We are proud to recognize and celebrate Elaine Lillie, longtime adjunct faculty member at the University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy, on her designation as a 2025 Honorary Member of the University.
This prestigious award recognizes staff who have demonstrated exceptional service and made distinguished contributions to the University and beyond. Lillie’s dedication to fostering collaboration and connection, her innovative mindset, leadership and commitment to advancing higher education is at the core of all that she has contributed to over the course of her career at the School of Pharmacy.
Lillie joined the School in 2008 as a communications instructor where she developed a communications program to strengthen students’ writing, presentation and interpersonal skills. She later became the director of interprofessional education (IPE) and curriculum development.
Lillie played a significant role in fostering relationships with partners from various healthcare programs in the IPE program and beyond her contributions as a faculty member, her efforts in supporting the School’s Indigenization.
Her innovative approach to IPE led to the creation of a program that not only met accreditation standards but emphasized the value of interprofessional collaboration in healthcare. Waterloo Pharmacy students saw the importance in sharing information and knowledge with other healthcare professionals in their practice.
Her outreach efforts resulted in the formation of the Interprofessional Educators Collaborative of Waterloo-Wellington (IPEC), bringing together McMaster University School of Medicine, Conestoga College, Wilfrid Laurier and the University of Waterloo School of Optometry. With Lillie’s leadership the established group led to the creation of IPE Day for students, that brought over 400 learners together across disciplines to work together and learn from one another.
Her work with McMaster Medical School led to the development of online clinical placement modules, which remain a core part of the School’s Continuing Professional Development program. Her work was recognized with the Waterloo Regional Campus 2017 Excellence in Collaboration Interprofessional Education award and the Association of Faculties of Pharmacy of Canada National Award for Excellence in Education in 2018.
Elaine Lillie was not trained as a pharmacist and yet she has made enormous contributions to pharmacy education at the University of Waterloo and throughout Canada through her expertise and dedication to ensuring that students receive the best possible education.
Lillie’s passion for collaboration and learning is reflected in her contributions to the School’s Indigenization efforts. She played a key role in developing Indigenous Foundations modules for first-year students and led the creation of PHARM 230 Culturally Safe Patient Care, a mandatory course designed in partnership with Indigenous leaders at the University of Waterloo and the wider local community, the Office of Indigenous Relations and the Centre for Teaching Excellence’s Indigenous Knowledges and Anti-Racist Pedagogies team who developed online course content and provided guidance. Her work on this course supported the development of cultural competency training and Indigenous-focused content.
Lillie’s focus on building trust and fostering effective collaboration has helped position the School as a leader in advancing the University’s commitments to decolonization, reconciliation and Indigenization.
On a national scale, Lillie co-chaired the Faculties of Pharmacy of Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Special Interest Group from 2018-2023, helping revise accreditation standards to reflect the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.
Lillie has consistently fostered open dialogue, offering mentorship and advocating for the needs of Indigenous learners. Her commitment to amplifying Indigenous student voices in curriculum design and educational policy has helped foster a more inclusive and supportive learning environment.
It is her dedication, compassion and unwavering support for student success that earned her the Excellence in Pharmacy Teaching Award in 2018.
Lillie’s contributions have shaped the School of Pharmacy’s direction and priorities, leaving a legacy of collaboration, inclusion and education excellence.
Congratulations Elaine Lillie!