Dr. Bachynsky Legacy Lecture launched in pharmacy

In 1960, Leonard Wiebe was a first-year pharmacy student at the University of Saskatchewan when he started his apprenticeship in the Swift Current Union Hospital pharmacy department under preceptor John A. Bachynsky. 

This is where the soon to be lifelong friends and colleagues first crossed paths.

At the time, little did Wiebe know that this first meeting would be the beginning of both their academic journeys in pharmacy. But, more importantly, it would be the beginning of a friendship that would span decades — a friendship that would impact the pharmacy profession. 

Fast-forward a few years to 1981, when Wiebe had become a professor at the University of Alberta, and the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences was looking for a new dean. Asked to put names forward, Wiebe knew just who to recommend — Bachynsky. 

“John really loved pharmacy. It was his thing,” says Wiebe. “My apprenticeship with him as a student was supposed to be a few months, but it lasted the entirety of my bachelor’s degree.”

Bachynsky’s dedication to pharmacy policy and regulation and advancing the pharmacy profession was ingrained in him from the beginning. As the hospital pharmacist in Swift Current, he immediately set up medication controls, physician-pharmacist committees and other administrative necessities, says Wiebe.

John A. Bachynsky (1937-2023)

Bachynsky was a leader and mentor long before he ended up in Edmonton as dean. Here’s a bit about his journey.

As a young man, Bachynsky enlisted with the 44th Light Anti-Aircraft Battery and later the unit of the 10th Medium Regiment. After his military service, he attended the University of Saskatchewan and in 1959 completed his bachelor of science in pharmacy. In 1962, he completed his master’s degree at the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy. In 1965, he completed his doctorate in pharmacy at the University of Wisconsin. He then worked for the Canadian federal government in the Department of National Health and Welfare in Ottawa until 1981, when he took the position of dean in Edmonton.

“As an apprentice, I got a first-hand look at what pharmacists do and the professionalism John brought with him,” says Wiebe, who retired in 2005 from his faculty position at the U of A and is now a professor emeritus. 

“John built a lot of friendships and connections. We had a lot of things in common — our work, our families and children, and of course pharmacy.”

Today, in Bachynsky’s honour and to celebrate his ongoing legacy, the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences is proud to establish The John A. Bachynsky Lecture in Pharmacy. This lecture will be held annually. 

His legacy

Bachynsky’s leadership, vision and contributions over his tenure as dean set the stage for establishing the faculty as a leader in pharmaceutical education and advancing the pharmacy profession nationally and internationally. He advanced the pharmacy curriculum, making it rigorous and adaptive to meet the needs and challenges of modern pharmacy. He integrated research and practical training, enhancing the quality of education.  

Bachynsky's influence extended beyond the U of A. He actively contributed to policymaking at provincial and national levels through various professional organizations. His expertise was widely recognized, leading to numerous advisory roles that underscored his reputation as a respected leader in the field.

"John's visionary leadership and unwavering dedication have set a high standard for our faculty. His legacy of excellence in education, research and international collaboration continues to inspire us all. We are deeply grateful for his lasting contributions,” says Christine Hughes, current dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. 

International pharmacy education

In 1987, the Alberta-Toho (Japan) University Agreement to promote research and academic collaboration was signed. As a result of this agreement, Bachynsky was a visiting professor at Toho University from 1994 to 2008. 

The agreement led to many of changes in pharmacy practice and education in Japan. “At that time, the pharmacy curriculum in Japan was oriented towards working in the pharmaceutical industry and not as practising pharmacists in the community. Community pharmacy practice was minimal and it was primarily prescription service,” says Wiebe. “This is where John made the most impact. Through collaboration, he influenced Japanese curriculum to the point that the entire direction of it changed. Industry practice is now the minority and community pharmacy practice is at the forefront. The curriculum is now closer to what we have here.”

Colleagues share their memories 

We asked some of Bachynsky’s colleagues to share stories and memories from their time spent working together. 

“I first met him in 1986, and he was one of the first Canadians I personally became acquainted with. He became one of my most important friends. When I first met him, I was overwhelmed by his military-like dignity, but I soon realized he was filled with unpretentious humour and Canadian hospitality."

“What I am most grateful to him for is his contribution to pharmacy education at Toho University.  This was particularly evident in 2006 when Japan’s pharmacy education shifted from a four-year to a six-year system (transition from a basic science-oriented to a clinically oriented pharmacy).  At that time, as dean, I was faced with various decisions regarding curriculum construction, staff allocation, etc., but I was able to navigate these challenges successfully as I had learned everything what to do as dean.”

Takehiko Yajima, PhD
Professor Emeritus, Toho University

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“I am still heartbroken by the passing of Dr. Bachynsky. I studied abroad at U of A from 1997 to 1999. Since then, Dr. Bachynsky has been my lifelong mentor. Without him, I would not have been able to complete my teaching career at the university.”

Tomoko Watanabe, BSc Pharm, PhD 
Former Associate Professor 
Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Toho University

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“I still miss John every day. I met him in 1994 for the first time when I studied abroad at U of A. After that time, he has been my great mentor and teacher. He changed my mind from research to education. I learned from him the importance of change for improvement in anything. I will never forget his teachings.”

Shigeo Yamamura, BSc(Pharm), PhD, FFIP
Professor, Department of Biostatistics 
Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Josai International University

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“John had a very significant influence on my life, as a mentor, educator and friend — starting as one of his students in Saskatoon. John had significant influence throughout my career, providing me with guidance and support, and working together to find ways to improve access to effective medications and to improve patient health outcomes.

“John was instrumental to my career in my move to Ottawa, and subsequently when he moved to Alberta to become dean. We co-authored a submission to the minister of health urging government to expand coverage of drugs for Albertans, and spent many hours debating and discussing the scope of a pharmaceutical benefit plan for all Canadians.

“John was truly remarkable in how he was such a strong advocate for others, especially for students, colleagues, patients, and those he interacted with. For me it was a privilege to have known John and to have benefited immensely from his friendship.”

David Bougher, BSc Pharm, MA Health Services Administration M.H.S.A.
Retired
Director, Pharmaceutical Policy and Programs with the Ministry of Health in Alberta