Second-year University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy student Brett Hummel (Pharm D’27) is dedicated to blending Indigenous and western methods in his patient care. Through his education, he’s honing the clinical skills necessary and using his own experiences and empathy to build trust and enhance health outcomes for Indigenous communities.
“From my perspective as an Indigenous person, feeling safe and seen in a medical environment is key to providing the best patient care for the people of Indigenous communities,” Hummel says.
With Algonquin and German heritage, Hummel grew up learning three languages – French, German, and English – while spending time with his grandfather immersing himself in community activities.
“My grandfather is the glue in my family. He helps me stay involved and has brought me to a few events, including smudging ceremonies and powwows in Mattawa, Ontario,” Hummel says.
During high school, his math teacher, who proudly wore Waterloo gear, ignited his interest in the University. However, it was his mom, a registered nurse, who discovered the Faculty of Science’s Conditional Admission to Pharmacy (CAP) program-a special pre-pharmacy pathway-and encouraged him to apply.
Upon arriving in Waterloo, Hummel quickly noticed there weren’t as many Indigenous Peoples compared to what he was used to seeing at home. This realization strengthened his commitment to cultural safety and advocacy within healthcare.
“During our Culturally Safe Patient Care course in my second year at the School, our professor told us to take Truth and Reconciliation Day-a day that honors residential school survivors-to learn more together,” he explains.
Hummel and his friends spent the day discussing and reflecting on Indigenous history and culture.
“I shared some of my favorite modern Indigenous music with my roommate and friends and spent the day sharing why we get the day off, why we spend time having these discussions, and how to reflect on Indigenous history,” he adds.
“Encouraging people to understand how to be culturally sensitive-reflecting on how Indigenous Peoples have been mistreated overall-and understanding why mistrust of western healthcare continues is an important step toward approaching Indigenous patients with empathy,” he notes.
Brett and his girlfriend at Macchu Picchu in Peru
Hummel points out that living within a First Nation community offers a very different experience where access to care and health information remains unequal.
“Smoking rates are higher in many Indigenous communities due to systemic issues from history. As a future pharmacist, I want focus on bringing smoking-cessation workshops into these communities so folks know there’s help available for quitting successfully,” Hummel states.
During his first co-op term at Algonquin Pharmasave in North Bay, Hummel witnessed firsthand how much impact a pharmacy student can have. He experienced various aspects of community pharmacy-from assembling blister packs and compounding medications in sterile environments to counseling patients along with administering vaccines. His co-op supervisor ensured he could try many different tasks including presenting a workshop for nurses at a nearby long-term care home.
Brett volunteering as a pharmacy ambassador at the Rx2028 orientation with fellow pharmacy students
Hummel focused on building connections with patients while helping fill gaps in healthcare across Northern Ontario.
“Some patients are surprised when they learn about my Indigenous background but I see that as an opportunity for building understanding,” he shares.
The second co-op work term took place at Robinson’s Pharmasave located in Northern Ontario-smaller than others but specializing in intravenous (IV) therapies. He spent this term compounding medications, counseling patients, and preparing prescriptions. One particular patient counseling experience stood out for Hummel; alongside his co-op supervisor they helped motivate an Indigenous patient toward quitting smoking.
“The key is taking time to learn your patient’s story. In Indigenous culture storytelling holds significant importance within our community,” he explains. “If you ask just one question unrelated to pharmacy you can start getting acquainted which helps develop trust.”
Brett looks forward to completing his final co-op term within a hospital pharmacy setting; he’s aiming towards returning back North Ontario during rotations focusing on patient care.
Brett in Banff, Alberta
Beyond academics Brett enjoys sports along with traveling between terms; he’s explored Brazil , Colombia , Peru , Spain , Italy , and Alberta. He seeks ways connecting travel experiences aligned toward achieving goals within pharmacy practice.
“I aim eventually return practicing pharmacist role back Northern Ontario but first I’d like keep opportunities open facing extraordinary experiences ahead. I really hope engage internationally – learn through other cultures globally then bring knowledge back home supporting my community” concludes Brett.
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Brett volunteering as a pharmacy ambassador at the Rx2028 orientation with fellow pharmacy students
Hummel focused on building connections with patients while helping fill gaps in healthcare across Northern Ontario.
“Some patients are surprised when they learn about my Indigenous background but I see that as an opportunity for building understanding,” he shares.
The second co-op work term took place at Robinson’s Pharmasave located in Northern Ontario-smaller than others but specializing in intravenous (IV) therapies. He spent this term compounding medications, counseling patients, and preparing prescriptions. One particular patient counseling experience stood out for Hummel; alongside his co-op supervisor they helped motivate an Indigenous patient toward quitting smoking.
“The key is taking time to learn your patient’s story. In Indigenous culture storytelling holds significant importance within our community,” he explains. “If you ask just one question unrelated to pharmacy you can start getting acquainted which helps develop trust.”
Brett looks forward to completing his final co-op term within a hospital pharmacy setting; he’s aiming towards returning back North Ontario during rotations focusing on patient care.
Brett in Banff, Alberta
Beyond academics Brett enjoys sports along with traveling between terms; he’s explored Brazil , Colombia , Peru , Spain , Italy , and Alberta. He seeks ways connecting travel experiences aligned toward achieving goals within pharmacy practice.
“I aim eventually return practicing pharmacist role back Northern Ontario but first I’d like keep opportunities open facing extraordinary experiences ahead. I really hope engage internationally – learn through other cultures globally then bring knowledge back home supporting my community” concludes Brett.Source link
