Photo: Elke Bohdanowicz, pharmacist (left) with Bhawani Jain, pharmacy resident (right) in Critical Care and Trauma Centre at London Health Sciences Centre.
March 27, 2026
For Bhawani Jain, a pharmacy resident at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC), “pharmacy is the intersection of science and patient care.” A graduate of the Pharmacy program at Waterloo University, Jain knew she wanted to work with patients in London after having completed an undergraduate degree in biochemistry at Western University.
Pharmacy Residency at LHSC
In place since 1967, LHSC has helped train pharmacists by providing on-site opportunities for them to learn and grow in an acute care setting. While not mandatory, the 13-month long residency program prepares pharmacists for a position in the hospital setting. In 2026, LHSC’s Pharmacy Residency Program received a six-year accreditation by the Canadian Pharmacy Residency Board, part of the Canadian Society of Healthcare-Systems Pharmacy.
Similar to the matching system used for medical residents, interested applicants apply and 24 are selected for interviews for five positions at LHSC. Both the organization and the applicants rate their preferences and then a matching process through PRAMS (Pharmacy Residency Application and Matching System) completes the process.
“This means LHSC has a strong program that continues to meet the requirements of the Residency board,” explains Venita Harris, Pharmacy Residency Specialist and Paediatric Pharmacist at LHSC. “It’s really exciting for us.”
Strengthening skills and building confidence
The decision to apply for a residency position at LHSC was an easy one for Jain. Having spent part of her clinical rotation during her pharmacy training in a hospital, including at LHSC, she decided to strengthen her hospital pharmacy experience and apply to LHSC’s residency program.
“It’s really helped strengthen my judgement and makes me feel like I’m contributing to the team,” explains Jain. Nine months into her program, she is already seeing the benefits.
“My rotation in General Medicine has already changed the way I approach patient care,” says Jain. “It has taught me so much including how to integrate evidence, patient-specific factors, system considerations, and team dynamics into practical, sustainable plans.”
Jain has also learned from other disciplines and how patients’ illnesses can impact their ability to take medication and how to incorporate that into the care she provides. An example she provides is the impact a stroke can have on the patient’s ability to swallow pills and the need to recognize this and incorporate it into a sustainable care plan for the patient.
“This residency really is an intentional growth process that helps build clinical knowledge, communication and leadership skills,” Jain reflects on the experience.
As one of just five residents accepted for the 2025-2026 residency, Jain has developed strong bonds with her colleagues.
“LHSC offers a comprehensive, structured program that prepares graduates for independent hospital practice. The breadth of clinical exposure, strong emphasis on evidence-based medicine, leadership development, and research expectations create well-rounded pharmacists,” says Jain. “Beyond the structure, the culture is collaborative and growth-oriented. Residents are challenged to reach their full potential while being supported every step of the way.”