In today’s fast-changing world of healthcare, where innovation moves faster than solutions, a few standout professionals truly make a difference. Dr. Clara Latorre is one of those rare individuals who bridges the gap between cutting-edge science, smart strategy, and real-world impact.
With her expertise and hands-on approach, she’s not just shaping ideas but turning them into meaningful improvements in patient care and the way healthcare works. Dr. Latorre’s work is proof that passion and skill can transform even the toughest challenges into real progress.
“During my teenage years, studying biology opened my eyes to the power of science to make a real difference in people’s lives,’ says Dr. Latorre, ‘By the time I finished high school in Argentina, choosing medicine felt natural—a way to combine my passion for science with my desire to help others.”
With a career spanning continents and disciplines, she has dedicated herself to transforming cancer care through innovative leadership, strategic healthcare management, and an unwavering commitment to public health. Her focus, particularly on melanoma and other skin cancers, has positioned her as a driving force in reshaping how cancer care is delivered and understood.
From Clinical Expertise to Strategic Leadership
Although trained as a dermatologist and her experience extends to other disease areas beyond skin cancer, including cancer research. Dr. Latorre began working at Roche in various healthcare management roles while she was still in Argentina.
She made a deliberate choice to make an impact in the pharmaceutical industry, instead of focusing solely on clinical practice. This pivot allowed her to leverage her deep understanding of clinical science in broader, systemic ways.
With an MD from the University of Buenos Aires and advanced training at Harvard and The Wharton School, she combines academic excellence with practical expertise. And as a Disease Area Partner at Roche, she leads strategies for breast, cervical, and ovarian cancers, turning scientific insights into actionable solutions for better patient care.
“My work isn’t about standing at the bedside anymore,” Dr. Latorre explains. “It’s about shaping the systems and strategies that empower clinicians and ensure patients can access the best possible care. Every decision we make has the potential to impact thousands of lives.”
One of her standout achievements at Roche was developing tools that empowered in-field teams to share knowledge and resources with clinicians and stakeholders effectively.
Her ability to foster cross-functional collaboration is a testament to her transformative leadership—a skill she sharpened as a Transformation Lead for Roche’s Medical Affairs department in Buenos Aires.
“I believe that creating a medical strategy for a product or a disease area is at the heart of bridging the medical and business sides of healthcare,” says Dr. Latorre.
“It’s about identifying and addressing key needs, such as evidence gaps—those moments when people say, ‘There’s no data on this.’ That’s where we step in to design clinical trials to fill those gaps. But it’s not just about the data; it’s also about education—ensuring that the right knowledge reaches the right people to drive meaningful progress.”
During her tenure, she implemented a self-managed structure designed to foster agility and alignment, meeting the critical demand for adaptability in today’s fast-paced healthcare environment. Her efforts went beyond restructuring systems; she cultivated a culture of innovation and collaboration, empowering teams to achieve meaningful, lasting results.
Andrea Iguibejeres, the former Finance Enterprise Lead at Roche Argentina, worked closely with Dr. Clara Latorre for nearly a decade, witnessing firsthand her impact on the company’s dermatology and oncology franchises.
Reflecting on their time together, Andrea shares: “Clara is a distinguished specialist in dermatology and oncology with an impressive track record in the pharmaceutical industry.
“During the nine years we worked together at Roche Argentina, she played a crucial role in the launch and development of the dermatology and oncology franchises. Clara significantly contributed to positioning Roche as a reference in these fields in Argentina. Her strategic approach and ability to establish connections within and outside the organization were key to these achievements.”
A Global Perspective on Public Health
Dr. Latorre’s work is grounded in a global perspective, shaped by her experiences in Argentina, Mexico, and the United States. As the Executive Director of the Argentine Registry of Cutaneous Melanoma, she led a national epidemiological analysis that identified populations at heightened risk for developing melanoma. This work informed public health plans that have since become foundational in Argentina’s fight against skin cancer.
“Public health isn’t just about addressing issues as they arise; it’s about anticipating them,” Dr. Latorre notes. “Through data and strategy, we can create proactive rather than reactive solutions.”
This philosophy underpins her leadership at Triko, a platform she founded to simplify clinical trials and enhance patient participation. Triko democratized access to research, enabling investigators to conduct virtual studies with ease while reducing barriers for patients. It’s an innovation that reflects Dr. Latorre’s entrepreneurial mindset and her belief in the power of technology to drive equitable healthcare.
Innovating Cancer Treatment: A Focus on Melanoma
Dr. Latorre’s impact on melanoma research is unparalleled. As a Product Manager for Roche’s Skin Cancer Franchise, she spearheaded the Argentine pre-launch of groundbreaking treatments, including Zelboraf®, Cotellic®, and Erivedge®. Her ability to anticipate market needs and equip field teams with effective materials has been pivotal in advancing the treatment landscape.
“Launching a treatment is more than a scientific achievement; it’s a strategic challenge,” she says.
“You need to understand the ecosystem—patients, providers, payers—and align them around a shared goal: better outcomes.”
Her leadership has extended beyond product launches to public education. As an invited professor at the University of Buenos Aires and Barcelo University, she taught the next generation of healthcare professionals about melanoma’s epidemiology and prevention. Her commitment to education underscores her belief in the ripple effect of knowledge.
A Data-Driven Approach to Innovation
Dr. Latorre’s strategic insights are underpinned by her academic rigor. She has earned postgraduate certifications in Cancer Genomics, Precision Oncology, and the design and conduct of clinical trials from Harvard Medical School. Her expertise in data management, honed through certifications in platforms like STATA, allows her to interpret complex datasets and translate them into actionable strategies.
“Data is the backbone of every decision we make,” she asserts. “It tells the story of where we’ve been and where we need to go. My role is to ensure that story leads to innovation.”
Clara’s groundbreaking melanoma research, recognized by the Argentine Health Ministry and the National Dermatology Congress, has shaped public health strategies and advanced skin cancer prevention. As a member of Argentina’s National Skin Cancer Campaign Conduct Committee, her work, published in journals like the British Journal of Dermatology and Genetics in Medicine, has illuminated melanoma epidemiology and genetic risk factors, driving impactful strategies in her field.
Pablo Medina, a seasoned professional in the healthcare industry, has had the opportunity to work with Dr. Latorre.
He says: “Clara has a deep understanding of what resonates with clinicians,’ says Medina, ‘which is critical when you’re building value propositions or strategies for a product. For example, during her work on the women’s health portfolio, she proposed a fresh approach to positioning an HPV test. Instead of just targeting labs, she focused on how it fit into clinical workflows, which was a very innovative perspective.”
The Future of Cancer Care
Dr. Latorre’s career exemplifies the integration of science and strategy, with an eye toward the future. Her work at Roche continues to push boundaries, particularly in precision oncology and patient-centered care. As she navigates the complexities of healthcare management, her guiding principle remains clear: to create systems and solutions that improve lives globally.
“We’re at a crossroads in healthcare,” she reflects. “The challenges are immense, but so are the opportunities. With the right leadership and vision, we can transform these challenges into innovations that redefine what’s possible.”
Dr. Latorre’s journey is a testament to the power of strategic thinking and interdisciplinary collaboration in driving meaningful change. Her contributions to cancer care and clinical innovation have left an indelible mark, ensuring that patients, providers, and communities benefit from a brighter, healthier future.
“Helping people has always been my driving force,” says Dr. Latorre, “whether it’s in a professional setting or with family and friends. I take pride in being someone others can rely on, and there’s nothing more fulfilling than offering support and guidance when it’s needed most.”