From Dispensing Meds to Improving Outcomes

A pharmacist inherently wears many hats, so while it may seem to the average onlooker that we are just “counting pills,” so much more goes on behind the scenes and constitutes part of our academic and practical training. Not only do we dispense medications, we assess their safety, efficacy and provide counseling for our patients about how to take them, when and what to look out for when treating certain conditions. Being an accessible, knowledgeable, and specialized healthcare professional is much more than basic arithmetic, it’s high-paced and challenging, but the work to ensure positive health outcomes for our patients is rewarding.

Early years as a new pharmacist

My first experience as a licensed pharmacist was working in a specialty long-term care pharmacy. Every day was filled with dispensing medication, checking prescriptions, clinical care, and interacting with other clinicians. It was fast paced, challenging, and rewarding all at once. I learned so much about clinical care, geriatric pharmacy, and most importantly how to engage with patients in a meaningful way. I knew that everything I learned in this position would better prepare me for a unique role one day as a clinical pharmacist overseeing the care of many patients.

When I was in my pharmacy program at the University of Saskatchewan, I felt different than my classmates. Of course, we all shared a passion for pharmacy, but something inside of me knew I had a unique gift to be shared with the pharmacy world, I just didn’t know what that looked like. Fast forward to my opportunity with Custom Health – I finally felt like my talents could be put to use.

Transforming care

I have found a space where I can grow, and feel appreciated. My clinical knowledge and creativity are finally put to a unique use – to transform care. So many roadblocks in pharmacy are focused on time and resources. Pharmacists don’t often have the time or resources to provide the care their patients need. With our technology, centered around remote patient monitoring, real-time adherence, and patient-reported outcomes, I could play a pivotal role removing those roadblocks. Not only do I get to create impactful ways to engage with patients, I get to be part of a team that is passionate about continuing to provide the best care.

I am motivated to use my unique talents to transform care. I get to work alongside incredible people who all have the same goal – to care for patients in the best possible way, with innovative tools and paradigm-shifting approaches. Pharmacists are an important part of health care, perhaps we are finally being recognized for the essential work we do to guide health care decisions and help patients make the best choices. I couldn’t be prouder to be a pharmacist with Custom Health.