Meet Chris Sweitzer, VP of Business Development at PHIL
In this employee spotlight interview, we are excited to feature Chris Sweitzer, our new Vice President of Business Development at PHIL. With two decades of experience in the healthcare industry and a passion for enhancing patient access, Chris brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective to our team.
Please tell us a little bit about yourself and your role at PHIL.
I'm thrilled to have recently joined the PHIL team as the Vice President of Business Development. Healthcare has been my passion for the past two decades, with the last 15 years specifically focused on market access and patient support. This isn't just a career for me – it’s a calling that stems from personal experience.
Early in my professional life, I underwent surgery and was blindsided by a huge medical bill due to reimbursement challenges. As a young professional, I felt lost, unaware of the resources available to help me. This experience led me down the pathway to learning about the patient access world, the vendors that operate in this space, and how they can help support and advocate for patients. I made it my mission to understand the intricacies of this field and serve in this space.
My journey has led me to PHIL, and I'm incredibly excited about the opportunity to grow with this organization and make a real difference in patients' lives.
What inspired you to join the PHIL team?
I was drawn to the patient access space because it allows me to help people while working in a rapidly evolving field where technology is transforming how patients engage with healthcare. Over the past decade, the emphasis on enhancing the patient experience has changed significantly, with a greater focus on leveraging the technology we use in our daily lives to improve the healthcare experience.
I was looking to join an organization leading this field, and PHIL stood out with its best-in-class solution, commitment to patient-centric innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit. The company’s impressive growth over the past few years highlights the team’s effectiveness and increasing demand for their services, which is something I was really excited to be a part of.
PHIL is not just participating in the patient access space; they are shaping it. I see tremendous potential for continued growth and impact, and I'm excited to contribute to an organization that is making a real difference in patients' lives.
How have your past experiences prepared you for this role?
Having operated extensively in the patient access space, I've gained valuable insights from multiple perspectives. My background as both a sales representative and a sales leader has given me a deep understanding of the connections and operations within the industry, spanning small, mid-sized, and large biotech and pharmaceutical companies. I can leverage existing relationships effectively to increase awareness and strengthen relationships across the sector.
What do you see as the biggest opportunities for our business development in the next 1-2 years?
I see our biggest opportunity in the next few years as significantly increasing PHIL’s brand awareness in the patient access space. While we have developed an impressive and effective solution that has skyrocketed over the past years, there's always more to do in terms of market recognition. This is an area where I believe I can make a substantial contribution to the team.
Moreover, as the patient access space continues to evolve with an increasing emphasis on technology-driven, patient-centric solutions, PHIL is perfectly positioned to lead this transformation. Our challenge – and opportunity – is to ensure that key decision-makers in the pharmaceutical industry are aware of our capabilities and how our solution can help them improve patient outcomes and brand performance.
Outside of work, what hobbies or interests do you enjoy?
I have two children – a nine-year-old and a seven-year-old son – who keep us busy! They’re both very active in athletics and school activities, so our days are filled with gymnastics, baseball, and all the fun that comes with running them back and forth to their events.
Outside of family time, I’m a big sports fan. I love following football, baseball, and basketball, and I enjoy catching games whenever I can. Recently, I’ve also taken up golf, which has been a great way to unwind and enjoy the outdoors. I find that spending time outside, whether it's on the golf course or out fishing, is a perfect way to recharge.
What's a book, movie, or podcast that has significantly influenced your approach to business or life in general?
The book that immediately comes to mind is The Oz Principle. If you're not familiar with it, the core principles focus on personal accountability and how that can influence every aspect of your life. This is something I've tried to embrace both professionally and personally. It encourages you to consider what you can do to control the situation and shape the narrative, which is ultimately all we can control in life – our perspective and mindset. The Oz Principle discusses essential leadership fundamentals, emphasizing the importance of personal accountability and how it can resonate throughout a team and an organization. It promotes a proactive problem-solving mentality, which I find invaluable in both business and everyday life.
Interested in joining the Phil team? Check out our company page to discover our exciting job opportunities.
