Innovating for a Healthier Future: The Marzena Kulis Effect in the Middle East

Marzena Kulis is a dynamic figure in the world of health care. From the date she joined Johnson & Johnson in 2013, her career path has been nothing short of extraordinary. She brought a wealth of experience in healthcare reforms and system management into her present role as Managing Director for Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices in the Middle East. Kulis’s work exemplifies a strategic vision, with an unrelenting focus on bettering the outcomes for patients.

Before assuming leadership roles in the Middle East, Kulis managed Johnson & Johnson’s $250 million business across Central and Eastern Europe. Her work spanned countries with diverse healthcare challenges, including Poland, the Baltics, and the Balkans. Her earlier tenure at the World Bank further highlights her expertise in healthcare reforms. Kulis contributed to projects aimed at reshaping healthcare systems in developing regions, addressing issues such as access to medical services and policy restructuring.

In the Middle East, Kulis oversees a market with unique needs and huge potential for growth. This region’s focus on innovation in healthcare aligns very well with her drive to integrate advanced medical solutions into everyday practice.

One of the most impactful initiatives of Kulis has been the “Beat Colorectal Cancer” campaign, launched in 2019. This multi-country program was implemented in Saudi Arabia, the U.A.E., Kuwait, Oman, Jordan, Egypt, and Bahrain, reflecting her commitment to raising awareness about preventable diseases. The campaign screened 4,000 individuals, tested 1,200 people, and identified and treated three patients with colorectal cancer. These findings highlight that proactive care practices and a public need for awareness ensure saving. The leadership exhibited by Kulis ensured this campaign goes beyond diagnosis into education; that is providing prevention-related information, where health knowledge will be imparted creating the culture around the Middle East region.

Kulis led Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices to primarily introduce more sophisticated technologies for the use of the patient in the Middle East. From minimally invasive surgical tools to advanced diagnostic equipment, the company’s inventions are changing the way patient care is delivered. Involving partnerships with regional health care providers is Kulis’s approach in making such technologies accessible and localized for regional needs. It also focused on the incorporation of digital tools. Through data analytics and telehealth solutions, the company ensures efficiency in medical procedures while achieving better patient outcomes. This forward-thinking approach aligns with the vision of the Middle East to become a global hub for healthcare innovation.

Kulis is also a strong advocate for sustainable healthcare practices. Her initiatives focus on creating long-term solutions that address the root causes of health disparities. By fostering collaborations with governments, non-profits, and the private sector, she aims to build healthcare systems that are resilient and inclusive.

Her work with Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices goes beyond business objectives. It seeks to make healthcare more equitable, ensuring that even underserved communities have access to life-saving treatments and technologies.

As a woman in a leadership role within the healthcare sector, Kulis serves as an inspiration for aspiring female professionals. She actively promotes diversity and inclusion, recognizing that diverse perspectives drive innovation and better decision-making.

This commitment to women’s empowerment further translates into mentoring young talent and creating opportunities for growth within the industry. The story of Marzena Kulis, from the Polish healthcare reforms to a leadership position in a medical devices company in the Middle East, is a reflection of her dedication and vision. Her initiatives have improved access to healthcare and also set new benchmarks for innovation and sustainability in the sector.