“It means so much personally and professionally to be recognized by colleagues for my work in the COVID-19 therapeutic area. There are so many inspirational, innovative, and talented pharmacists so I’m incredibly proud to be presented this special honor. It makes all the hard work, persistence, and dedication to this space all the more worthwhile.”
Jon is a pharmacist with diverse professional experience in community, hospital, and the pharmaceutical industry. When the pandemic began to unfold, Jon returned to community practice to support the public health response. He began building a practice at one of the initial provincial pilots at the Shoppers Drug Mart Yonge/Roxborough for COVID-19 testing and vaccines. He also practices part-time at Michael Garron Hospital supporting mass immunization sites for vulnerable communities and initiating treatments at the COVID-19 Therapeutics Clinic. Additionally, he’s worked in Medical Affairs at Novo Nordisk and GlaxoSmithKline supporting diabetes, obesity, and COVID-19 therapeutics. Jon has been involved with projects related to COVID-19, including research projects and as a volunteer for Resources Canada where he assists with combatting COVID-19 misinformation, provides a safe space to address vaccine hesitancy and builds vaccine confidence. He has also completed an independent study for pharmacists and research on obesity management. Jon’s extensive community involvement and advocacy for the profession have been recognized through various awards. He is a recipient of the Frank Kwiecien Memorial Award, Marvin Kopstick Award, and the Ontario Pharmacists Association Award. He’s volunteered with Diabetes Canada to raise disease awareness in the community and is involved as a peer reviewer for the Canadian Pharmacists Journal. An advocate for the profession, Jon has made several televised, radio appearances, and speeches throughout the pandemic. Jon is a 2019 alumni of the University of Toronto Doctor of Pharmacy program. He also completed a postgraduate residency affiliated with the University of Toronto and Novo Nordisk.