Outpost379

Our Field Notes
Guide to Talking with

Patients

Making Health–Human Means Honouring How People Live With Their Condition.

We uncover insights beyond the clinical to help brands communicate with empathy—and within real-world constraints.

Experience

Patients Are People, Not Their Condition

Healthcare too often centres on disease, and not the people living with it. We help marketers and clinicians bridge that gap. To support beyond treatment, beyond each medical condition to the human condition.

Communication Strategy

Leading with Empathy

A diagnosis changes more than health—it affects daily life, family, and mental well-being. We are experts in connecting directly with patients to uncover meaningful insights that shape creative, campaign, and media decisions.

Creative Strategy

Where
Strategy Meets Storytelling

For years, the restrictive regulations in DTC marketing held brands back. We helped change that. Outpost379 was among the first in Canada to prove that smart strategy and human storytelling can drive action—even when you can’t make product claims. We focus on trust, relevance, and patient motivation.

ASC / Regulatory

Navigating Review with Expertise & Efficiency

We manage PAAB, ASC, and Health Canada reviews end-to-end—collaborating with MRL/PRC teams early and often. From initial discussions to data-backed submissions, we keep approvals moving and timelines intact.

Campaign Building

Understanding Audiences as Humans First

We start with journey mapping—using empathy and data to understand how patients and caregivers live and engage with media. This guides where, when, and how we connect through tailored communication and channel strategy.

Ready to transform your approach to empowering patients?

Our team of communication experts are ready to help.

Our Portfolio

Our Patient Work

Explore how we help make healthcare more human for your patients.

View Our Full Portfolio

We helped turn Stelara into the market leader by convincing Canadians to take charge of their condition.

We educated patients with Inherited Retinal Disease and their caregivers on the importance of genetic testing to guide them toward an optimal treatment pathway.

As the pandemic ran on, we helped bring HIV+ men back to see their physicians to re‑gain control of their disease.

We empowered and motivated MS patients to get involved in their treatment decisions.

Knowing the importance of relatable stories to help guide patients with Diabetes, we engaged Kaleb Dahlgren to share his story of how Omnipod^® has simplified his life so he can focus on his passions and getting the most out of every day.

About Us

WE PUT PEOPLE FIRST

Patients, doctors, or consumers. Regardless of who we’re talking to, one thing remains the same; people are people. And there are two truths about people. One, we all deserve respect, and two, we love stories. Outpost379 dives deep into the emotions and authentic human narratives that matter, ensuring our messaging doesn’t just inform but deeply connects.

WITH RESPECT & HUMILITY

We are humbled by the humans we serve—patients, families, and the professionals dedicated to their well-being.

And we strive to always treat medical conditions—as well as humans and the human condition broadly—with respect.

WHILE CALMING THE CHAOS

We pride ourselves on being level-headed and pragmatic, to “calm the chaos” both for our clients and our audiences. We simplify the complex of science and healthcare.

And in our day-to-day interactions, we strive to be clear, concise, organized, and solution‑oriented. We keep it real. We help land the plane.

AND DOING GOOD ALONG THE WAY

We believe it is possible to do good for our clients and society at the same time. We align our efforts to causes that improve our world, both in the clients we partner with, as well as how we execute the work.

Our People

Meet Your
Guides:

Valerie Smith

President

Zachary Durisko, PhD

VP, Medical & Strategy

Ben Steele

Executive Creative Director

Diana Freeman

VP, Client Services

Katherine Barks

VP, Consumer & Business Strategy

Sacha Lai-Svirk

Vice President

At Outpost379, sustainability is part of how we are

We’ve earned an EcoVadis Gold Medal, placing us in the top 5% of companies for environmental and social responsibility.

Our near-term, science-based targets have been approved by the SBTi, and we’re proud to hold a B rating from CDP, reflecting our commitment to meaningful climate action. For us, sustainability isn’t a side effort, it’s how we create lasting impact for the people, planet, and the brands we serve.

At Outpost379, our dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion is woven into everything we do, including sustainable procurement.

We strive to partner with suppliers who reflect values of representation, fairness, and social responsibility. By actively sourcing from diverse- and women-owned businesses, and setting ethical procurement standards, we amplify underrepresented voices while ensuring environmental integrity at every step of the supply chain. Our holistic approach makes health human not just in our brand, but in the communities and ecosystems we serve.

Land Acknowledgement

We respectfully acknowledge that Outpost379 is located on the Treaty 20 Michi Saagiig territory and in the traditional territory of the Michi Saagiig and Chippewa Nations, collectively known as the Williams Treaties First Nations.

We respectfully acknowledge that the Williams Treaties First Nations are the stewards and caretakers of these lands and waters in perpetuity, and that they continue to maintain this responsibility to ensure their health and integrity for generations to come. We are all Treaty people.

As Outpost379, we are committed to fostering respectful relationships and supporting reconciliation efforts that uphold the rights and dignity of Indigenous peoples. We strive to ensure that our initiatives, partnerships, and community spaces reflect inclusivity, celebrate cultural diversity, and contribute to a shared vision of connection and mutual respect.

In the spirit of reconciliation, we pledge to learn, listen, and act in ways that support the aspirations of Indigenous communities while working together to build a vibrant and thriving space for everyone.

If your brand or career could use a more human touch, we should talk.

Val Smith
val.smith@outpost379.com
705.761.0625