Results-oriented healthcare consultant with a strong foundation in project leadership, stakeholder collaboration, and strategic execution. Spearheaded the development of integrative wellness initiatives that improved clinical outcomes and supported high-performing individuals in preventing burnout. Demonstrated success in grant writing and coalition building, including securing a $1 million grant to launch Rwanda’s national diabetes and preventive health program. Demonstrated ability to drive business growth through analytical thinking and management prowess. As an innovative Co-Founder, I bring experience in startup development, organizational growth, and strategic planning, with a consistent record of mobilizing cross-functional teams, attracting funding, and delivering measurable impact. Recognized for analytical insight, entrepreneurial drive, and the ability to navigate fast-paced environments with clarity and purpose. A seasoned executive with strengths in leadership, financial oversight, and operational efficiency—committed to advancing transformative, people-centered healthcare solutions.
Hi, I’m
Biljana Southerland
Atlanta,United States
Summary
Overview
20
years of professional experience
12
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Biljana Health Consulting
Consultant
06.2023 - Current
Job overview
- Provide personalized consulting and coaching services to private clients in integrative healthcare and nutrition, delivering comprehensive strategies to enhance physical, emotional, and lifestyle well-being.
- Successfully guided a diverse clientele, including high-achieving professionals, toward achieving sustainable lifestyle balance, improved health outcomes, and enhanced performance through tailored, evidence-based wellness plans.
Team Type 1 Foundation
Co-Founder, Program Director, Grant Writer
01.2013 - 12.2016
Job overview
- Conceptualized, developed, and executed two flagship initiatives under the Team Type 1 Foundation: the Sustainable Diabetes Program for Developing Nations and the Global Ambassador Scholarship Program for young athletes with Type 1 diabetes in the United States, successfully advancing both healthcare access and educational equity.
- Successfully brokered a landmark tripartite partnership between the Team Type 1 Foundation, Abbott Laboratories, and the Government of Rwanda, resulting in the donation of 12 million glucose test strips (2020–2024) to support national diabetes management efforts.
- Engineered a strategic alignment between corporate social responsibility objectives and public health priorities, establishing a future market entry opportunity for Abbott in East Africa while simultaneously strengthening Rwanda’s healthcare infrastructure. Facilitated glucose meters and test strips donation to Congo and Rwanda from Arkray, a pharmaceutical company in Netherlands for patients with type 1 diabetes. Oversaw logistics and supply chain operations connecting Japan and Rwanda. Collaboration started with the Ethiopian government.
- Established and maintained high-level communications with governmental agencies, securing strategic partnerships, and funding opportunities to expand programmatic reach and sustainability.
- Conducted comprehensive market analyses and competitive landscape evaluations, leading targeted grant acquisition strategies and online funding applications to strengthen the foundation's financial base.
- Chaired the Executive Committee responsible for the planning and execution of the Foundation's annual Gala Charity Events (2013-2016), Speaker at the Galas-resulting in significant fundraising success in support of the organization's mission to empower individuals living with diabetes globally.
- Secured a $1 million grant from the World Diabetes Foundation (2016-2018) to fund Rwanda's National Preventative Diabetes Program, encompassing education campaigns, local clinic outreach, and the scaling of preventative treatment interventions.
Ministry of Health
Adviser for hospital affairs
07.2008 - 07.2012
Job overview
- Adviser for hospital affairs to the Minister of Health; Senior associate for Public relations; Department of International cooperation and technical support to the Minister's cabinet; Senior adviser for Health Care Management, Department for Health Management.
Clinic of Surgical Diseases "St.Naum Ohridski"Skopje, North Macedonia
Medical Doctor
01.2005 - 01.2009
Job overview
- Practice in Digestive Surgery Department; patient history taking; clinical examinations; preparing medical documentation; assisting in surgeries.
Polyclinic Jane Sandanski
Medical Doctor
07.2006 - 12.2008
Job overview
- Primary Health Care; Consultations, Systematic reviews.
Education
Medical School, University Sts., Cyril And MethodiusSkopje, North Macedonia
Doctor of Medicine
09.1997 - 06.2008
University Overview
European University
Postgraduate Studies in Economics from Health and Pharmaceutical Management
09.2010 - 07.2011
University Overview
Master Thesis: Cost-Benefit analysis in centralized procurement of Insulin, Strips and Insulin pumps by Governments
Integrative International Nutrition School, NYCNew York City
09.2022 - 06.2023
University Overview
Gymnasium of Natural Sciences And Mathematics - Slavco StojmenskiShtip
School of Natural Sciences And Mathematics
University Overview
Skills
- Stakeholder engagement and relationship management
- Project management
- Public speaking
- Grant writing
- Market analysis
- Team leadership
- Program development
- Cross-functional leadership
- Policy advisory expertise
- Diplomacy
- Negotiation skills
- Coalition building
- Leadership excellence
- MS Office proficiency
- AI-based strategic planning
- Documentation skills
- Data analytics
Personal Information
Personal Information
- Date of Birth: 02/21/78
- Place of Birth: North Macedonia
Languages
Languages
- English (fluent)
- Macedonian (native)
- Serbo-Croatian (fluent)
- Bulgarian (spoken and written)
- French (actively learning)
- Romanian (understanding)
- Spanish (understanding)
Conferences And Publications
Conferences And Publications
Diabetes Conferences and Professional Development
- 05/01/06, Ohrid, Macedonia, 29th International Medical Scientific Congress
- 10/01/06, Pattaya, Thailand, The 35th World Congress of the International College of Surgeons
- 04/19/07 - 04/23/07, Antalya, Turkey, XVII Ulusal Kanser Kongresi, Left-Sided Malignant Colonic Obstruction Treated with total colectomy and ileo-recto anastomosis - Case report
- 05/16/10 - 05/20/10, Geneva, 63rd session of the World Health Organization (WHO) General Assembly
- 05/31/10 - 06/01/10, Ohrid, R. Macedonia, Regional Forum on financing the Public Health Insurance
- 09/13/10 - 09/16/10, Moscow, Regional Committee for Europe Sixtieth Session of World Health Organization (WHO)
- Attended the 2014 Clinton Global Initiative Winter Meeting in New York City, where I engaged in direct dialogue with global leaders including Secretary Hillary Clinton and President Barack Obama, and collaborated with philanthropic influencers such as Eva Longoria and Leonardo DiCaprio on shared health equity and sustainability goals.
- Actively participated in leading international diabetes congresses from 2011 to 2022, including regular attendance at the American Diabetes Association (ADA) Scientific Sessions, European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) Annual Meeting, and the Advanced Technologies & Treatments for Diabetes (ATTD) Conference. These engagements offered sustained exposure to the latest scientific advancements, innovations in diabetes technology, and evolving global practices in diabetes care and prevention.
Additional professional development includes:
- International Diabetes Federation (IDF) Workshops
- Mayo Clinic – International Diabetes Center Workshops (2011)
- American Association of Clinical Endocrinology Annual Meeting (2012)
- International Children with Diabetes Conference (2012)
- TCOYD Forum (2012)
Affiliations
Affiliations
- Led the development and national implementation of the National Diabetes Program.
- Architected and enacted a comprehensive reform of the National Diabetes Program
- Developed, legislated and operationalized the National Regulations for the Supply Chain Management
- Initiated and led the formulation of Regulations for the Quality Control of Insulin
- Achieved full government coverage of insulin,glucose meters and test strips for diabetes care
- Drafted national policies for procurement, quality control, and distribution oversight
- Authored public speeches and official communications for the Minister of Health
- Spearheaded amendments to the National Health Care Law
- Served as President of the National Hemophilia Committee
- Directed and conducted the national recruitment of 360 healthcare professionals
- Executive Committee Member for transformation of the Veterans' Hospital into “8mi Septemvri” City Hospital
- Designed and launched the National Diabetes Registry
- Oversaw the national health IT database and chronic disease inventories
- Expanded coverage under the Rare Diseases Program, led and operationalized the program
- President of the Procurement Committee for insulin and essential pharmaceuticals
- Collaborated with international healthcare consultants, including Karl Karol, on hospital reform
- Managed ministerial correspondence and interdepartmental communication
- Contributed to pharmaceutical pricing policy, with focus on cardiovascular medications
- Participated actively in 14+ national healthcare committees and working groups annually.
- Consultant for Joint project MoH and World Bank “Project for Health Reforms“ focusing on the education of managers in public health Led public education campaigns in coordination with WHO EURO region office
- Attended the 2014 Clinton Global Initiative Winter Meeting in New York City, where I engaged in direct dialogue with global leaders including Secretary Hillary Clinton and President Barack Obama, and collaborated with philanthropic influencers such as Eva Longoria and Leonardo DiCaprio on shared health equity and sustainability goals.
Timeline
Consultant
Biljana Health Consulting
06.2023 - Current
Integrative International Nutrition School, NYC
09.2022 - 06.2023
Co-Founder, Program Director, Grant Writer
Team Type 1 Foundation
01.2013 - 12.2016
European University
Postgraduate Studies in Economics from Health and Pharmaceutical Management
09.2010 - 07.2011
Adviser for hospital affairs
Ministry of Health
07.2008 - 07.2012
Medical Doctor
Polyclinic Jane Sandanski
07.2006 - 12.2008
Medical Doctor
Clinic of Surgical Diseases "St.Naum Ohridski"
01.2005 - 01.2009
Medical School, University Sts., Cyril And Methodius
Doctor of Medicine
09.1997 - 06.2008
Gymnasium of Natural Sciences And Mathematics - Slavco Stojmenski
School of Natural Sciences And Mathematics
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