Healthcare Consultant · Patient Advocate · Educator
In his current consulting practice, Dr. Youssef provides non-clinical advocacy, education, communication support, and professional consulting—not medical diagnosis, treatment, or care as a treating physician. Full disclaimer
I am an MD and MBA with over 20 years of experience in health outcomes and interventions across academia, pharma, and biotech. I am passionate about improving patient outcomes and education, especially for rare and orphan conditions. I have led projects in development from phase 1 to 4 for adult, infant, pediatric and gene therapy programs, with extensive expertise in gastroenterology and neurology.
As the SVP of Global Medical Affairs and Patient Partnership at VectivBio (now Ironwood Pharmaceuticals), I lead the medical affairs and patient advocacy strategies to address current gaps in education, access, and value proposition. I work closely with commercial colleagues to establish payor relationships and secure market access with key accounts in the US, EU, and SA. I also set up registries, patient programs, and solutions to distribution challenges. Additionally, I work with advocacy groups, scientific societies, and KOLs to develop publications, training, and awareness. I have successfully presented and negotiated with regulatory agencies in the US, Europe, Asia, and Canada, and achieved positive outcomes for our products and patients.
I am part of a dynamic, respectful, and innovative team that is focused and mission-driven. We have a culture of healthy debate, brainstorming, and collaboration. We are motivated, adaptable, and entrepreneurial, and we deliver on our promises. I enjoy learning from my weekly patients and great mentors, and I am always looking for new opportunities to grow and make a difference.
Dr. Youssef bridges boardroom strategy and bedside care. His career spans global leadership roles in biopharma and decades of direct work with adolescents and families living with complex GI conditions.
VectivBio AG
2020 – Present · Global
Leads medical affairs and patient partnership strategy for a rare disease portfolio, aligning clinical development, evidence generation, and patient advocacy across regions.
Unique Pharma Consulting, LLC
2002 – Present · New York City Metro
Advises biopharma companies from early development through global submissions, including IND, PIP, MAA, NDA, and sNDA filings. Supports teams as medical monitor, safety reviewer, and partner to clinical operations, market access, and medical affairs.
Digestive Health Care
2009 – Present · Hillsborough, NJ
Cares for adolescents with chronic intestinal conditions including IBS, Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, eosinophilic esophagitis, and refractory constipation—grounding all consulting work in day-to-day patient experience.
Passage Bio · Nutrinia · electroCore Medical
2015 – 2020
Led clinical development and medical affairs for gene therapy, neonatology, and neuromodulation companies—overseeing global trial strategy, safety, and scientific communication for rare and underserved patient populations.
NPS Pharmaceuticals · AstraZeneca · Atlantic Health
2002 – 2015
Held senior development and medical director roles in GI and rare disease programs, and founded the Center for Pediatric Irritable Bowel and Motility Disorders at Atlantic Health—focusing on functional GI disorders, motility disorders, and intestinal failure.
Dr. Youssef speaks on empathetic engagement, the ACE Framework, and human-centered healthcare reform. For keynote and workshop inquiries, get in touch.
