Advocacy Leader in Pharmacy Sheena Deane: ‘In the future I see pharmacies run by technicians.’

SnapshotEducation: Originally graduated as a pharmacy assistant from St. Clair College and then completed the bridging program and became one of the 1st RPhTs in Ontario in December 2010.Role/Title: Operations Manager at Kristen’s Pharmacy in Southampton, ON. I also am the President of CCCEP until November and in May became the president of the Canadian Association of Pharmacy Technicians.Describe your journey into the field of pharmacy and what inspired you to take on a leadership role in advocacy.Originally graduating as an assistant, I felt that I could do more in the role. In the 1990s OCP (Ontario College of Pharmacy) started talking about the technician role. I knew that was what I wanted to do. I joined CAPT (Canadian Association of Pharmacy Technicians) to ensure I had the best information and realized that there was an opportunity to make the Pharmacy Technician role happen and wanted to be involved.What are some of the most significant challenges you have faced in your advocacy efforts, and how have you overcome them?The fact that the role of Pharmacy Technician is still very new means that often it is overlooked by change makers. Working with other national organizations helps ensure that our professional interests are heard.How do you envision the future of pharmacy practice, and what role do you see advocacy playing in shaping that future?In the future I see pharmacies run by technicians. First, pharmacists need expansion of their scope so they can run the clinic portion and leave the dispensing to the RPhT. I believe we need to ensure the public is aware of the abilities of both pharmacy professionals, allowing the changes to be accomplished.Can you share a success story where your advocacy efforts led to a tangible improvement in pharmacy practice?A number of years ago, CAPT had a meeting at one of our conferences, where we invited representatives from each province. From that meeting the provincial working group was formed and still exists, meeting three times a year. This provides information about the technician sector from each province and helps focus on common challenges.What strategies do you find most effective in engaging government and policy makers in discussions about pharmacy-related issues?Engaging with other national organizations and the provincial working group benefits CAPT. It is so important to maintain open communications.How do you balance the interests and needs of different stakeholders within your advocacy work? How do you foster collaboration and unity among diverse stakeholders with varying priorities and goals?As the professions of pharmacy are all interrelated, it is important that the goals are relevant to all professionals. The advancement of pharmacists’ scope is going to require that technicians move forward as well. Most of the goals are unified and being a relatively new profession, CAPT appreciates the mentoring received by other national organizations.What advice would you give to young pharmacy professionals who are passionate about advocacy and want to make a difference in the field?Be aware of what is happening in the pharmacy sector and on social media "like" posts that are relevant. Make sure you join an advocacy association that supports your career goals.Can you highlight any current or upcoming initiatives that you are particularly excited about in your advocacy work?On a personal note, I'd like to see the pharmacy technician scope of practice standardized across Canada. It is evident that having different SOP for pharmacists is causing problems and his would prevent future challenges. What personal qualities or experiences do you believe have been most instrumental in your success as an advocacy leader?I am an outspoken individual and passionate about my profession. I believe in taking risks and learning from my mistakes. I have strong mentors and learn from watching them and am not afraid to ask for advice.Looking back on your career, is there anything you would do differently, or any key lessons you have learned along the way?I believe I've had the best of careers. Working in many different sectors and using lessons learned from each to move forward. I found my passion in community pharmacy, compounding and addiction treatment. What advice would you give to colleagues who want to participate in advocacy efforts or initiatives? I believe every pharmacy technician should be part of an association. Choose an association that best represents you and your career goals. If you're comfortable start speaking about your profession, it can be on social media, through surveys or at conferences. Sherif Guorgui - FIP-Community Pharmacy Section | LinkedIn

Advocacy Leader in Pharmacy Sheena Deane: ‘In the future I see pharmacies run by technicians.’

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