As part of our celebration of Black History Month, OPA is proud to recognize the remarkable contributions of Black pharmacy professionals who enrich and strengthen healthcare in Ontario. We had the pleasure of visiting Jonathan Gbedemah, the owner of Jonathan’s Kingsway Pharmacy in Sudbury, Ontario to discuss the importance of diversity in healthcare, his journey as a Black pharmacist, and his advice for other aspiring pharmacy professionals.
Jonathan Gbedemah, a registered pharmacist and entrepreneur, shared his story with us. Reflecting on his upbringing, he credited his father for instilling in him a thoughtful, analytical approach to decision-making; a quality that has served him well in both his personal and professional life.
“My dad always made sure that I analyzed everything before making a move,” Jonathan shared. “It’s something I apply in my daily life and career.”
When asked why he chose a career in pharmacy, Jonathan explained that it was the perfect combination of his passions for problem-solving, helping people, and science. For him, pharmacy sits at the intersection of these three elements, making it a deeply fulfilling career path.
When reflecting on Black History Month, Jonathan stated, “To me, Black History Month in the healthcare community means celebrating diversity and advocating for culturally competent care.” However, he acknowledged that when he was a student about a decade ago, discussions about inequity and bias in the healthcare system were limited.
“I hope that’s starting to change now. I think universities and schools are beginning to have these important conversations—whether through curriculum updates, classes, or even single presentations. But there’s still progress to be made,” he noted.
Jonathan emphasized the importance of increasing representation in pharmacy and other healthcare professions, stating, “There’s definitely an imbalance when you compare the number of Black pharmacy professionals to the general population.”
Jonathan spoke passionately about how diversity improves patient care. “Having healthcare providers who understand and respect cultural practices makes a huge difference,” he said. “For example, if someone’s cultural practices affect their diet or when they eat, having a practitioner who can relate to or accommodate these practices leads to better care.”
For Jonathan, representation in healthcare is not only about improving patient outcomes but also about inspiring the next generation. “It’s crucial for younger Black individuals to see themselves represented in positions where they can help others. It shows them what’s possible,” he said.
To Black pharmacy students, Jonathan offered this advice: “Find your niche, discover your passion in pharmacy, and seek out a good mentor. Most importantly, pursue what makes you happy.”
OPA celebrates Jonathan Gbedemah’s dedication to patient care and his advocacy for diversity in healthcare. His journey serves as an inspiring example of the impact that Black pharmacy professionals make in their communities and across the profession. This Black History Month and beyond, we honour his contributions and those of Black pharmacists across Ontario who continue to shape the future of healthcare for the better.
You can connect with Jonathan on his social media channels:
Jonathan’s Kingsway Pharmacy is located at 1102 Kingsway, Greater Sudbury, Ontario.
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