Pharmacists are highly trained healthcare professionals who play a vital role in the management of patients' health, including the prescribing of medications. Pharmacist prescribing authority – their ability to prescribe medications, initiate and adjust doses, and manage drug therapeutic substitutions for patients without the need for physician involvement – has been an ongoing topic of policy discussions across all Canadian provinces in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Expanding prescribing authority to pharmacists’ full capabilities across all provinces has never been more urgent and relevant than in this period of severe, enduring healthcare professional shortage across the country.
Dimitris Polygenis Named New President of McKesson Canada - McKesson Canada
Mississauga, ON (October 1, 2025) – McKesson Canada is pleased to officially announce the appointment of veteran executive Dimitris Polygenis as President of McKesson Canada.
With over 20 years at McKesson Canada, Dimitris Polygenis has led transformational growth across the organization with executive leadership roles across Retail, Pharmaceutical and most recently as the head of Specialty Health. He was instrumental in the success of Phase 4 Health, later integrated into McKesson, championing a new model for delivering innovative, patient-centric specialized therapies that helped redefine Canadian healthcare. Under his leadership, Specialty Health has continued its legacy of developing revolutionary programs including initiating bold investments in technology and data analytics to accelerate access to care, improve adherence, and elevate outcomes.
“It is a great honour to take on this responsibility, and I am eager to continue working with this talented, passionate team and our stakeholders across the Canadian healthcare system,” said Polygenis. “McKesson Canada has a strong history of leadership and innovation to meet the needs of our customers, providers, partners and the patients we serve, and my commitment is to continue to make a positive and lasting impact for all.”
Polygenis holds a Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Toronto. He has served on several boards in the healthcare industry including positions at the University of Toronto, University of British Columbia Pharmacy Programs and the Canadian Association for Pharmacy Distribution Management (CAPDM) as Chair. He is a current board member of the Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada (NPAC) and the Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA), where he chairs the National Pharmacy Business Council.
Polygenis succeeds Joan Eliasek who takes on the position of President, North American Pharmaceutical Distribution under a new organizational structure at McKesson Corporation.
“Dimitris is a demonstrated business leader with deep experience in every facet of our business and a comprehensive understanding of our industry at large,” said Eliasek. “Dimitris’ commitment to excellence and focus on delivering results for customers and patients position him well to lead McKesson Canada into the next chapter.”
About McKesson Canada
McKesson Canada is a diversified healthcare services leader dedicated to advancing health outcomes for patients everywhere. Our teams partner with pharmaceutical companies, care providers, pharmacies, manufacturers, governments, and others to deliver insights, products and services to help make quality care more accessible and affordable. Learn more about how McKesson Canada is impacting virtually every aspect of healthcare at www.McKesson.ca.
Media contact:
Kelly Wighton
Senior Advisor, Public Relations, McKesson Canada
media@mckesson.ca