Image: Timothy Lim, BSc(Pharm)'16
I joined the UBC Pharmacists Clinic team as a clinical pharmacist and lecturer after working several years in a clinical pharmacist role at the Royal Columbian Hospital. I completed my university degree at UBC, and then an Accredited Canadian Pharmacy Residency with Lower Mainland Pharmacy Services.
What accomplishments are you most proud of?
Coming out to my family about my sexual orientation, especially my parents. While mustering the courage to come out was my most frightening and anxiety-ridden experience to date (yes, more frightening than bungee jumping, cliff diving, and opening the results of my PEBC & OSCE exam combined), revealing my truth has been such a liberating experience. No longer do I have to monitor my every action, and worry if I’m “acting straight enough” or if my actions could’ve accidentally outed myself. I am now able to have genuine interactions with my family and that in itself has brought immense joy and healing in my life.
However, I do not take the acceptance from my immediate and extended family for granted. While Canada has made immense strides over the decades, it’s important to acknowledge that LGBTQ2 health inequities and discrimination still exists in our country. For example, many queer youths today experience family conflict - and of the homeless youth in Canada, between 25% and 40% identify as LGBTQ2.(1) Also, in a trans youth health survey, 65% of trans youth have reported having suicidal thoughts within the past year.(2)
Further with an aging population, social isolation is not only a reality of many seniors, but particularly LGBTQ2 seniors. Same-sex sexual activity was decriminalized in Canada in 1969. This means seniors who lived in Canada prior to this legislation had very different life experiences with their gender and sexual identity.
What are some interesting initiatives you are working on currently in your current role?
Collaborating alongside First Nations Health Authority, First Nations communities, and local community pharmacies to find new ways to improve pharmacist services and patient care. I’d like to acknowledge, with gratitude, the First Nations communities that we have partnered with for welcoming us onto their traditional territories. In addition, partnering with the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Deaf-Blind Well-Being Program to educate patients on the role of pharmacists and pharmacy services.
What UBC moment are you still talking about?
Living in residence at Totem in first year university. Moving to Vancouver from Edmonton after high school was both an exhilarating and difficult change. In this first year, I was able to create many wonderful memories with friends, but it also was a stepping-stone in learning about my mental health and developing my personal resilience.
Who or what has been the biggest influence in your career?
Social justice movements. I believe health and social justice go hand in hand. Addressing societal inequities contribute to good public health, which consequently enables human well-being.
References
(1) Standing Committee on Health. The health of LGBTQIA2 communities in Canada [Internet]. Canada: Speaker of the House of Commons; June 2019 [cited 2020 10 18]. 70p. Report no.: 28. Available from: https://www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Committee/421/HESA/Reports/RP10574595/hesarp28/hesarp28-e.pdf
(2) Veale JF, Watson RJ, Peter T, Saewyc EM. The mental health of Canadian transgender youth compared with the Canadian population. J Adolesc Health. 2017 Jan;60(1): 44-49.