Role: Director, Pharmacy Services
Coming from: Guyana, but raised in Canada (Edmonton, Frobisher Bay, Yellowknife, and Scarborough)
Healthcare Experience: Over 30 years
“Shared experiences shape my commitment to helping others. Find a job that brings your values to life.”
Swasti’s story
I was born in Guyana, and as a baby, I traveled with my parents to Canada, where they pursued their Master’s degrees at the University of Alberta in Edmonton. From there, we moved to Frobisher Bay, Nunavut, and then Yellowknife, Northwest Territories.
My earliest childhood memories there are of public school. My classmates and friends from the local First Nations and Inuit community helped this young Caribbean girl to learn the joy of putting on parkas and mukluks for snowy adventures during recess.
We eventually moved to Scarborough, and it was there that a pivotal moment in my life occurred. My sister had broken a bone, and I accompanied her to SHN’s Centenary hospital to get a brace, where I saw the exceptional pediatric care she received. Despite the stress of the situation, the kindness and professionalism of the staff left a lasting impression on me.
Determined to learn more, I joined SHN as a “Candy Striper” – as we were known back then, because of the striped uniforms traditionally worn by hospital volunteers. This is when I realized healthcare was my calling.
My career at SHN spans over 30 years, during which I have held various positions, including pharmacy student, pharmacist, senior pharmacist, manager, and now director. Certainly, it’s taken passion, commitment, and perseverance, but I have also excelled thanks to all my colleagues, leaders, and teams who have supported me. And just like with my own growth, I have seen the hospital adapt, bring together different ideas and pieces, expand and become stronger, and serve our community in so many ways.
SHN also holds a special place in my heart, because I have been on the receiving end of care here at the hospital. Both of my daughters were born here, and several members of our family have been treated with amazing care. SHN feels like home to me.
My story is a testament to the powerful pull of healthcare and my deep connection to the Scarborough community. I am incredibly grateful for all that has influenced me along the way. I like to think my journey from Guyana to western Canada to Scarborough is an example of how personal experiences can shape a lifelong commitment to helping and serving others.