Image: Strategic innovator Dr Clara Latorre is transforming dermatology and oncology
In today’s fast-paced healthcare world, few leaders balance clinical expertise and strategic innovation as seamlessly as Dr. Clara Latorre.
With a strong foundation in dermatology and oncology, she has reimagined the approach to skin cancers, especially melanoma—not just in research and treatment but also in public health policy.
Driven by her vision and commitment to meaningful solutions, Dr. Latorre is paving the way for a more innovative and accessible healthcare future.
“Knowing that our work can eventually reach and help patients in need is incredibly rewarding, says Dr Latorre. “From my early days in patient care to my current role in diagnostics, the focus has always been on making a real impact. I approach everything with a blend of strategic thinking, a passion for innovation, and a deep commitment to meeting patient needs across regions. At the heart of it all, it's about creating meaningful change for those who rely on us."
Strategic Thinking Meets Clinical Expertise
Dr. Latorre’s journey began in Argentina, working as a dermatologist. She also has experience in cervical cancer, breast cancer and ovarian cancer through her work with Roche.
This gave her firsthand insight into managing complex diseases in the cancer field, such as melanoma.
In the United States, she has become a transformative leader in dermatology and oncology, using her clinical expertise to drive strategic innovation. This includes conducting research at one of the top institutions in the country., Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.
Dr. Latorre is redefining how these fields approach prevention, treatment, and patient care by addressing critical gaps in evidence, advancing groundbreaking treatments and shaping public health policies.
"I’ve always believed that effective healthcare is about more than treating diseases—it’s about understanding the systems and people involved," Dr. Latorre explains.
"My clinical background gives me a unique perspective on the needs of both patients and providers, which I now apply to creating solutions at a larger scale."
One of her most impactful roles was as the Executive Director of the Argentine Registry of Cutaneous Melanoma. Here, she led an extensive epidemiological analysis to identify regions and populations most at risk for melanoma. Her work resulted in targeted public health interventions and laid the groundwork for future melanoma prevention efforts across Argentina.
Driving Change at Roche
Building on her public health achievements, Dr. Latorre transitioned to the pharmaceutical industry, where she has played pivotal roles in advancing cancer care.
Currently, as Disease Area Partner at Roche Diagnostic Corporation, she focuses on breast, cervical, and ovarian cancers. Her work involves crafting tools and strategies for medical affairs teams, ensuring clinicians have the resources they need to implement innovative treatments.
"My role at Roche is about taking the science and translating it into actionable strategies," she says. "It’s not enough to develop a breakthrough therapy—we need to ensure it reaches the right patients, at the right time, in the most effective way."
During her time at Roche, Dr. Latorre played a pivotal role in leading the Skin Cancer Franchise, spearheading the pre-launch of groundbreaking melanoma treatments like Zelboraf®, Cotellic®, and Erivedge®. Her expertise in navigating complex market landscapes and equipping field teams with customized resources highlights her strategic vision and commitment to advancing healthcare innovation.
"Launching a treatment is more than a scientific milestone," she notes. "It’s a strategic challenge that requires understanding the ecosystem—patients, providers, payers, and regulators—and bringing them together around a shared goal of better outcomes."
Innovating Through Technology
Dr. Latorre’s entrepreneurial spirit shines through in her work as the founder of Triko, a platform designed to simplify and democratize clinical trials. Recognizing the barriers that both researchers and patients face in traditional trials, she developed Triko to enable virtual studies that are cost-effective, user-friendly, and accessible to a broader range of participants.
"Triko was born out of a desire to make clinical research more inclusive," Dr. Latorre explains. "Technology has the power to break down geographic, financial, or logistical barriers. With Triko, we created a system where more people could contribute and benefit from medical advancements."
Dr. Latorre’s commitment to leveraging technology exemplifies her vision for transforming healthcare. Drawing on her extensive expertise in clinical trial design and strategic innovation, she has developed tools that accelerate research while ensuring its impact reaches a broader audience.
Andrea Iguibejeres, former Finance Enterprise Lead at Roche Argentina, collaborated closely with Dr. Clara Latorre for nearly a decade. She had the opportunity to witness Dr. Latorre’s transformative contributions to the dermatology and oncology franchises.
"Dr. Latorre’s innovative approach has redefined patient care, particularly in dermatology and oncology. By involving ophthalmologists in product presentations, she has broadened the network of specialists addressing complex conditions near the eyes, fostering a more comprehensive care model.
“Her expertise and forward-thinking strategies continue to drive advancements in medicine, delivering meaningful impact for patients and progress in the field."
There is no doubt Dr. Latorre’s ability to integrate cutting-edge technology with her deep understanding of oncology and dermatology underscores her dedication to advancing both science and equitable patient care.
A Commitment to Education and Advocacy
Education and advocacy have always been central to Dr. Latorre’s work. As an invited professor at the University of Buenos Aires and Barcelo University, she shared her expertise in melanoma epidemiology and public health strategies with the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Her teaching emphasized the importance of prevention and early detection, particularly in regions with limited healthcare resources.
"Education is one of the most powerful tools to create lasting change," Dr. Latorre says. "By teaching others, we’re not just passing on knowledge; we’re empowering them to become leaders in their own right."
Her advocacy extends to public health campaigns, including her involvement with the Argentine Society of Dermatology’s National Skin Cancer Campaign. Through these efforts, Dr. Latorre has helped raise awareness about melanoma and encouraged early detection, potentially saving countless lives.
Pablo Medina, a seasoned healthcare professional and Corporate Strategy Advisor, collaborated with Dr. Clara Latorre on developing oncology diagnostic strategies.
Dr. Latorre brought her expertise in medical and scientific perspectives, while Pablo focused on the commercial side, creating a well-rounded approach to their work together.
"The U.S. is becoming increasingly diverse,” says Medina, “and Clara’s multicultural expertise is a tremendous asset. Her deep understanding of working with patients and clinicians from various cultural backgrounds, particularly from Latin America, brings invaluable perspective to public health and healthcare delivery in a multicultural society like ours."
A Data-Driven Vision
At the core of Dr. Latorre’s approach is a reliance on data to inform decision-making. Her postgraduate training in cancer genomics, precision oncology, and clinical trial design from Harvard Medical School underscores her commitment to using evidence-based strategies.
"Data tells us where we’ve been and where we need to go," Dr. Latorre reflects. "In healthcare, every decision should be guided by what the evidence shows us—not just about diseases, but about the systems and people affected by them."
Her research contributions, published in prestigious journals like the British Journal of Dermatology and Genetics in Medicine, continue to shape the field. From analyzing melanoma incidence in young populations to identifying genetic counseling needs, Dr. Latorre’s work has provided valuable insights that bridge science and strategy.
Transforming Healthcare
Looking ahead, Dr. Latorre is optimistic about the future of dermatology and oncology. Her work at Roche and her entrepreneurial ventures and public health advocacy positions her as a leader in creating innovative and practical solutions.
"We’re at a turning point in healthcare," she says. "The challenges are immense, but so are the opportunities. With collaboration, data, and a commitment to equity, we can create systems that work better for everyone."
Dr. Latorre’s journey exemplifies the power of strategic innovation in driving meaningful change. From her groundbreaking work in melanoma research to her leadership in healthcare strategy, she has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to improving lives. Her ability to integrate clinical insights with strategic vision redefines what’s possible in dermatology and oncology, leaving an indelible mark on the field.
"I strive to bring an agile mindset to my work—one that transforms ideas into results quickly and adapts to change with ease,’ says Dr Latorre, ‘My passion lies in driving innovation in diagnostics and pharma, fueled by a commitment to creating impactful science that shapes the future of healthcare."
