Saleema Bhaidani, Rx2014 | School of Pharmacy | University of ��ݮ��Ƶ

Saleema Bhaidani is the Director of Pharmacy Innovation and Professional Affairs at Whole Health Pharmacy Partners, a pharmacy banner based in Markham, Ontario. She is also a 2017 graduate of ��ݮ��Ƶ Pharmacy's PharmD bridging program.

Where They're Working

As a Director with a new pharmacy banner, Saleema was instrumental in launching Whole Health Pharmacy Partners (WHPP) in early 2016.

“Being part of a start-up is such a unique career opportunity. At first, we were all huddled over one desk, strategizing, supporting our first Whole Health pharmacies and wearing all sorts of different hats,” she explains. “I was a pharmacist, a designer, a negotiator, and an event planner all within the same week.”

Working with a small leadership team, Saleema still plays many roles. WHPP is dedicated to individualized patient care – their stores focus on providing new revenue streams for pharmacists that are beneficial for patients. WHPP investigates new areas of practice and change, examining how they can be incorporated into community pharmacy.

“To us, the best way to integrate new opportunities for pharmacy is to concentrate on services that provide personalized care to patients,” she explains. “It is what patients are looking for in this new era of healthcare and the only way, we believe, independent pharmacies can survive.”

In her director role, Saleema leads the development and implementation of programming across the banner. In 2017, WHPP launched mental health campaigns at all their stores. The program runs in partnership with Michael Landsberg, TSN Sports Broadcaster and founder of #SickNotWeak, a not-for-profit organization that supports mental wellness.

Reflections on the Program

“I have an immense amount of pride for being a University of ��ݮ��Ƶ School of Pharmacy graduate. Ask my UofT students! I wouldn’t be working at a job I love if it wasn’t for the intimate and supportive environment at UW Pharmacy.

Being involved in pharmacy organizations both SOPhS and CAPSI undoubtedly helped get me here. Also, the co-op experiences and relationships I built with my classmates all impacted my journey: where I am and where I hope to continue to grow professionally."

“Pharmacists do an excellent job looking after our patients with a variety of health conditions, and mental illness is no different from this,” says Saleema. “In fact, many other physical illnesses have some sort of mental health aspect to them, making it essential for pharmacists to be equipped to best support the mental wellbeing of patients.”

Saleema takes every opportunity to broaden her understanding of pharmacy practice. Most recently, she completed a rotation experience at Mount Vernon Cancer Centre and Lister Hospital in the United Kingdom.

“I wanted to see if I had the resilience to live in a place I’d never been to and to overcome the challenges a new country would bring,” she explains. “I was happy to observe how valued pharmacists were within the UK health system. Within the hospital setting, pharmacists were heavily relied on for their knowledge and expertise.”

Alumni Answers

UW: What surprised you about pharmacy practice in England?

SB: What surprised me the most was the advanced role of technicians within pharmacy in the UK. This had a direct impact on the ability of the pharmacist to provide clinical care. Personally, it has motivated me to continue to encourage the expanded role of technicians within our country, to move pharmacists away from the technical aspects of pharmacy towards the application of our clinical expertise.

UW: What advice do you have for pharmacists with entrepreneurial interests?

SB: Being an independent pharmacy owner is so rewarding. Every day I see it from our owners who have decided to take the risk to pursue their own business and how satisfied they are professionally. It can be intimidating at first, but the freedom you obtain to practice the way you want is very worthwhile. Plus, there is a lot of support to get you there – it’s just about taking that first step and getting out of your comfort zone initially.

UW: What’s unique about working a start-up like environment like WHPP?

SB: The neat thing about being part of a start-up is that any idea you come up with can become a reality. There aren’t as many roadblocks and hurdles to overcome in order to get new projects approved. It’s an excellent way to learn professionally because the instantaneous feedback you receive can be both rewarding and humbling at the same time.

Non-Pharm Fun

Post-graduation, Saleema jumped back into the pool after 8 years and trained for her second international swimming competition in Dubai last year. Apart from her athletic activities, Saleema has many hobbies and no day looks the same for her.

“There are weeks where I am preparing for an Indian dance performance, others where I am organizing a sports tournament for my community, and times where I take courses to improve other non-pharmacy skills such as Photoshop and a new language. One thing that is consistent is that I’m always planning for my next trip and love exploring new cities and countries. And I can’t forget! One of my newest favourite activities is playing with my new kitten, Mochi.”