Since joining the WDF Board of Directors, Dr Yan Cai is eager to leverage her extensive experience to combat diabetes globally. Following her first Board meeting, Dr Cai opens up about her journey and vision for achieving equitable care.
09 April 2025 Andreea Enea
As Senior Vice President (SVP) of Medical and Marketing for International Operations at Novo Nordisk, Dr Yan Cai has dedicated many years to advancing diabetes care. Now a member of the World Diabetes Foundation (WDF) Board, she seeks to apply her patient-centred perspective to the WDF’s mission.
In this conversation, Dr Cai shares her motivations and first impressions of WDF’s work, as well as her vision for collaboration.
Having recently transitioned into her role as SVP of Medical and Marketing IO in Zurich, Switzerland, Dr Cai describes her journey as incredibly exciting and meaningful. Her primary responsibility is to ensure that medical and marketing strategies are well integrated to help translate robust scientific evidence into accessible patient care.
‘Affordability is a challenge’, she notes. ‘Healthcare systems are under pressure, and not every patient has access to the most advanced therapies. My role is to ensure that we continue to provide holistic, tiered treatment choices that meet patients where they are.’.
‘My background has given me a deep understanding of the clinical care pathway’, she explains. ‘It allows me to approach leadership with both scientific and empathetic lens’.
Reflecting on her journey, Dr Cai shares the profound influence her father has had on her life. ‘He’s a cardiac surgeon, and growing up, I saw his dedication, high standards, and unwavering focus on his career. He has always been a North Star for me - someone I look up to, and whose values and work ethic I strive to carry forward in my own life.'
The massively unmet medical need in diabetes care drives her work. ‘Diabetes remains a global pandemic, and unfortunately the ‘rule of halves’ still applies: only half of those diagnosed receive treatment, and even fewer reach their treatment goals’.
As a physician by training, she feels a deep responsibility to change this. ‘I will never tire of advocating for better health outcomes for people living with diabetes—whether through scientific innovation, education, or improving access to care. The mission is far from complete, and that keeps me going every day.’
Dr Cai strongly resonates with WDF’s purpose, which mirrors her daily work. ‘Whether I’m bringing innovative treatments to market or shaping strategic initiatives within international health systems, access and equity are always at the core’.
At Novo Nordisk, everything starts with the patient, she adds. This aligns with WDFs goal to improve access to care for people living with diabetes in underserved communities. ‘This shared purpose makes our mission so personally meaningful.’
Dr Cai brings valuable insights from the outset. ‘The most crucial aspect of WDF’s work is creating impact—transforming healthcare systems and improving lives, not just raising awareness’, she asserts. ‘This means expanding access, building sustainable local solutions, and enabling real change for people who are at risk of, or living with diabetes in vulnerable settings. That’s what makes this work essential.’.When asked about her motivation as a WDF Board member, Dr Cai sees the potential for collective impact.
‘I see my role as a champion—someone who actively promotes and amplifies WDF’s work and message—and as a collaborator to the strategic dialogue about its future. Together, we can ensure WDF remains a strong, forward-looking force in global diabetes care.’
Attending her first WDF board meeting in March was a positive and inspiring experience for Dr Cai. She had the opportunity to meet fellow members and participate in extensive discussions on funding new projects for 2025.
‘I was genuinely impressed by the professionalism and expertise of the team. Many have been with the Foundation for years, and their dedication is evident—it’s clear that this work is deeply personal to them, and that passion is contagious’.
She also appreciates the diversity among board members in terms of experience and background. ‘What unites us is our commitment to making a meaningful impact. It was energising to be part of such a thoughtful group. I look forward to deeper collaboration and mutual learning.’.
The meeting exceeded expectations, providing a much clearer picture of the strategy and impact already made. She adds, ‘A memorable takeaway was witnessing the wide range of proposed projects, from local community-level interventions to larger systemic initiatives. This showcases the multifaceted approach to creating sustainable change’.’
Despite the increasing burden of diabetes and related NCDs in low- and middle-income countries, Dr Cai sees hope for the future of care. ‘We need a significant evolution in care when it comes to access. We’ll need innovations to make treatment viable in rural or resource-limited settings, and capacity building among healthcare providers is critical to ensure accurate diagnosis and effective treatment’.
‘There’s a long journey ahead, and WDF has a key role to play—by partnering for scalable, sustainable solutions and continuing to advocate for equitable access to care for all people living with diabetes’.