RECOGNIZING EXCELLENCE - JARIS SWIDROVICH
Describe your job in just under four sentences.
In my current role as a University Lecturer, I coordinate and teach the majority of one pharmacy undergraduate course as well as teaching within six other undergraduate pharmacy courses. I participate on a number of committees within the College of Pharmacy and Nutrition at the University of Saskatchewan, as well as other groups and committees across campus. My clinical work involves providing comprehensive clinical pharmacy services to people within the core neighborhood of Saskatoon and across the province, via in-person and telephonic health care services. I meet with patients and collaborate with their family physician and other health providers to achieve their best possible health outcomes.
Dr. Jaris Swidrovich
Lecturer, College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan
Yellow Quill First Nation
LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/jaris-swidrovich-20916627
Why did you start working in your industry?
Knowing, and now experiencing, how pharmacists are frequently rated the most-trusted professionals and also the most accessible health professionals, inspired me to become a pharmacist. I was, and am, inspired by the broad scope of practice and career opportunities available to graduates of pharmacy and envisioned a unique opportunity within pharmacy to make my practice and career my own, while giving back to the communities and causes I care most about.
What do you enjoy the most about your job? What aspect makes you learn the most while on the job?
Without a doubt I most enjoy my various roles related to encouraging student success. Whether I am designing my lectures to be more meaningful and relatable to students or doing my best to guide students toward their career goals, I am overjoyed to be even one small part in the successful career paths of students.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
If my dreams come true, I see myself as an Assistant or Associate Professor of Pharmacy in the College of Pharmacy and Nutrition at the University of Saskatchewan. I see myself becoming a leader in indigenous health research and education, while also maintaining a clinical practice working primarily with diverse and marginalized populations in Saskatchewan.
What does success look like to you?
Success is doing what you love. Growing up I had very different ideas of what success means, which was mostly influenced by the societal norms around me of how success is defined; however, it is now crystal clear to me that success is finding a job and lifestyle where a person is comfortable being him/herself, looks forward to each and every day, and feels supported along the way by family, friends, and colleagues.
What has been the most outstanding moment thus far in your career?
The most outstanding moment in my career thus far was being hired as a Lecturer at the College of Pharmacy and Nutrition at the University of Saskatchewan. Since I was an undergraduate pharmacy student, I knew I wanted to end up back at this specific college and faculty and stay there until retirement. I am so happy to see my dreams and career aspirations starting to become a reality and I hope I can become grounded in my college at the University of Saskatchewan, which is proudly situated on Treaty 6 territory and the homeland of the Métis.
Do you volunteer? If so, where and why is that important to you?
I maintain a number of volunteer commitments – all because I am genuinely invested in the vision, mission, and values of each separate organization and the people and programs they service. One organization I volunteer most of my time with is as a Director on the board of Sanctum Care Group, which oversees the operation of Saskatchewan’s first hospice and transitional care home for people living with HIV in Saskatoon. I also spend time serving on various committees, such as the City of Saskatoon’s Cultural Diversity and Race Relations Committee. Volunteering with these particular organizations, and volunteering in general, is incredibly rewarding to be able to effect change in people, places, and communities that I care about. I truly live by the saying, “be the change,” and encourage others to also transform these words into action.
Do you have any advice for other Indigenous professionals in Canada?
Set sight on your goals and dreams, link arms with your family, friends, and community, and march full-steam ahead! Keeping an open mind, staying optimistic, and welcoming all people and opportunities with kindness will ensure you stay on your path. Keep in mind, success is a journey – not a destination.
What do you think is the most unique challenge for an Indigenous person in your industries?
The most unique challenge I personally perceive is being heavily relied on to address the unfortunate inequities in indigenous health, especially since the proportion of Aboriginal pharmacists in Canada is far less than the proportion of Aboriginal people in the general population of Canada. Other pharmacists and colleagues across the health professions turn to Aboriginal health care workers, such as pharmacists, for our ideas, opinions, and leadership, which is both an honour and a challenge. As well, incorporating traditional medicine knowledge and practices into our primarily Western-medicine-driven health care system is a unique challenge for Aboriginal pharmacists.
What made you interested in joining the Indigenous Professional Association of Canada and why would you encourage others to join?
I am energized by a strong sense of community and support of one another and the Aboriginal Professional Association of Canada is no exception. Uniting Canadian Aboriginal people across a variety of professions has not only opened up interesting dialogue and partnerships, but has also impacted me personally in a way that I have created new friendships, too. I encourage others to join and be inspired by the incredible group of Aboriginal people across the country and network, network, network!