Dr. Anne-Marie Zajdlik - Compassion in Practice and Politics

In this episode of Growing Guelph, we sit down with Dr. Anne-Marie Zajdlik—family physician, HIV/AIDS advocate, global health leader, and recent Green Party candidate in the 2025 federal election. Dr. Zajdlik shares stories from her early days treating patients during the HIV/AIDS crisis in Guelph, founding the region’s first HIV clinic, and launching the Bracelet of Hope campaign that raised over $1 million to combat HIV in Lesotho.

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In this episodes conversation we talk about what it means to respond to a health crisis with compassion, what society has (and hasn’t) learned from past pandemics, and how those lessons shape her approach to politics and community care today. Dr. Zajdlik reflects on her entry into the political arena, why the Green Party aligns with her values, and even hints at a possible run for mayor of Guelph.

This conversation explores the intersections of health, leadership, and history—and invites listeners to consider what it really means to build a resilient, caring city.

Topics We Cover:

• Dr. Zajdlik’s medical journey and early work during the HIV/AIDS crisis
• Founding ARCH Clinic and launching Bracelet of Hope
• Public health lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic
• Her political awakening and Green Party candidacy
• The connection between healthcare, housing, and climate policy
• Global experiences that shaped her local commitments

🌱 Learn More Links:

• Bracelet of Hope
• Dr. Zajdlik’s Green Party Campaign
• ARCH Clinic Guelph

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