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District 2 Candidate - CongCong (Charley) Zhang
I would like to begin by acknowledging that I have the privilege to work and live in Coquitlam which is on the unceded traditional territories of the Coast Salish peoples. I recognize and respect the enduring presence and deep cultural relationship the Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh, and Musqueam Nations have with this land. I honour their contributions and the heritage they bring to this region.
After earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology and completing his pharmacy degree at UBC, Charley began his pharmacy career in community practice. He managed pharmacy operations across various locations in Vancouver, Burnaby and Coquitlam.
Charley’s commitment to public interest became evident during his tenure as a Professional Member of the Drug Benefit Council at the BC Ministry of Health, serving from 2019 to 2022. He provided evidence-informed recommendations regarding drug listings on the PharmaCare formulary. This position required a deep understanding of therapeutic, clinical, and pharmacoeconomic issues, as well as the ability to review clinical evidence, drug utilization reports, and budget impact analyses. Collaboration with experts in medicine, ethics, and health economics further refined Charley’s expertise in evaluating and recommending pharmaceuticals within a complex regulatory framework to promote public health.
He currently serves as the Manager of Pharmacy Services at Pacific Blue Cross, a not-for- profit organization, where he drives drug sustainability and innovation. In this role, Charley excels at researching, analyzing, and recommending best practices in pharmacy services.
Charley is also actively involved in several committees. He currently serves as the Chair of the National Pharmaceutical Working Group, a committee comprised of representatives from various Blue Cross organizations across Canada. In this role, Charley leads collaborative efforts to address national pharmaceutical issues and drive innovative solutions. Additionally, he is a member of the Drug Advisory Council at Pacific Blue Cross, an internal committee dedicated to the review and approval of drugs for inclusion on the formulary, with a focus on improving health outcomes for British Columbians.
Charley’s experience in regulatory and pharmacy management, combined with his active participation in various committees, demonstrates his dedication to serving the public interest. His work with the Ministry of Health underscores his proficiency in navigating governmental and regulatory landscapes. Also, working in diverse healthcare context positions allows him to contribute effectively to the College’s mandate of prioritizing public health.