Speakers
DR. VIVEK GOEL
PRESIDENT AND vice-chancellor
UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO
UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO
Dr. Vivek Goel is the University of Waterloo's President and Vice-Chancellor. He has held a number of senior leadership roles at the University of Toronto including as Vice-President and Provost and most recently as Vice-President Research and Innovation.
He served as founding President and CEO of Public Health Ontario from 2008 until 2014 and also as a founding scientist at the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES). Goel has served as Chief Academic Strategist with Coursera, a global platform that connects universities and learners with online courses.
Dr. Goel obtained his medical degree from McGill University and completed post-graduate medical training in Community Medicine at the University of Toronto. Dr. Goel obtained a master’s degree (MSc) in Community Health from U of T and a master’s degree (MS) in Biostatistics from Harvard University School of Public Health.
ARMEN BAKIRTZIAN
CO-FOUNDER AND CEO
INTELLIJOINT SURGICAL
INTELLIJOINT SURGICAL
Armen is the co-founder and CEO of Intellijoint Surgical. Armen leads increased market adoption and team growth, manages strategic partnerships, investor and government relations, and fundraising. In 2020, Intellijoint Surgical ranked #1 on Deloitte's Technology Fast 50 list for its rapid revenue growth of 19,311% between 2016 and 2019. The Kitchener-based company was recognized for its innovative surgical navigation technology, which is designed to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of orthopedic surgeries.
Armen also spearheaded the creation of MIX –– Canada’s first industry-led innovative hub dedicated to helping medtech companies scale within Canada. He is passionate about growing the Canadian medtech industry and seeing patients around the world benefit from Canadian innovation. Armen holds a bachelor’s degree in Mechatronics Engineering from the University of Waterloo, and a master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Toronto.
FOUNDERS & PHYSICIANS
January 20, 2026, 5:30 PM
Kitchener-Waterloo
Kitchener-Waterloo
Founders & Physicians is a unique series of fireside chats that brings together medical doctors and tech entrepreneurs from Waterloo Region and beyond. It is a chance to explore big problems and big ideas related to healthcare and building strong communities. It is also a space to create a space for founders and doctors to learn from each other and forge a better future for our community.
Sponsors
Schedule
5:30 PM
Settle in as dinner is served
Check in and have a drink or two as guests arrive and take in the ambiance in an iconic space.
6:00 pM
Palestinian family style buffet
The buffet will be filled with all kinds of Mediterranean delights. We always try to do new and unique dishes for returning guests as well. Fill a plate and hang out while chatting with local leaders.
7:20 AM
Opening remarks and thanks
Founder's welcome and opening remarks by Nabil G. Fahel, who will introduce the series, thank the sponsors, and sit down for a conversation with our special guest speakers.
7:30 PM
Fireside with Dr. Goel and Armen
A discussion about harnessing the potential of Canadian medtech at a time of rapid growth and integration. We will also address how we build a more integrated and more efficient healthcare system that captures the ambition and realizes the potential of Canadian innovation.
8:00 PM
Opportunity to ask your questions
A chance to ask speakers anything about their work, their leadership roles, working to build the community, or the most pressing growth challenges facing Canadian healthcare today.
8:30 PM
Dessert and more conversations
Final course of food is served and a last call with another opportunity to chat amongst fellow guests and friends in the room, all of whom are leaders in the community.
10:00 PM
Wrap up and departures
We won't kick you out but all good things must end at some point.
