Jan 17, 2025
WoEgypt

Yasmine Hassan is a global leader in patient advocacy, policy, and HealthEquity, with a focus on oncology. She currently leads global patient advocacy and policy initiatives at AstraZeneca, based in Washington, DC. Her work centers on fostering advocacy, promoting health policies, and contributing to the development of sustainable healthcare pathways for patients worldwide.

Yasmine graduated with a degree in Pharmacy and Biotechnology from the German University in Cairo in 2014. This academic foundation set the stage for her career in healthcare policy and patient advocacy.

Yasmine Hassan moved to the United States after gaining extensive experience in policy and patient advocacy in both Egypt and Canada. Having lived in Canada for over a decade, she has been in the U.S. for several years, continuing to build her career on a global scale.

Her journey to the United States was driven by her ambition to expand her impact on global healthcare. With prior experience in Egypt and Canada, working for multinational companies such as AstraZeneca, Vezeeta, and Rexall, she sought to take on a more influential role in shaping healthcare policy and patient advocacy on a global scale. While the transition posed challenges, including adjusting to being away from her family, adapting to a new professional environment, and managing responsibilities in a global context, her passion for patient advocacy enabled her to overcome these obstacles.

“I feel incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to work in healthcare on a global scale. My journey from Egypt to the USA reflects not only my personal growth but also my deep commitment to patient advocacy and improving healthcare worldwide. As an Egyptian woman, I am proud to be able to represent both my heritage and my professional accomplishments,” Yasmine tells WoEN. 

The most notable difference she noticed between Egypt and the US is the cultural approach to healthcare and patient advocacy. In the US, there’s a more developed infrastructure for patient-centered care ,advocacy and healthcare policies while in Egypt, we are seeing significant strides in improving healthcare access and patient support which is truly aspirational.

In the US, Yasmine continues to celebrate many aspects of Egyptian culture, especially “our deep values of family, hospitality, and community. I stay connected to Egyptian traditions through food, music, and language, which I share with my friends and colleagues here in the US,” she says. 

She believes it is crucial to maintain and celebrate Egyptian heritage. She stays connected to her roots by practicing cultural traditions, cooking Egyptian food, and sharing stories of Egypt’s history and values with others, both within the country and abroad.

 She occasionally watches Egyptian television to stay connected to what is happening in Egypt, from current events to cultural programs and series that keep her grounded in Egyptian life.

She also cooks Egyptian food. “Cooking Egyptian food is a way for me to maintain my connection to Egypt. Dishes like Macarona Bashamel, molokhia, and stuffed grape leaves, which my mom and grandmother used to make for us, remind me of home. I love sharing them with others.”

She continues to celebrate Egyptian holidays such as Sham El Nessim. These celebrations are important to her, as they allow her to stay connected to her culture and family, even while living abroad.

Yasmine visits Egypt as often as possible to stay connected with her family and the country’s developments. Her family members also visit her in the U.S., which helps maintain their strong family bonds. “Every time I see the Egyptian flag or hear our anthem, I feel an overwhelming sense of pride and nostalgia. It reminds me of my roots, the sacrifices of our ancestors, and the values that have shaped me as a person and professional.”

One of the proudest moments in Yasmine’s life remains the opportunity to globally help patients and drive impact in their lives. She finds great inspiration when speaking with oncology leaders worldwide, which reflects the values of empowerment, advocacy, and patient rights that she holds dear as an Egyptian woman aiming to make a global impact. Yasmine is always proud of her Egyptian and Canadian heritage, often connecting the lessons she’s learned to her everyday life. Another proud moment was joining a global leadership role in policy and advocacy, where she had the honor of representing her company at various international congresses, including those in the U.S.

When asked if she has encountered any stereotypes or misconceptions about Egyptian women in the USA, Yasmine said, “There are often misconceptions about Egyptian women being confined to traditional roles, but I actively address these by showcasing the diversity and strength of Egyptian women. Through my leadership in global healthcare, I aim to break these stereotypes and demonstrate the power of women in Egypt and around the world.”

Yasmine believes that integration is vital for personal growth and for contributing to the wider community. “Immigrants can integrate by embracing the culture, building relationships, and sharing their unique perspectives. It’s about finding common ground while celebrating one’s roots,” she explains. 

Yasmine’s advice to Egyptian women considering moving to or currently living in the USA is to stay true to their values, seek opportunities for professional growth, and remain open to learning from the diverse experiences around them. She believes Egyptian women have immense potential, and the U.S. offers a platform to amplify that.