What happens when life-saving medications exist, but patients still can't access them?

In this episode of Success Leaves Clues, Robin Bailey and Al McDonald sit down with John Leombruno, CEO of OkRx, healthcare entrepreneur, pharmacist, and former founder of Patient Direct Pharmacy and GMD Distribution, to explore one of healthcare's biggest hidden challenges: helping patients get the medications they need without being buried in paperwork, outdated systems, and administrative delays.

John shares how witnessing breakthrough treatments transform children's lives at SickKids Hospital shaped his career and inspired him to focus on improving patient access rather than simply developing new therapies. That experience became the foundation for building businesses that simplify specialty medication access for patients, physicians, insurers, and pharmaceutical companies.

The conversation explores why healthcare still relies heavily on manual processes, how digitizing prior authorization can dramatically reduce administrative burden, and why trust, relationships, and patient-first thinking remain essential when introducing innovation into one of the world's most complex industries.

John also discusses entrepreneurship in healthcare, balancing innovation with patient safety, the realities of building trust across healthcare systems, and why lasting business success begins with solving meaningful problems.

You’ll hear about:

• How a life-changing experience at SickKids Hospital shaped John's entrepreneurial journey 
• Why patient access remains one of healthcare's biggest challenges 
• The hidden barriers preventing patients from receiving specialty medications 
• Why healthcare still relies on outdated administrative systems 
• How digital prior authorization can transform patient care 
• The importance of building trust before driving innovation 
• Why patient-first thinking leads to better business decisions 
• Balancing innovation with patient safety 
• The role technology plays in reducing healthcare administration 
• Building successful healthcare companies by solving real problems 
• Lessons from multiple healthcare exits and entrepreneurial ventures 
• Why relationships matter more than speed in healthcare innovation 
• How healthcare technology can improve outcomes for patients and providers 
• Creating meaningful impact through purpose-driven entrepreneurship

We talk about:

00:00 Introduction to John Leombruno and OkRx

02:10 The experience at SickKids that changed John's career forever

05:15 Why breakthrough medications still don't guarantee patient access

07:00 What a truly patient-centered healthcare system should look like

10:20 Why specialty medications are becoming mainstream healthcare

11:00 Building OkRx to simplify specialty medication access

14:20 Balancing scientific thinking with entrepreneurial leadership

16:10 Why trust is healthcare's most valuable currency

18:00 How innovation succeeds one relationship at a time

21:00 Planting seeds that improve healthcare for future generations

Connect with John:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-leombruno-4bb1777/ 
• Website: https://www.okrx.ca/ 

Connect with Us:

• LinkedIn: Robin Bailey and Al McDonald  
• Website: Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group