IMPACT Conference - Medical Innovation for Access and Collaboration in Treatment

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.

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.

Doina Draganescu graduated in 1988 from the Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy.

She began her career as a trainee pharmacist, and from 1990 she started her academic activity as an assistant and PhD student in the Department of Pharmaceutical Physics and Informatics. She is currently a professor in the same department, having carried out both professional and administrative responsibilities throughout her career.

Her main areas of professional interest include medical and pharmaceutical technologies, homeopathic medicines, and radiopharmaceuticals. She completed the European Course of Radiopharmacy (EANM) and is actively involved in professional activities at the Horia Hulubei Institute of Physics and Nuclear Engineering in Magurele, within the Radiopharmaceutical Research Center. Since 2017, she has been a Qualified Person in radiopharmaceutical production and a member of the research team, contributing to several collaborative projects with the Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Bucharest.

Since 2018, she has been a member of the Bioethics Commission of the Academy of Medical Sciences, currently serving as Vice President. In this role, she participates in the evaluation of clinical trial applications in Romania, ensuring compliance with the Declaration of Human Rights and all relevant regulations.

Dr Draganescu has been a member of the Romanian Pharmacists College and the Pharmaceutical Society of Romania since 1990, as well as a member of the National Society of Chemistry, the National Society of History of Pharmacy, and other professional organisations in Romania and abroad.

She served as Vice-Dean for four years and, since 2016, has been the Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy, a member of the University Administration Board, and a member of the University Senate. She has been part of the organising committees of numerous symposiums and pharmaceutical conferences, including the 2016 and 2018 editions of the National Pharmacy Congress, where she served as Chair of the Organising Committee and coordinator of the Scientific Committee. She has managed several human resources development projects (POSDRU) in the pharmaceutical field and is currently involved in institutional development projects related to ethics, academic integrity, and technologies for enhancing teaching activities. She also serves as an expert in university management projects of the Romanian Academy and the Ministry of National Education.

Since 2012, she has been President of the Bucharest branch of the Pharmaceutical Sciences Society in Romania and represents Romania in the Executive Committee of the European Pharmaceutical Sciences Society. She is currently responsible for the internal audit of EUFEPS.

Assoc. Prof. Laurentia Nicoleta Gales is a senior medical oncologist at the "Prof. Al. I. Trestioreanu" Oncology Institute in Bucharest, as well as a specialist in radiotherapy, and an Associate Professor at the "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Bucharest. She has coauthored ten specialty books and numerous articles, and has contributed posters and papers to national and international medical events.

Assoc. Prof. Gales has served as principal investigator in more than thirty clinical studies and as subinvestigator in over fifty clinical studies. She has also been a member of research teams and project manager in twelve projects.

Razvan Mihai Prisada is a pharmacist and Doctor of Pharmacy, and has held the position of Vice President of the Romanian College of Pharmacists since 2016.

In 2019, drawing on his extensive experience in the pharmaceutical field and in national and European medicinal product policies, Razvan Mihai Prisada chaired and coordinated the activity of the Working Group on Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices within the Council of the European Union.

Razvan Mihai Prisada graduated from the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Carol Davila" in Bucharest.

Dr Loredana Patru is a dedicated medical doctor specialising in Clinical Pharmacology. She graduated from the prestigious Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Bucharest, Romania, in 2007. Since then, her career has been defined by commitment, professionalism and a genuine desire to improve patients lives. She qualified as a Clinical Pharmacology specialist in 2012 and became a senior specialist in 2017.

With more than 15 years experience as an investigator in clinical trials, Dr Patru has been closely involved in pioneering Phase 1 and Phase 2 studies, exploring innovative therapies across a broad range of disease areas, including multi-therapeutic approaches and oncology. Her work is guided by a strong belief in scientific rigour, patient safety and operational excellence. She is dedicated to ensuring that every protocol is carried out to the highest standard, always keeping patients well-being at the forefront, and she collaborates closely with forward-thinking pharmaceutical companies and external partners to achieve shared objectives.

In 2025, drawing on her extensive clinical research expertise and her deep commitment to patient care, Dr Patru founded the association Elion. The initiative was born from her desire to empower patients and increase awareness of clinical studies within their communities. In this role, she actively supports efforts to improve access to reliable information, fostering collaborations that advance medical research and ultimately help transform lives.

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.

Alina-Oana Voinescu is the Leader of the LAWG Working Group, a role in which she is supporting the presentation at this event. A medical doctor by profession, with initial training in dentistry, she currently holds the position of Senior Medical Advisor at Boehringer Ingelheim. Her expertise covers multiple therapeutic areas, with a focus on clinical studies and the integration of scientific data into evidence-based medical practice.

Liliana Curea is a journalist and the President of the Association for the Fight Against Stroke (ALIA), a non-profit organisation that develops prevention and awareness programmes on stroke. Through ALIA, Liliana has coordinated numerous hospital equipment campaigns, including for the Neurology Clinic of SUUB, providing essential medical devices and advocating for the recognition of stroke as a major medical emergency.

TV Moderator: She presents the programme "Luptam pentru viata" on stirileprotv.ro, a medical education format launched in December 2024.

Journalist at PRO TV: She has worked for many years as a reporter and presenter for PRO TV News, covering mainly health and social topics.

Alexandra Manaila is a journalist specialising in the medical field, with more than 25 years of experience in the media. She has a medical background and worked for five years with the Ambulance Service before dedicating herself to journalism. She began in print media, contributing to publications aimed both at the general public and at medical professionals, and later moved into new media. She has held top management positions in several media groups, where she created and developed media products.

She is currently a health reporter for Libertatea, part of the Ringier Romania media group, and also runs her own media company. Through this company, she provides medical content for media organisations, patient associations, pharmaceutical companies, clinics, and medical societies. She also produces journalistic materials for her own platform, Videomedicina.ro, which aims to educate the general public on health topics.

Videomedicina.ro is a partner of Science+, a network for health and science journalism in Central and Eastern Europe that includes journalists, science editors, freelancers, and independent media institutions from seven European countries. Articles published on Videomedicina.ro are frequently featured in the Science+ newsletter, which highlights the most important health news from the region.

Arabela Acalinei has been actively involved since 2019 in representing and supporting individuals living with rare diseases and neuromuscular conditions, both in Romania and across Europe. Her personal experience as a patient diagnosed with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, together with the fact that several members of her family, including her two sons, live with the same condition, has shaped her deep commitment to patient advocacy. One of her sons is also diagnosed with epilepsy, an experience that has strengthened her dedication to promoting brain health, access to high-quality neurological care, and integrated support for people living with complex neurological conditions.

She is a strong advocate for improving access to diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and integrated services, and for ensuring meaningful patient involvement in decision-making processes. She actively contributes to the development of public policies that address the needs of people living with rare and neurological diseases, firmly believing that the voice of the patient must be heard, valued, and respected throughout the healthcare system.

Professionally, she is an English teacher, trainer, and vocational counsellor. Her continuous development includes specialisations in clinical studies, therapeutic innovation, medical research, and European health policy. She is passionate about building connections between people, organisations, and institutions, developing partnerships, and contributing to meaningful change for the communities she represents.

Arabela Acalinei currently serves as President of Neuro Move CMT Romania and President of the European Alliance of Neuromuscular Disorders Associations. She is also Director of Strategic Partnerships and Funding at the European Charcot-Marie-Tooth Federation and Vice President of the European Federation of Neurological Associations. At national level, she holds the position of Secretary General of the National Alliance for Rare Diseases Romania. In addition, she contributes her expertise as a Patient Advisory Board Member within the European Reference Network for Neuromuscular Diseases.

She is a graduate of the EUPATI Patient Expert Programme in Clinical Studies and Therapeutic Innovation, the EURORDIS Winter School on scientific innovation and translational research, and the EURORDIS Summer School on medicines research and development.

Head of the Arensia Phase 1 Units at the Bucharest Oncology Institute and the Fundeni Clinical Institute, she is an MD and senior pulmonologist with competence in functional respiratory testing, bronchial endoscopy, and level I and II somnology. She has 20 years of hospital practice and more than 15 years of experience in early clinical trials.

Her career began with close, hands-on interaction with patients in the hospital, and over the past 15 years she has continuously expanded her research work through Arensia, contributing to clinical trials across multiple indications. Her current focus is on oncology and CAR T, working with various types of innovative drugs aimed at improving patient outcomes, while remaining in constant alignment with the latest developments in the field.

Dr Florescu Moraid obtained her Medical Doctor degree in 1998 from the "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Bucharest, Romania, and was accredited as a Laboratory Medicine Specialist in 2005 and as a Senior Laboratory Medicine Specialist in 2011 by the Romanian College of Physicians.

She received her Master of Science degree in 2006, completed the Postgraduate School of Clinical Trials Management in Gdansk in 2012, and the Postgraduate Leadership Development Programme at the University of Sussex, UK, in 2014.

Dr Florescu Moraid oversaw clinical trial operations at Synevo Central Lab, the clinical research division of the Swedish Medicover Group, serving as Regional Director for Romania, Moldova, Bulgaria, and Serbia between 2005 and 2018. She organised the Synevo Clinical Trials Symposium for ten consecutive years.

Since early 2019, she has been the Co-founder of Avantyo - Institute of Clinical Research and the CEO of Camina Medical Experts, developing tailored clinical trial services for pharmaceutical sponsors, CROs, and mid-sized biotech companies.

She is a frequent invited speaker at scientific events and an active advocate for raising awareness of the importance of developing clinical trials for the benefit of patients.