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Education: PharmD Candidate 2023, University of Saskatchewan
Current role: USask CAPSI 4th Year Representative
Previous roles: USask CAPSI Junior and Senior Representative
What excites you about being a pharmacist?
The element that brings me excitement about being a pharmacist is the versatility of the scope of pharmacy practice. It is exciting how many different avenues an individual has the ability to take with similar pharmacy education. Pharmacy roles are often associated with either the community or hospital practice settings, but this is only a fraction of what is possible. There are many more opportunities for individuals to pursue to find a practice area that speaks to their interests. The expansion of the current scope of practice is one area I find extremely exciting as this is only the start of where the profession is moving.
How would you describe a great day at work?
Although I am not currently working as a pharmacist, a great day of work as a student is one where you can make a difference in providing care for an individual. This may seem like a simplistic viewpoint, however, I find the biggest victory in our role as “medication experts” is the ability to improve a patient’s health and overall well-being by connecting with them either through education or optimizing their current medication regimen.
How important is mentoring in your career?
I would not be where I am today without my mentors in my life. My mentors have been incredibly important in encouraging me to reach where I am today. I have had the opportunity and privilege to practise with many remarkable pharmacists in various practice settings. My mentors have remained in my life and I am able to lean on them for continued support. The preceptors I have practised under have taught me critical skills within my developing role as a pharmacist but have also uncovered individualistic qualities I was unaware of. Preceptors who can educate and add to pharmacy knowledge are truly remarkable and stand apart from other preceptors within that role.
Through my previous roles as CAPSI Junior and Senior Representative, I learned the importance of mentorship from those who held the role before me. When transitioning into my current role as CAPSI 4th Year Representative, I have learned how to be an effective mentor who provides adequate support to facilitate the success of my mentees. Witnessing the success of my mentees is what brings such enjoyment in actively participating in mentorship.
Was there an “aha” moment for you, when you realized the impact of the difference you’re making?
My “aha” moment occurred during my hospital pharmacy clinical rotation in my fourth year of PharmD education. During this rotation, I was able to practise in Accountable Care Units (ACUs) where I felt I was making the greatest impact in providing patient care. In the ACU setting, I witnessed pharmacists practise their strengths of expertise as the “medication experts” to their fullest potential. Being able to see this level of care solidified my initial choice of pharmacy as my profession.
As a dynamic leader in the profession, what continues to drive you?
Although I may be at the beginning of my journey in the profession, I find the biggest motivator is the environment surrounding me. Having a supportive team who challenges and motivates change is the biggest driver to seek change. In the profession of pharmacy, it can be safe to stick to what we know and work alone. However, the greatest change occurs with increases in numbers. Connecting and collaborating with likeminded individuals from other healthcare professions is the solution to initiating change.
How are young leaders paving the way for changes in the pharmacy profession?
I believe young leaders are beginning to pave an exciting path for the future of the pharmacy profession by introducing a fresh perspective and new approach to providing patient care. Young professionals are the key component to addressing change that has yet to be implemented in our healthcare system. The evolving scope of pharmacists is only one piece of the puzzle in improving patient care and outcomes. From my colleagues, I can see many individuals who are strong and empowering each in their own ways. The new generation of healthcare providers is entering their respective practices at an incredibly difficult time following the pandemic. However, this challenge does not intimidate us as young healthcare professionals who truly want to improve accessibility and equity in healthcare services. Young leaders are eager to implement change to improve the future of the current system.
What advice would you give to new pharmacy graduates?
My advice for new pharmacy graduates is to ensure boundaries between their personal and professional lives. The balance between the two aspects of life becomes hard, especially during the transition out of the constant demands of academic workloads. Burnout is real. During my various practicums in my fourth year, I saw burnout in both new and experienced professionals. As the new emerging professionals in pharmacy, we need to acknowledge burnout in our practice and choose to address it. Self-care is not selfish in any aspect. How can we be expected to provide the best patient care when we are not caring for ourselves first?
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