Pharmacy U news

Pharmacists have emerged as the predominant providers of influenza vaccinations in Canada and provide care for older adult patients taking chronic medications. Therefore, they are critical in identifying, educating, and protecting high-risk patients with immunization and other clinical services.

Just over a year ago I interviewed Carolyn Thomas, a heart attack survivor who now advocates for women’s heart health, after initially being wrongly diagnosed and dismissed by her local hospital.

Last week, on August 31st, we celebrated the third annual Independent Pharmacy Day. The day was a great success as we saw an overwhelming support from industry stakeholders and government officials, with many Ontario MPPs and Ministers (including the Minister of Health) visiting their local independent pharmacy and posting a photo on their social media channels on the day.

Pharmacists face the call for courage in the presence of a single person all the time. Much of the time, the stakes can be quite low. But there are also times when the stakes can be very high.

Pharmacists are ideally positioned to not only support patients on their current weight loss journey but take a more proactive role. Pharmacists have long been considered the medication experts but increasingly they are being recognized for their commitment to chronic disease management.

Iron deficiency anemia has long held its position as one of the most prevalent and challenging conditions, affecting millions worldwide. But what if you knew that the landscape of managing this condition is undergoing a transformation? The traditional approaches, while effective, are making way for cutting-edge strategies that promise quicker, more precise, and more patient-friendly outcomes.

In an era when pharmacy scope of practice is changing rapidly and we venture out into new practice models, we may feel insecure at first. Perhaps the first few times we administer subcutaneous injections or prescribe antibiotics without a physician we will feel out of place. In these moments we must develop new beliefs, new confidence and a willingness to have flexible convictions as we practise deeper.

All pharmacists have at least one thing in common: we passed a few multiple-choice exams. Remember when your classmate said he would know the answer when he saw it listed in the options? He was right. And this was the first clue that pharmacists have teleprompter brains.