One of the original pages posted to this site, on March 3, 2014 was a revelation for me. A simple introduction to the global online community would serve as a starting point for everything I had hoped PharmAspire could be: a place that always looks for the silver lining; a forum to celebrate the profession that has provided so much satisfaction in my personal life as well as my career.

In reading that piece again, I am reminded of my inspirations for starting the blog in the first place: circa 2012, the profession was in the midst of changing in radical ways. Practitioners everywhere were skeptical and calculating what modifications they would need to make to keep current. As a leader, I was often sought out for guidance when there were feelings of uncertainty, or for some, full-blown anxiety. When I realized that the lack of confidence in my own abilities was preventing me from having good answers to clinical questions, or otherwise leading others to jump into the deep end of the pool, I needed to make some major changes in my career path. Joining my peers back on the front line was refreshing and extremely engaging. We worked through those clinical questions, we pushed to the established boundaries of our scope, we redefined dispensary layouts and roles. I learned so much every day from those who had previously viewed me as the subject matter expert and that experience was liberating. The blog was a byproduct of my personal journey, and a celebration of those who continue to inspire me inside and outside of my chosen profession.

“Pharmacists thrive in many sectors of the healthcare system. When significant changes come about, there are almost always negative aspects associated with the transition. The old cliche, ‘the grass is always greener on the other side’ starts to resonate and folks look for new pastures, and new challenges. However, many of us have roots in the sector in which we work, and if our experience can influence how the changes are implemented, it can only help to sand down the rough patches. My goal with the blog is to inspire and motivate pharmacists. Wherever you may be, grab a bag of fertilizer and make your own grass greener. Strengthen those roots and get excited about sharing new experiences.”

I believe these words to be just as significant now as they were back then. When we face significant hurdles borne from the economic realities of the pharmacy industry, we lean on each other to vent, to comfort, to overcome the negative emotions we hold in that moment. I am honoured and blessed to have met and developed deep, long-lasting relationships with patients and practitioners alike, all of whom keep pushing me to be the best pharmacist I can be.

Today, I would like to introduce you to Michelle Stewart, a community pharmacist in New Glasgow who has found her platform to effectively communicate with her peers. The Canadian Pharmer is a weekly podcast that tackles cutting edge changes in the profession, notably in our home province of Nova Scotia. In 2020, Nova Scotian pharmacists have seen their scope expanded to offer assessments on contraception, herpes zoster, and uncomplicated UTIs. In addition, a number of services are now publicly funded for all residents, and not just registered beneficiaries of the public drug plan.

Michelle has been outspoken and tenacious with her vision for pharmacy. Where I have spent time trying to draw a service distinction between a clinical assessment versus the act of prescribing, her only response was to bring it back to the bigger picture; ‘It’s all about care.’

She’s absolutely, 100% right.

Patient-centred care is taking a holistic approach to patient outcomes. The patient is the one affected by disease. The patient is the one who changes drug therapy, or changes eating habits, or exercise routines. The patient is the one who perceives the benefits and risks of such changes. We are a resource to aid decision-making. Our assessments are an opportunity for us to use our expertise to inform a patient of potential options, which may or may not include prescribing. Our ability to communicate effectively the menu of options allow for the best informed patient decisions, and in turn, the best chance of a positive patient outcome.

Michelle is a master at demystifying the idea that we need to be special in some way to properly wield the new powers granted by this new expanded scope. What actually makes us special is our individual nature, and the resulting relationship we have with our patients and colleagues. The expanding scope of pharmacists is not intended to dump healthcare work on our plate as a series of rote tasks or administrative liability. Rather it is a clear recognition that we are best-positioned to perform these tasks. We are trusted. Our hesitant, exacting nature is one of the main reasons that we are entrusted with these ever-expanding roles. The Canadian Pharmer is helping us learn to trust ourselves.

Give the podcast a listen. You won’t be disappointed! In fact, I’ll let Michelle kick things off by introducing herself…

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, employer or affiliation.