The greatest leaders are those who serve others first.
Connor Thomas McIntyre
- Degree: Master of Health and Leadership Policy
- Grad year: 2025
- Program:
- Campus: Vancouver
My journey to this point has not been without challenges. After completing my Pharmacy Residency in 2017, I experienced a cerebral hemorrhage that led to a two-year hospitalization and years of recovery. Refusing to let adversity define me, I regained my license to practice and pursued my Master of Health Leadership and Policy (MHLP) as a means to an end, but fell in love with the art of leadership along the way.
I am currently a Clinical Pharmacist at BC Cancer, supporting some of the most vulnerable patients through one of the most intense and high-stakes environments in healthcare. I review and manage complex IV and oral cancer therapies, counsel newly diagnosed patients and work alongside nurses in the chemotherapy suite‚ ensuring care that is safe and compassionate.
How are you applying the skills you learned through your studies at UBC?
One of the most valuable things that I’ve learned is that everyone is already a leader whether or not they know it. After learning that, I have held myself to a higher standard in my everyday life.
Who made your time at UBC memorable?
I chose to return to UBC for my Masters because it was where I had completed my undergraduate degree, and so I knew the incredible quality of the teaching and the depth of learning they would provide. I was so incredibly inspired by my fellow classmates every day. They all had such incredible experience, knowledge, and insights. The one aspect I miss the most is getting to be in a room with all of them.
How did your studies in the Faculty of Applied Science prepare you for the future of work?
This degree teaches the invaluable soft skills needed to become a world-class leader. It doesn’t matter how the profession shifts because the focus is largely on guiding the people behind those decisions. I also had the opportunity to work on a practicum project with BC Cancer under the mentorship of John Larmet and Fiona Mitchell, our work there contributed to advancing interprofessional practice and strengthening patient care systems in oncology.
Empty your cup and be open. If you allow it to, this degree can shift your entire identity and way of thinking in the best ways possible. Be humble, curious, and thoughtful at all times.
What is next for you?
It’s exciting to say I don’t know. I’ve met some wonderful people who have become mentors. My aim at this point is to begin my career in Healthcare Leadership and to see where the journey takes me. I hope my determination to return to and thrive in a high-stakes clinical setting inspires my peers and colleagues, and demonstrates what is possible through courage and purpose-driven leadership.
