Vanessa Nunes De Paiva, MBA, Ph.D.
Executive Board
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Vanessa Nunes De Paiva, MBA, Ph.D.

Chief Physician Liaison, HMD

Vanessa Nunes de Paiva is an accomplished Medical Science Liaison whose career reflects a steadfast commitment to scientific excellence, patient-centered engagement, and cross-functional collaboration. With a strong foundation in medical sciences and extensive field experience, she has built a reputation for delivering high-impact scientific exchange, strengthening strategic partnerships, and advancing healthcare solutions for complex and underserved patient populations.

She is from Brazil and she did her master degree in science in Immunology in Brazil, her Ph.D. in Neuroimmunology in Germany. She did a postdoc program at Florida International University in Neuroscience, and a second postdoc in Immuno-Oncology at University of Miami, and recently graduated with her MBA in Marketing.

Vanessa specializes in rare diseases, dermatology, and neurology, with a particular focus on elevating clinical awareness around Tuberous Sclerosis Complex and improving access to innovative therapies such as Hyftor. She demonstrates a disciplined, structured approach to stakeholder engagement, informed by deep scientific knowledge, operational rigor, and unwavering respect for regulatory compliance. Vanessa is recognized for her ability to cultivate trust-based relationships with Key Opinion Leaders, effectively bridging scientific evidence with real-world clinical practice.

Known for her resilience, determination, and strong sense of purpose, Vanessa consistently champions the needs of patients and clinicians across diverse and challenging territories. She leverages data-driven insights, emerging digital tools, and evidence-based strategies to support medical planning, scientific education, and field execution. Her traditional values rooted in integrity, accountability, and professionalism are complemented by a forward-looking mindset that embraces innovation and continuous learning.

Vanessa is deeply committed to supporting the Latino community within the MSL profession and advancing diversity in Medical Affairs leadership. Her passion for science, people, and impact continues to guide her mission: enabling better care, expanding clinical understanding, and shaping a more informed healthcare ecosystem for the future.

Other Team Members

Bakary Jatta, M.D.
Chair & Founder, HMD
Tracy Lewis, M.A.Ed., B.S. Psych.
Chief Experience & Engagement Officer
Wes Scruggs, MBA
Commercial & Growth Officer, HMD
Minna Cross
HMD Data & Analytics Lead
Mandefro Ayano, M.D.
HMD Internal Medicine
Karthik Saravanan, BMBCh Bound, BA (Oxon)
Strategic Advisor For Medical AI & UK Programs, HMD
Tsion Yehualashet Wubshet, M.D.
HMD Regional Executive, East Africa
Chidinma Nwoha, MD, MPH
HMD Regional Executive, West Africa
Mohamed Benlamin, M.D.
HMD Internal Medicine
Fahmida Zahin, MBBS Candidate
HMD Ambassador, United Kingdom
Melody Olajide, MBBS Candidate
HMD Ambassador, West Africa
Praise Emmanuel, MD Candidate
HMD Ambassador, Southern Europe
Riya Dhindsa, MD Candidate
HMD Podcast Fellow
Howard Maibach, M.D., FAAD
Advisory Board Member, HMD
Alexander D. Crosett III
Board Director, HMD
Nancy DiGioacchino, MBA, CPHQ, CPCO, HACP, CIPM
Healthcare Governance, Risk & Compliance Board Advisor, HMD
Kendra Mitchell, JD
Independent Director & Strategic Counsel, HMD
Angelika Korelc
Operations & Transformation Board Advisor, HMD
Mina Ghorbanifarajzadeh, DMD
Board Advisor for Clinical AI Implementation & Validation, HMD
Parul Nanda
Technical Board Advisor & Technology Lead
Joe Sedlak, MBA, RN, BSN
Healthcare Technology, Commercial Growth & Enterprise Strategy Board Advisor
Lucia Domville, MIA, IRC®
Capital Markets, Investor Relations & Strategic Communications Board Advisor, HMD
Shelley Wisnowski, MHA, PT
Partnerships & Commercial Growth Board Advisor, HMD
Dan Gonzalez, PharmD
Clinical AI, Pharmacy & Digital Health Strategy Board Advisor, HMD
Melania Calinescu, PhD
AI & Data Strategy Board Advisor, HMD
Bryn Dunn
Finance, Capital & Corporate Strategy Advisor, HMD
Dr. Pierre Redelinghuys
HMD Senior Scientist & Strategic Board Advisor
Rachel Salazar, DHSc
Life Sciences, Clinical Innovation & Strategy Board Advisor, HMD