseases.  She is a member of the Programme Committee for the EURORDIS Conference on Rare Diseases and Orphan Products 2016 Edinburgh. Dorica is also part of the interim working group for the European Year for Rare Diseases. She is the Work Package leader of the EUCERD Joint Action Working for Rare Diseases (EJA) Work Package 6 focusing on Specialised Social Services, and is a member of the Council of National Alliances.

Prof. Dr. Michael Schenker,chief oncologist in Craiova, is one of the few Romanian specialists who have managed to conduct clinical trials of the FDA (Food and Drug Administration, USA) for biological substances against cancer.

Dr Schenker, is associated professor at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy from Craiova, and the founder and head of “Saint Nectarie” Oncology Center (Craiova), since 2014.

Dr Anca Streinu-Cercel is a senior specialist in Infectious Diseases at the “Prof. Dr. Matei Bals” National Institute of Infectious Diseases in Bucharest, where she coordinates the Adult 5 Infectious Diseases and HIV Department as well as the Clinical Research Unit. She is also Professor in the Infectious Diseases Department at the Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, contributing to academic training, clinical research, and the development of future specialists in the field.

Her professional experience spans extensive clinical work with inpatients and outpatients, alongside participation in international clinical trials and research grants covering COVID-19, HIV and associated comorbidities, viral hepatitis, and emerging infectious diseases. She has supervised diploma and doctoral theses, supporting the academic development of medical students and PhD candidates.

Dr Streinu-Cercel is a member of the scientific committee of the European HIV/AIDS and Infectious Diseases Academy and serves as General Secretary of the Society for Infectious Diseases and HIV/AIDS (SIDHA) Romania. She is also a member of ESCMID (ESGVC/ESGVH) and the European AIDS Clinical Society (EACS), contributing to European-level scientific collaboration and professional standards.

In her current role, she oversees the clinical research department at the Matei Bals Institute, integrating outpatient and inpatient activities with research initiatives. In 2024, she became an Associate Member of the Academy of Romanian Scientists, recognising her contributions to infectious disease research, education, and clinical leadership.

Radu Ganescu is the president of the Coalition of Organizations of Patients with Chronic Diseases in Romania (COPAC). He is also a patient and president of the Association of People with Major Thalassemia in Romania and a strong activist in defending the rights of patients with chronic diseases. In 2016, Radu Ganescu was elected treasurer of the European Patient Forum and starting with 2018 he was elected vice president.

Marinela Debu is President of the Romanian Association for Patients with Liver Diseases (APAH-RO) and a seasoned communications specialist with extensive experience in public health advocacy, patient engagement, and national awareness campaigns. Since 2021, she has served as Communication Specialist for the LIVE(RO)2-SUD Project at the Clinical Institute Fundeni, supporting strategic communication and stakeholder outreach within one of Romania’s leading medical institutions.

She has led APAH-RO since 2009, shaping national strategies for liver disease awareness, prevention, and patient support. Between 2015 and 2020, she served on the Board of the European Liver Patients Association (ELPA), contributing to European-level advocacy and policy development. Her earlier career includes six years as an editor at Transilvania Express, where she covered social and cultural issues and community affairs.

Marinela has coordinated APAH-RO’s national activities for World Hepatitis Day and the National Conference of Patients with Hepatitis, strengthening public dialogue and multi-stakeholder collaboration. She also led the Hepatitis Mother’s Day campaign between 2010 and 2014, promoting early detection and prevention among women of reproductive age. Over the years, she has organised and co-organised numerous press conferences and public communication events, supporting transparent engagement between patients, clinicians, policymakers, and the wider community.

Cezar Irimia is President of the Romanian Federation of Cancer Patients (FABC) and a leading figure in patient advocacy, with a long-standing commitment to strengthening the voice, rights, and support of people living with chronic and oncological conditions. With 29 years of experience in the telecommunications sector and a degree in psychology, he brings a rare combination of organisational leadership, strategic thinking, and human-centred insight to the healthcare field.

He founded the ABC Cancer Patients’ Association in 2000, followed by the Cancer Patients’ Federation (FABC) in 2005, establishing one of the most influential patient organisations in Romania. His work expanded further with the creation of the Coalition of Chronic Illness Patients (COPAC) in 2008 and the Alliance of Chronic Patients of Romania (APCR) in 2011, strengthening national advocacy structures across multiple disease areas. In 2022, he founded Pro Cardio, dedicated to supporting patients with cardiovascular conditions.

Cezar serves on the board of the National Authority for Quality Management in Health (ANMCS) and represents Romanian patients at European level, with FABC holding two seats on the European Commission’s Cancer Patients Board. He has contributed to international initiatives, including the “Intelligence in Health” project of the Union for International Cancer Control, which produced a comparative analysis of healthcare systems across EU member states.

He has coordinated major national campaigns, including “Health Is Coming to You” (2022), aimed at improving access to care for cardiac and diabetes patients in rural areas, and “We Haven’t Done Enough” (2022), addressing unmet needs among rural cancer patients. Under his leadership, FABC launched a national call centre for cancer patients, offering information, general medical guidance, psychological counselling, personalised nutritional support, and a mechanism for reporting medication shortages.

Dr Anca Colita is General Manager of the “Fundeni” Clinical Institute in Bucharest and a leading specialist in Paediatric Oncology and Haematology. A primary physician with advanced training in oncology and bone marrow transplantation, she is also a Professor at the Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, where she contributes to clinical education, research, and the development of future medical leaders.

She graduated from the Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy (1989–1995) and completed international training placements at Hadassah Hospital in Israel, Regensburg University Hospital in Germany, and the “Gianina Gaslini” Paediatric Hospital in Italy. These experiences strengthened her expertise in complex paediatric oncology, transplantation, and multidisciplinary care.

As General Manager of the Fundeni Clinical Institute, she oversees one of Romania’s most important medical centres, guiding institutional strategy, clinical excellence, and operational performance. Her leadership integrates academic rigour, international standards, and a strong commitment to improving outcomes for children and families affected by cancer and haematological diseases.