2026 Winner of the Award of Merit
The Award of Merit is bestowed upon an active member of Pharmacists Manitoba in recognition for active participation and promotion contributing to the benefit of Pharmacists Manitoba and the Profession of Pharmacy.
Marianna Pozdirca
Dr. Marianna Pozdirca earned her PharmD (Doctor of Pharmacy) degree from the University of Manitoba and is currently pursuing a JD (Doctor of Law) degree at the same university. She has experience working for the pharmacy regulator and government in Manitoba, and she continues to practice as a community pharmacist.
Marianna has been involved with Pharmacists Manitoba since her first year of pharmacy school, first as a volunteer on service learning projects, and then as a member of the Good Governance and External Relations Committees. She joined the Pharmacists Manitoba Board in 2023 as a liaison to the Canadian Pharmacists Benefits Association. In 2024, she was elected as a Board Director and External Relations Chair, a role she served in until May 2025. As External Relations Chair, Marianna led Pharmacists Manitoba's government outreach, student engagement, and public relations campaigns, including arranging meetings with MLAs, giving media interviews, and organizing Pharmacy Appreciation Month 2025. In July 2025, she accepted a position at the College of Pharmacists of Manitoba as Practice Consultant - Policy and Legislation.
When she is not working or studying, Marianna enjoys travelling, trying out new restaurants and coffee shops, and spending time with friends and family. She is also actively involved with her local church community where she teaches a children's small group class.