Young Leader in Pharmacy Winnie Li: "Although it has only been two years since I graduated in 2020, my career journey has been a rollercoaster."
Snapshot
Education:
University of Toronto PharmD Graduate (2020)
Current role:
Pharmacy owner - Radiant Pharmacy (32 - 384 Yonge St., Toronto)
As a dynamic leader in the profession, what continues to drive you?
Eight years ago, at the age of 18, I came to Canada alone to study at the University of Toronto. I didn’t know anyone in the country and the journey to adjusting to the new life here was confusing and often overwhelming. I clearly remember my first Christmas in Canada – it was a depressing one. I lived in my dorm by myself and happened to develop a fever. At that time, I had no idea how to see a doctor or pick up any medications because the healthcare system that I was used to in China is so different. I ended up not eating anything for three days until my fever subsided and it was a terrible experience.
Understanding the hardships of building a new life in an unfamiliar country, I am driven and passionate about helping my patients who face similar challenges to those I faced not so long ago. As these students settle down in Canada and bring their families here down the road, I want to continue to be there and assist them with their family health needs at every step of the journey.
How has your career evolved since your graduation?
Although it has only been two years since I graduated in 2020, my career journey has been a rollercoaster. I graduated during the peak of COVID, so my licensing exam was cancelled twice due to quarantine restrictions. It was a very difficult time for me because my family is in China and I had no support whatsoever during the darkest time of the pandemic. Fortunately, after I got my licence in April 2021, I was able to start work as a full-time staff pharmacist. However, just as I thought the tides had turned for me, I was sexually harassed when performing a COVID swab by a patient. This particular event left a lasting effect on my mental health, to the point where I had to resign from my staff position.
During the months away from pharmacy, I spent most of my time healing from the incident, but I was always thinking about my next steps career-wise. Soon, I identified a unique opportunity involving Chinese international students. At the University of Toronto alone there are nearly 16,000 Chinese international students, yet there is no dedicated medical clinic or pharmacy to service this community in the downtown area.
Reflecting upon my past experiences, I started to recognize how many students are currently struggling as I was back then. I quickly connected with Mandarin-speaking practitioners, including nurse practitioners, psychotherapists, chiropractors, etc. Once I shared my vision and business plan, everyone was very excited about our future collaboration. In less than five months, we brought our idea to fruition.
Was there an “aha” moment for you, when you realized the impact of the difference you’re making?
On my break from pharmacy, I continued to receive texts from my international student friends with medical questions. I would usually help them book online walk-in clinics and coach them through the process. However, many students were not able to communicate their medical problems properly, and even more students had trouble with insurance. I was surprised at how underserviced this patient population is. It was that moment when I realized the difference I could make.
Ever since the clinic and pharmacy have been up and running, we have been making a huge impact on our patients’ lives. Previously, many students did not understand how to access healthcare in Canada. Some would ask to buy other people’s leftover antibiotics over social media. Others asked their family in China to ship them medications and developed strategies to “hide” medications in their luggage. Now, these international students can access safe and effective healthcare in a timely manner.
We have attracted students from Guelph, St. Catharines, and even London. This speaks to the fact that this patient population has been widely overlooked. Hopefully, we can expand our services to nearby cities in the near future to further assist these students.
What advice would you give to new pharmacy graduates?
Don’t be afraid to try new things. Sometimes great opportunities and connections come along only after you put yourself out there. When I first made up my mind to build my pharmacy, I did not know any other Mandarin-speaking practitioners. I met all of my partners, who are now my good friends, only after signing my rental lease.
Wholehealth, the banner that I am part of, also provided unlimited support throughout the process. I would not have been able to take on such a project without their guidance and encouragement.
Had I not taken the leap of faith, I would not have had the pleasure to establish relationships with any of them. My advice is to be brave, be bold, and seize any opportunity you can get.