Pharmacy U people

After 35 years as a pharmacy owner, and at 58 years old, my career journey took me on a new path in December 2021 when Sandstone Pharmacies (which I co-founded) sold to Neighbourly Pharmacy.

When I first got involved in pharmacy, I realised that the profession didn’t really shout about what it does. I was determined to study for my degree at King’s College London. Whilst I was studying, I met the editor of Chemist and Druggist Magazine and started writing pieces for them. My tip from this is, if you are interested in something then ask to get involved; the worst that can happen is you get told no!

Today, we often think of a "booster" as an enthusiastic sports or community supporter. But Leaside, a town in Ontario like many others in Canada, has its very own health booster, who is busy these days dispensing Covid booster shots (and more) to the locals.

I love being a pharmacist because I love making a difference in the everyday health of patients and the community I serve.

As a researcher no day is like the next, and that’s why I love research. Yes sure, there are days when nothing works, and it seems like the “chemistry gods” are laughing at you.

I think that young leaders understand that surviving in the traditional dispensing only model is becoming more difficult and that providing clinical services is the future of pharmacy.

In 2022, in collaboration with Sherif Guorgui, co-CEO of OnPharm-United, we are featuring a new weekly series highlighting a Young Leader in Pharmacy from across Canada and around the world. For the purpose of the series, will be adopting FIP Young Pharmacists Group's age criteria…which is under 35 years of age.

Since October 2020, in partnership with PharmacyU.ca, a female leader in pharmacy has been featured on a weekly basis. 62 leaders were featured from Australia, Canada, England, Finland, India, Netherlands, Philippines, Portugal, Spain and the USA.