Purpose-Led CEO Interview Series, Robert Fox, CEO, OntarioMD

Meet Robert Fox, CEO of OntarioMD. Robert has 25 years of experience leading large teams, defining health policy and enhancing the healthcare system. He believes that technology adoption is a critical success factor for the optimization and sustainability of Canada’s healthcare system. Robert held senior positions at TELUS Health and Cisco Systems, where he was responsible for digital transformation of health care delivery across Canada to improve patient outcomes. Before working in health technology, he was an executive at St. Michael’s Hospital for 20 years where he held leadership positions. He played a crucial role in key projects such as the construction of the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, the implementation of the first fully automated hospital laboratory in Canada, and the integration of Wellesley Hospital into St. Michael’s.

What was your first job and what did you learn from it?

My first real job was in Medical Affairs at St. Michael’s Hospital, where I handled patient complaints. It was an eye-opening experience in human behaviour - some people are calm and rational, while others aren’t. I learned about the variability in care quality and service delivery, and how culture drives outcomes for patients. I saw both apathy and empathy at work and noticed that while there’s a strong focus on patients, healthcare providers can sometimes be overlooked. Norton and Kaplan from Harvard noted in their book The Balanced Scorecard that hospitals are the most complicated organizations ever invented. It takes a unique person to work in the healthcare space. There must be a strong commitment to ensuring that people have access to services and a desire to improve the system. More importantly, I learned that I love healthcare.

If you think back on leaders who inspired you in your career or leadership style, who were they and why were they inspiring?

I know the saying, "You learn more from a bad leader than a good one," but I was fortunate. I stayed at St. Mike’s for 21 years because of Jeff Lozon - an incredible leader. He provided guidance and support while pushing us to reach beyond what we thought we were capable of. Though he gave us latitude, he wasn’t afraid to directly call out a questionable idea and knew how to drive accountability. His two key questions were, “How are you doing, and how do you know?” He has a brilliant strategic mind, gathering information from all sources and succinctly defining our mission, vision, and strategy. Jeff never got rattled, was confident in his abilities, incredibly smart, and always 15 steps ahead of me. Another notable leader is John King. Someone who engaged with staff at a combined personal and professional level. This allowed for greater engagement and strengthening of the culture of the organization.

What motivates you every day?

I believe it’s in my DNA to seek opportunities to fix things and make them better. That’s what gets me out of bed every day. I often ask myself how we can relieve the pressure on our healthcare system - not just through hard work but by being creative, innovative, and thinking outside the box. Historically, healthcare has been siloed; hospitals, community care, and long-term care all operate independently. That’s not a system; it’s a collection of people hoping to work together while lacking true integration. I love driving changes that make a real difference for physicians and their patients. I’m very motivated to improve our healthcare system while learning and growing personally in the process.

Three things: improve the healthcare system, learn while you’re doing it, and provide value. Those are the three criteria I have for myself.

What do you want to change in the world and why?

My strong belief is that we need a sustainable, effective, equitable, and high-quality healthcare system in Ontario and across the country that we can be proud of. I am absolutely committed to that.

What is the purpose and vision of OntarioMD? And how has being clear about your purpose and vision benefited you and your company?

Our vision is enabling healthier patients through digital technology. By leveraging new technologies, we want to improve patient outcomes, access to care, the patient experience, and equity of care. We’re focused on developing strategies that create a positive impact and align all stakeholders - like AI Scribe, which physicians love as it helps them to deliver primary care more effectively.

What one piece of advice would you give other CEOs and leaders regarding leading with purpose?

Be bold; be innovative and take chances.

CEOs often hesitate to disrupt the status quo, but being bold requires energy and inner strength. Don’t focus on yourself - focus on your vision and keep pushing forward.

What one question would you like to ask other purpose-led CEOs?

How do you cut through the noise - the rhetoric and day-to-day tasks and challenges - and make substantial change and have impact? What are you doing to innovate and to be different?

One question from the CEO we interviewed before you, Lori Nikkel, CEO, Second Harvest.

What do you like most about your board and how you work together?

I love my Board. Our meetings are open, transparent, and engaging, fostering healthy debate. They respect my experience and opinions. They're really smart and capable, with half of them being physician leaders who bring great experience and insights. I also have weekly meetings with our Board Chair, where we align on our goals, discuss challenges, and think strategically about the future.