New robbery security measures required • Meet the new Board • Herbal remedies for hot flushes
tablet
published by the British Columbia Pharmacy Association | www.bcpharmacy.ca
Telepharmacy: Critical care for rural patients
A voice for community pharmacy
|
SEP/OCT 2015
Regulatory Compliance Support The BCPhA has developed policy and procedure manuals to support pharmacies in documenting policy
Pharmacy Compliance Officer Training Course An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
and procedures that ensure operational activities are compliant with the regulatory framework governing
BCPhA is developing a new Pharmacy Compliance
pharmacy practice. Some manuals now available for download by Pharmacy (Corporate) members are:
√ √ √ √ √ √
NEW! Community Pharmacy Security Operation of a Community Pharmacy (UPDATED: July 2015)
Administration of Injections Methadone Maintenance
Officer Training Course in follow-up to its Regulatory Compliance bootcamps. This new course provides the knowledge and tools for your pharmacy support staff to identify and manage practices in your pharmacy that may put you at risk of audit recoveries. This workshop is geared towards pharmacy technicians and assistants. The first session is planned for fall of 2015. More information coming soon.
Incident Management & Reporting Residential Care Facility
Learn more at www.bcpharmacy.ca/regulatory-compliance-support
BCPhA eTraining
CPhA Offers
Travel Medicine Program coming soon.
Discounts for BCPhA members.
• Videos
Some programs are complimentary to members
• PowerPoint with voiceovers • Interactive elements • Quiz questions
BCPhA eTraining Programs
Special discounted rates on
COMING SOON! Travel Medicine Program
ADAPT Patient Care Skills Development (Save $450)
New Expanded Access to Publicly Funded Vaccines
Lab Tests (Save $300)
Frequency of Dispensing
Medication Review Services (Members only)
A Health Care Consent or Privacy Consent?
QUIT: Smoking Cessation Program (Save $200)
Resume Guide for Pharmacists
Canadian Pharmacists Journal (Save $115)
www.bcpharmacy.ca/etraining
www.bcpharmacy.ca/cpha-benefits
THE TABLET
SEP/OCT 2015 | VOLUME 24. NO. 4
contents Editor in Chief Angie Gaddy 604.269.2863, angie.gaddy@bcpharmacy.ca
20 Pharmacy Robbery
Senior Editor Matilda Meyers 604.269.2866, matilda.meyers@bcpharmacy.ca The Tablet is published by the BCPhA. Views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of the Association. Contributed material is not guaranteed space and may be edited for brevity, clarity and content. BCPhA offices: #1530-1200 West 73rd Avenue Vancouver, BC V6P 6G5 telephone: 604.261.2092 or toll-free in BC: 1.800.663.2840 fax: 604.261.2097 toll-free fax: 1.877.672.2211 e-mail: info@bcpharmacy.ca web: www.bcpharmacy.ca Pharmassist: 1.800.667.2190 For confidential counselling referral for employment or addiction related assistance Publication agreement #40810576
16 Telepharmacy
24 BCPhA Board 2015/16
On the cover: Pharmacist Regan Ready oversees telepharmacy services for several remote BC towns from Munro’s Sorrento Prescriptions.
Features 16
On the Cover:
Telepharmacy
Columns
Regulars
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President’s Message The fiscal year draws close | Influencing change
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Meet Cathy Ulrich Northern Health Authority
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CEO’s Message Use it or lose it
DPIC Hot flushes: Herbal nonhormonal therapies
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Pharmacy Practice Support Know thy patient
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Government Relations Fixing the rural health deficit
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Member Services Putting our money where our mouth is
15
Clinicare Pharmacists Liraglutide for weight loss
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Financial Trends Wealth management tips for recent graduates
Career Listings Find a job in pharmacy
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Coach Callie Optimizing your counterside care
Critical care for rural patients
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Pharmacy Robbery New security measures required
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BCPhA Board of Directors Meet the 2015/16 Board
Got a suggestion for an article in The Tablet? Email info@bcpharmacy.ca with your story ideas.
A voice for community pharmacy
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SMALL TALK
In the news BCPhA’s group insurance to cover pharmacist clinical services
A set reimbursement fee will be paid to pharmacists similar to paramedical practitioners such as podiatrists, physiotherapists and chiropractors.
The BC Pharmacy Association (BCPhA) has long-advocated for pharmacists to have an expanded scope of practice and be reimbursed for clinical services. To demonstrate its commitment to valuing – and paying for – these types of services, the Association is pleased to announce an upcoming new benefit for members of BCPhA’s extended health care plan.
These services are currently under development, with more details to be announced this fall.
Injections refresher workshop
BCPhA benefit plan members will soon be able to take advantage of several new pharmacist clinical services covered by Green Shield Canada (GSC), the plan insurer. These pharmacist clinical services will include an anticoagulation management service, monitoring of blood glucose in Type 2 diabetes, and an asthma consultation service, in addition to the pharmacist cardiovascular health coaching program already covered by GSC.
In preparation for the upcoming flu season, the BCPhA will be offering a Vaccine Administration Refresher Program this September. This four-hour live workshop focuses on maintaining best practices around patient assessment, intramuscular and subcutaneous vaccine administration technique, management of adverse events, and vaccine clinic set-up. The program is open to all pharmacists authorized to administer injections, and provides an opportunity to interact with our
experienced team of pharmacist and nurse trainers, who will help refine your injection technique. Please see www.bcpharmacy.ca for details on dates, locations and registration.
Pharmacy compliance officer training Audits of community pharmacies over the past several years have revealed both the significant financial and reputational costs of non-compliance with payer requirements. Pharmacies can help reduce their risks by having their pharmacy technicians and assistants become their compliance officers, trained to enforce key policies and perform self-audits. The BCPhA will be offering workshops on compliance officer training this fall as part of its ongoing regulatory compliance support for members. Watch for more information in Practice Update and at www.bcpharmacy.ca.
CPhA launches PharmaCare 2.0 In July, the Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA) announced the launch of Pharmacare 2.0, a comprehensive multi-phased consultation to develop a national consensus for a pan-Canadian pharmacare framework. CPhA has now begun consultations with key stakeholders to develop principles, policies and priorities for national pharmacare. As the national voice of Canadian pharmacists, CPhA is committed to taking a leadership position in gathering the evidence and building consensus around a sustainable pharmacare framework which recognizes that access to pharmacy services is key to achieving better health outcomes and cost savings. The BCPhA, as a member of CPhA, is a key stakeholder and has provided input through surveys on the CPhA plan.
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MEET CATHY ULRICH
Meet...Cathy Ulrich President and Chief Executive Officer, Northern Health Authority Ulrich is actively engaged in health services research and graduate student support and is an adjunct professor in the Faculty of Health and Human Sciences at UNBC. What do you consider your greatest achievement? Building a visionary, innovative and cohesive leadership team committed to improving the health of the population who call northern BC home. What do you most value in your colleagues? Authenticity and collaboration. What would you like to accomplish in the next five years? As president and CEO of Northern Health, Cathy Ulrich leads the largest geographical health region in the province. It covers an area of 592,000 square kilometers or more than two-thirds of British Columbia. Northern Health provides a full range of health services to about 300,000 residents living in largely rural and remote communities across northern BC. Ulrich has spent the majority of her career in a variety of nursing and health system management positions in rural and northern locations in Alberta, Manitoba, and BC. Prior to becoming president and CEO, she was vice-president, clinical services and chief nursing officer from 2002 until her appointment as CEO in 2007. Through these experiences, she gained an understanding of the nature of rural and northern communities, and the unique approaches required to meet their health needs.
That Northern Health will have a system of health services centered on people and their families. It will be delivered through primary care providers and interprofessional teams, and be embedded in a healthy community that collaborates with other organizations to address the underlying determinants of health. Access to services is a challenge in northern communities. Where do you see an opportunity for pharmacy to help Northern Health meet this challenge? Pharmacists in the north have become very proficient in using telepharmacy or telehealth services. They have been able to extend their reach to both patients and interprofessional teams in acute care and community service settings across the region through the use of technology – whether through telehealth, electronic health records, or home health monitoring. Pharmacists can also increase the capacity of the health-care team by
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contributing their knowledge of evidencebased medication management processes. What is most misunderstood about rural health-care delivery? There’s often an assumption that the health-care system in rural communities is second rate and that rural communities have to ‘make-do’. The health system overall has challenges and issues that affect health service delivery in both rural and urban communities – so in some ways, the issues are the same. However, the ways in which solutions are found for the challenges that exist in rural communities are often unique. I am constantly amazed at how resilient rural communities are and how collaborative efforts to find solutions are inherent in the way rural communities work. Often services that are available are second to none. Rural areas provide an ideal setting for a team-centred approach to patient care. Often this is because of necessity – demands and shortages of healthcare worker time and availability can be a catalyst for collaboration. How can pharmacists be better involved in fostering this collaboration? Pharmacists are a critical part of the interprofessional team, contributing knowledge and skills about disease prevention and health promotion strategies, medication management, and the translation of research findings into practice. Their contributions are particularly important for those living with complex health conditions as medications have become an increasingly important part of the care plan for many people.
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DAVID PAVAN/ALLISON NOURSE窶ポ窶ケRESIDENT
As the fiscal year draws close
ahead. Pharmacy has received considerable negative publicity in the news, with stories on methadone, PharmaCare re-enrollment and identity fraud. We all know that the vast majority of us are doing the right things and we need to work on highlighting the great work pharmacists do in providing excellent patient care. Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge all of the hard work Geraldine Vance, CEO, and her staff at the BCPhA have done this past year. I would also like to thank the Board of Directors for their support and ongoing contributions and give a warm welcome to Allison Nourse as our new Board president. Thank you for allowing me to represent you as your BCPhA Board of Directors president this past year!
Another year has come to a close at the BCPhA and it was a busy one in the world of pharmacy. As I reflect back there were many notable accomplishments along with some exciting opportunities on the horizon. The BCPhA became a member of the Canadian Pharmacists Association under their new governance and membership model last September. We had an extremely successful fall launch David Pavan of the regulatory compliance Outgoing BCPhA president 2014/15 bootcamps in supporting the needs of our members. There was the very exciting introduction of the genome project in October with the first patient samples being collected this spring. The 2014/15 flu season had BC pharmacists giving more than 430,000 flu shots, and we had a new Green Shield Canada partnership with the launch of the cardiovascular project in February.
Influencing change This September marks my fifth year on the BCPhA Board of Directors and my first year as president. I am excited to be filling this role and hope to see many positive outcomes during my term. My goal is to continue to push for changes in the Health Professions Act to ensure we are keeping our bylaws up-to-date with current pharmacy practice. This includes updates on technology and data storage.
We now have information on drug shortages as Health Canada announced mandatory reporting for manufacturers, a policy the BCPhA had strongly advocated for, along with the development of a process for timely prescription renewals in long-term care facilities and group homes with Ministry of Health. Allison Nourse Incoming BCPhA president 2015/16
Pharmacy Day at the legislature was again very well-received, along with the launch of the #MoreThanPills campaign as part of Pharmacist Awareness Month in March. The BCPhA continued offering value for members with the development of Policy & Procedure Manuals for corporate members and more eTraining opportunities for pharmacists.
I have always been an avid supporter of front-line pharmacists and community pharmacy. We need to focus our attention on all the good work pharmacists are doing in the community and the lives that have been positively affected by direct interaction with community pharmacists.
We also had the BCPhA submission to government on the methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) program, which focuses on the critical role pharmacists play in the health of this vulnerable population.
Communication is key. We need to work together with all pharmacy stakeholders and associations to share knowledge and best practices.
Despite all of these achievements, we still have a lot of hard work
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I hope to use my previous experience from working in pharmacy IT, health innovation and community pharmacy across Canada to help influence change in a positive manner.
GERALDINE VANCE | CEO
Use it or lose it Pharmacists should embrace authority to renew and adapt
Some may have read the recently published article by UBC professor Michael Law in the Journal of the American Pharmacists Association regarding BC pharmacists’ rate of renewals and adaptations. Like many, I have some concerns about Dr. Law’s conclusions, which say that the use of pharmacist renewals is low and that policies on pharmacists’ renewals should be redesigned and closely monitored. Aside from the fact that the data is now four years old, Law has simply looked at the volume of prescriptions dispensed and the percentage of those that were renewed or adapted. What’s missing is a close look at the prescriptions themselves, which would tell the real story. What percentage of the total scripts was exempt from adaptation or renewal because of restrictions? And what percentage was not eligible for renewals because the prescriber had included the maximum number of renewals in a 12-month period? One can only speculate that when these considerations were accounted for, a different story would be told. Setting aside the shortcomings of the UBC study, there is a persistent view that pharmacists are not renewing and adapting prescriptions when it’s possible. Why? Some say it is too much trouble: pharmacists are too busy to do this, they don’t want to risk alienating the prescriber who may think the pharmacist has overstepped their bounds, or other options like emergency fills are available. So these barriers are assumed to be the reason for low levels of adaptations and renewals. Some may say, what’s the big deal if community pharmacists are not renewing or adapting prescriptions?
don’t use it you may lose it. Community pharmacists continue to fight hard to better use their expertise with patients and demonstrate their value to the health-care team. The BCPhA has been part of these efforts and supports expanding the role of pharmacists in their communities. Our record on this front is clear: We have made numerous proposals to payers to increase the use of pharmacists to improve primarycare service delivery. Getting authority for pharmacists to give injections and the Green Shield Canada cardiovascular risk management program show we have been successful. But putting myself in the shoes of any payer, notably the public payer, when asked by pharmacists to do something new or to take down barriers to things like accessing lab results for patients I would well ask why should I consider this. Why, if pharmacists are not maximizing their opportunities to apply their professional expertise in an area like prescription adaptations or renewals should they be granted more authority? So, while prescribing and patient counseling on complex health-care needs are all within the range of expertise of many community pharmacists, I believe the focus needs to be on doing well what is within the current scope of authority. So, if the barrier is prescriber response, work on that. Time will always be a barrier, but we all know we make time for what’s important. I know it is not terribly exciting to suggest that we need to do the foundational work well first, but I do believe it’s important. Use or lose it. That’s what could be at stake.
It’s a pretty big deal. And may I be so bold as to suggest if you
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DRUG AND POISON INFORMATION CENTRE
Hot flushes: Is there any evidence for herbal nonhormonal therapies?
(Part 1 of 2 in a series.) By Bev Louis, B.Sc. (Pharm.), R.Ph., CSPI, Drug and Poison Information Pharmacist, BC Drug and Poison Information Centre Reviewed by C. Laird Birmingham, MD, M.H.Sc., FRCPC Hot flushes/flashes (HFs) or vasomotor symptoms, are sensations of intense heat, often accompanied by sweating, flushing, chills, anxiety, palpitations and sleep disturbances. In some countries, hot flushes occur in up to 80% of women and are the most common and problematic symptom of menopause. HFs usually last one to five minutes, but in some women, they may last up to an hour. Almost 90% of women who have hot flushes have symptoms on a daily basis and about a third of these women have more than 10 episodes a day, with some patients reporting more than 30 episodes a day. The incidence of moderate to severe hot flushes in women peaks within the first two years following the last menstrual period. The duration of moderate to severe hot flushes is an average of nine years, with some lasting as long as 20 to 30 years. They can interfere with activities of daily living and sleep, resulting in fatigue and depression, with detrimental effects on work productivity and quality of life.
including breast cancer, cardiovascular disease and other adverse effects prompted growing interest in nonhormonal options to treat HFs. Therapy for HFs should start with nonpharmacological options, which may be sufficient in patients with mild symptoms. These measures include: lowering the room temperature, wearing cotton instead of synthetic fabrics, dressing in layers, using fans, limiting hot foods and beverages, consuming cool or cold foods and liquids, losing weight and avoiding alcohol, caffeine, smoking and spicy food. The remainder of this article will briefly discuss popular herbal nonhormonal treatments for HFs based on questions received by DPIC’s drug information service. Part two in the next issue of The Tablet will discuss some nonhormonal pharmaceuticals used in the treatment of HFs. Herbal nonhormonal treatments for HFs
Hot flushes may be related to decreased estrogen levels, a narrowed thermoregulatory zone, and changes in central norepinephrine levels. The thermoregulatory or thermoneutral zone is narrowed in women who suffer from HFs. If the upper threshold of this zone is crossed, hot flushes and sweating occur. If the core body temperature drops below the lower threshold, shivering occurs.
Isoflavones are phytoestrogens commonly found in soy products and red clover and are the most studied phytoestrogens in the treatment of HFs. Genistein and daidzein are two isoflavones extracted from soy, which have been activated by the enzymes of intestinal bacteria. About one-third of the population are capable of further transforming daidzein to equol in the gut. Equol is 10 to 100 times more estrogenic than either daidzein or genistein.
Estrogen widens the thermoregulatory zone. Estrogen, alone or in combination with a progestin, is the most effective treatment for HFs. Following the Women’s Health Initiative study in 2002, however, safety concerns about hormonal treatment for HFs
A meta-analysis of 30 placebo-controlled trials and comprehensive reviews concluded that there is insufficient evidence to support the use of phytoestrogens in the treatment of HFs. A Cochrane review reported that many of the studies are
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of poor quality and results are variable. Inconsistent results could be due to individual differences in ability to effectively transform phytoestrogens into active isoflavones, and other factors, which may affect the metabolism of isoflavones (e.g., diet, medications, gastrointestinal infections).
has not been established. A meta-analysis of five randomized controlled trials that used an isopropanolic extract of black cohosh did not demonstrate abnormal liver function tests. More studies are required to establish the safety of other black cohosh products.
Another possible confounding factor is the dose of phytoestrogen, which depends on the plant source and type of dietary soy products ingested. The Cochrane review concludes that products containing genistein may have promise, and women with moderate to severe HFs may respond to treatment better than those with mild HFs. Due to the estrogenic effects, phytoestrogens are usually contraindicated in patients with a history of breast cancer or other hormone-sensitive cancers, prior or current thromboembolic disease and hepatic disease.
There is even less data to support other herbal products promoted for the treatment of HFs. These herbal products include: Chinese herbal medicine (e.g., Dong Quai), evening primrose oil, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, flax, maca, and St. John’s wort.
Black cohosh, a herb native to North America containing terpenes and glycosides, is widely-used to treat HFs. As with the phytoestrogens, the results are inconsistent regarding efficacy of black cohosh for treatment of HFs. There are case reports of hepatotoxicity with black cohosh, although a causal relationship
Conclusion Available evidence does not support the use of any of the popular herbal medicines used to treat hot flushes. Well-designed trials with objective therapeutic endpoints are needed to determine the efficacy of these widely used remedies. Until then, healthcare providers must consider the risks versus benefits before recommending these herbal nonhormonal therapies for HF. References available upon request at info@bcpharmacy.ca.
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DEREK DESROSIERS | DIRECTOR, PHARMACY PRACTICE SUPPORT
Know thy patient Asking for proper identification is part of proper patient care
Many of you may recall the media coverage in late June about an impostor seeking and obtaining significant quantities of oxycodone tablets. This case landed 46 physicians and 49 pharmacists in hot water for failing to perform the due diligence required to catch the imposter. According to the CBC, records show 51 doctors wrote the imposter more than 250 prescriptions that were filled at 104 pharmacies between January 2007 and January 2013, for a total of 23,000 tablets. This case emphasizes the need for pharmacists to be diligent about knowing your patients. The proper identification of a patient is critical to proper care and accurate record keeping. The College of Pharmacists of BC addresses this issue in Professional Practice Policy 54. That policy, in part, lays out the requirement that registrants must take reasonable steps to positively identify a patient or patient’s representative before providing any pharmacy service. The most relevant clause in the policy states, “Where a patient is personally known to the registrant for a period of two years or longer, the registrant may positively identify the patient. In cases where the patient is not known to the registrant, positive identification is best achieved by viewing one piece of primary identification or two pieces of secondary identification.” The policy further goes on to provide examples of acceptable primary and secondary identification documents. Properly identifying patients not only ensures that the right patient is getting the right product or service, but it also protects against the type of fraudulent activity that the CBC reported on. Another good reason to ensure you properly identify your patients is to avoid the creation of multiple Personal Health
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Numbers (PHNs). By viewing and confirming appropriate identification documents, duplicate PHNs and patient records can be avoided. PharmaNet already has many duplicate/multiple PHNs for the same person. Pharmacists are tasked with being diligent about properly identifying patients to avoid exacerbation of this problem. As you can imagine, having multiple patient records for the same patient results in incomplete medication histories, which can lead to poor decision-making and negative drug therapy outcomes for patients. It’s always good practice to ensure you are properly identifying the patient and/or the patient’s representative. Keep in mind that just because you have known someone for a long time (years in many cases), that doesn’t mean you should assume that their personal circumstances have remained the same. That is to say, you need to be diligent about ensuring that a patient’s representative really has the authority to represent the patient. Things like marital breakups can lead to improper representation of an individual for illegitimate purposes. Some pharmacists may feel patients don’t want to be bothered with steps like these. However, just one incident (or many like in the prescription identity fraud story) can paint the industry in a bad light. And what patient wouldn’t feel reassured when you explain that you’re asking for identification to protect them from identity fraud? Finally, don’t forget to be diligent about properly identifying other registrants (pharmacists or pharmacy technicians) or a practitioner before providing any pharmacy service such as a prescription transfer or patient information.
CYRIL LOPEZ | CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Putting our money where our mouth is If we want others to pay for pharmacists’ services, we should be doing it, too
For years the BCPhA has been advocating for payment of pharmacists’ clinical services. Whether it be government or private payers, we have been arguing that pharmacists have much more to offer patients and the health-care system than simply dispensing medications. Many studies show that pharmacists’ intervention, whether it be in diabetes care or smoking cessation or cardiovascular coaching, has positive impacts on patient outcomes. Earlier this year, the BCPhA announced its partnership with health benefits company Green Shield Canada (GSC) and the Ontario Pharmacists Association to pay for pharmacists’ work to help eligible GSC patients manage high blood cholesterol and blood pressure through counselling sessions. Already, more than 200 BC pharmacists have taken the required training needed to provide this patient counselling. Not only is Green Shield a partner with BCPhA, it’s also BCPhA’s own health benefits company for its staff and corporate members who sign on with BCPhA’s health insurance plan. The Association decided that if we were going to continue championing others’ payment for pharmacists' clinical services, then we as the plan sponsor needed to put our money where our mouth is.
additional premium cost, and we find that it's minimal. The clinical services include an anticoagulation management service, monitoring of blood glucose in Type 2 diabetes, and an asthma consultation service, along with the current cardiovascular program already covered by GSC. We’re working on a set reimbursement fee that would be paid to pharmacists that’s similar to podiatrists, physiotherapists and chiropractors. While many may think that paying for paramedical services like podiatrists and physiotherapists is at the discretion of the insurance company, it’s the employer – or plan sponsor – who can request what’s covered under their insurance plan. That’s important because it’s critical that we demonstrate to not only health insurance companies but also to employers the importance of pharmacists’ role. GSC is an innovative partner which is why we can make this happen.
The work we do with Green Shield also allows us to capture important data to demonstrate the value that we know and advocate for: That pharmacists can provide better patient outcomes at a costprogroup_ad_v3.ai 13/11/2008 4:23:24 PM effective price to the system.
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That’s why, starting this fall, we have proposed that any qualifying individual covered under BCPhA’s health insurance plan (approximately 475 individuals) should have coverage for specified pharmacists’ clinical services. That means that the patient receives the service and the pharmacist is paid for the work they do. GSC has modelled the
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GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
Time for BC to fix rural health deficit with pharmacists
By BCPhA staff BC has a rural health deficit. There are more than 600,000 people living in rural communities in our province. Patients in rural communities have poorer health outcomes compared to their urban counterparts. There are unique challenges that account for this disparity in health outcomes. These include the fact that health-care services in rural areas are more dispersed. Additionally, like other rural Canadian communities, rural BC faces the challenge of having limited numbers of practitioners able to provide services and difficulties with recruitment and retention of health-care providers. As of earlier this year, more than 200,000 people in BC were looking for a family doctor, many
of these in rural communities. Government strategies aimed at fixing this deficit have focused on physicians, specifically training more doctors, providing financial incentives, and requiring overseastrained doctors to practice in rural areas. The rural physician incentive program gives physicians a one-time payment of $100,000 when they commit to three years of service in 17 designated rural communities. BC spent nearly $100 million in rural incentives for physicians in 2012/13. Yet, earlier this year the BC government reported it won’t meet its goal of matching every BC patient with a family doctor by the end of 2015. That same
month, the Ministry of Health said it was reviewing this rural incentive program to determine if it should even be renewed. Unfortunately, the government has overlooked pharmacists, the healthcare professionals already practicing in these communities. From a public policy standpoint, this approach is flawed. There are plenty of well-trained pharmacists in rural communities who are clinicians that stand willing, ready and able to serve people in these communities. The time to use their skills to fix BC’s rural health-care deficit is long overdue.
What rural community pharmacists are saying Community pharmacies are often the first point of primary care for patients in rural communities. About 50 per cent of all BC community pharmacies are located in areas outside of Vancouver, with 152 pharmacies located in towns with less than 10,000 people. As part the BCPhA’s work on raising awareness around the rural health deficit, the Association surveyed community pharmacists practicing in rural areas in June. Here's what they said:
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63% of pharmacists in rural communities say they are often the first point of primary care for patients in their community.
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82% agree that they are underutilized in the delivery of health care because regulations and legislation limit the services they can provide.
74% say that without their pharmacy people in their community would have to travel 1 to 1.5 hours to access health services.
75% say that the current healthcare system limits their ability to better collaborate with physicians they share patients with.
FINANCIAL TRENDS
Wealth management tips for recent graduates
By Glenn Schoenroth, CFA Many recent pharmacy graduates are facing an exciting time in their lives as they embark on new careers and begin to receive their first full-time paycheques. A question we’re often asked when new graduates suddenly have more cash is, “What should I be doing with any extra income I have left after paying my monthly expenses?” These tips will help:
Pay down the debt with highest interest first Often we don’t realize how much we’re paying to have credit. Credit cards frequently carry the highest interest rates, from 13% to more than 22%. Currently, mortgage rates are near an all-time low of about 2 to 4% depending on when the home was purchased and if the mortgage is variable or fixed. A line of credit is usually somewhere in between. The first step is to write down all of your debt and the rate of interest you’re paying on it. Then, begin paying off the debt with the highest rate first and as fast as you can.
Knowing when to contribute to your RRSP or TFSA When you contribute to your Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP), the tax refund you receive is your pre-tax money; it’s just returned to you at a later date. An RRSP offers you short- and long-term tax advantages by reducing your taxable income each year you contribute and allowing you to grow your savings and the government’s tax component on a tax-deferred basis. You want to contribute as much as you can the higher the tax bracket you’re in.
For example: You have $10,000 saved, you earned $100,000 last year, have ample contribution room and don’t need the cash. By contributing $10,000 you’ll get $3,829 back at which point you can turn around and contribute that $3,829 to your RRSP or TFSA and have 38.3% more invested than without the refund. If you expect to be in a much higher tax bracket in the near future, use your TFSA to save now and then contribute it in the future when the tax reduction will be even larger.
Buying versus renting Buying a home versus renting is a difficult decision involving a lot of moving parts. However, over the long term paying off your own mortgage rather than that of your landlord’s has proven to be a very good strategy. The challenges of owning, such as being stuck with a large mortgage in a rising rate environment or unplanned repairs, get smoothed out over time provided you have the extra income to handle these risks. A good rule of thumb is that you can afford to spend 2.5 times your gross annual income. So if you earn, $100,000 then you can afford to buy a $250,000 home. That protects you in the event rates increase or expenses arise that you didn’t plan for. This article is supplied by Glenn Schoenroth, an investment advisor with RBC Dominion Securities Inc., member CIPF. This article is for information purposes only. Please consult with a professional advisor before taking any action based on information in this article. Schoenroth can be reached at 604.257.7196.
A Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA) is an excellent choice to meet short-term savings goals. It allows you to save and grow your money tax-free and make tax-free withdrawals at any time for any reason. However, if you have RRSP contribution room and don’t have any short term cash needs, it makes more sense to contribute to your RRSP and get the tax refund, assuming you aren’t going to be jumping into a higher tax bracket anytime soon.
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COACH CALLIE
Optimizing your counterside care By Callie Bland, B.Sc., BSN, RN, CPCC, PCC A mother with two young children comes into her community pharmacy to fill her prescription. Coughing and looking exhausted, she waits patiently in the prescription drop-off line with her rambunctious kids in tow. As she begins talking to the pharmacy assistant, her son announces he needs to use the washroom. The pharmacist overhears the young boy’s request, steps out from behind the counter and walks over to direct the family to the washroom. He had seen that the patient was juggling two children and feeling quite ill, and wanted to create ease for her as she waited for her prescription to be filled. He shifted from a “technically-oriented care” approach, which involves reviewing the medication data and facts with the patient, to one that was “relationship-oriented”. In a relationship-oriented approach the intention is to create connection and demonstrate understanding of the patient’s experience with curiosity and empathy, which helps transform patient care. In my work, I coach health-care professionals on how to develop a skillset that is more relationship-oriented. In the doctor’s world, I work with physicians to help improve their competencies in soft skills such as communication and collaboration. From a pharmacist’s viewpoint, improving the counterside manner has the potential to build, strengthen and maintain effective relationships with patients.
What does it mean to be relationship-oriented? Taking a relationship-oriented approach helps connect the pharmacist to a patient’s mental and emotional experience as it relates to their health issue and counterside care. Here are some key communication skills to help you be more relationship-oriented with patients: 1. Be present. Be available to take in both verbal and non-verbal signals from the patient. Shift from distracted listening – for example multi-tasking by entering data on the computer while tracking what the patient is saying – to being fully focused on the patient.
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2. Attune. Attune to the patient’s mental and emotional experience. This means being curious about and listening for the patient’s emotions, assumptions, values, interests, needs and requests. 3. Empathize. Empathy is the ability to understand and feel what another person is feeling. Find an empathetic entry point and lead with an empathetic response. Using the scenario above you could also say something like, “It must be difficult for you to be ill while taking care of your kids at the same time.” What the pharmacist is actually saying is, “I see you as a human being, and I empathize.” 4. Ask powerful questions. The quality of your questions matter. Closed questions typically elicit a yes/no response and can limit the information you’ll receive. By adopting a curious mindset and asking powerful questions that start with who, what, where, and how, you’ll enhance your ability to engage patients and build trust. For example, instead of asking “Do you understand how to take your medications?”, try asking “What part of your prescription are you having a difficult time understanding?” Although barriers such as limited time and physical separation of the counter space might deter pharmacists from taking a more relationship-oriented approach, the benefits for both you and your patients are worth it. Your patients will be more likely to listen to and trust the technical information you tell them. Trust leads to loyalty, which means your patients will be more likely to come back to your pharmacy, ultimately resulting in continuity of care and better patient outcomes. Callie Bland is an executive coach and registered nurse with more than 15 years’ experience in both public and private health-care systems. She specializes in partnering with health-care professionals and leaders to build capacity to lead themselves, others and systems more effectively. She will be writing a new column for The Tablet on developing your non-clinical skills. Keep an eye out for Coach Callie’s upcoming workshop this fall offered through the BCPhA. Contact Bland via www.coachcallie.com.
CLINICARE PHARMACISTS
Liraglutide for weight loss By Larry Leung, B.Sc. (Pharm.), R.Ph., and Jason Min, B.Sc. (Pharm.), R.Ph. It appears that everywhere we look there are news articles or television shows that market the next “miracle drug” or “game changer” for weight loss. With obesity rates in North America rising, there is certainly more interest in the use of medications to combat or maintain weight. Liraglutide is a GLP-1 analog that is typically used for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes, usually in combination with other agents such as metformin. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Health Canada have approved its use for chronic weight management, which has become a major topic for discussion. Medications that are used specifically for weight management do not come along very often. Recently we had a discussion with a patient without diabetes regarding the use of liraglutide for weight loss. The patient: - 55-year-old male - Body mass index (BMI) – 32 kg/m2 - Hemoglobin A1c – 6.4% (one week ago) - Blood pressure – 135/88 Medical history: - No personal or family history of diabetes or cardiovascular disease Medication history: - Liraglutide 3mg subcutaneously once daily The patient has experienced rising sugars in the past year and was seen by an endocrinologist. He was subsequently started on liraglutide specifically for weight loss and followed up with us for more education on the medication. Liraglutide is administered subcutaneously, usually in the abdomen, thigh or upper arm. Dosing for Type 2 diabetes typically starts at 0.6mg once daily for at least one week, after which the dose is increased by 0.6mg weekly to 1.2mg and then
1.8mg once daily. The dose for chronic weight management is higher at 3mg daily for adults with a BMI >30 kg/m2 or >27 kg/m2 with at least one weight-related morbidity, such as hypertension or Type 2 diabetes. The same titration by 0.6mg weekly is used, which means that it can take a minimum of five weeks before the target dose is reached. We conducted a literature search to determine the potential benefits and adverse effects the patient may receive with the higher dose. Weight loss appears to be variable among patients, with some responding well and others not. In a 20-week randomized controlled trial comparing liraglutide to placebo and orlistat, weight loss was correlated with higher doses of liraglutide, with a mean weight loss of 4.8-7.2kg, depending on dose. This compared to a mean loss of 2.8kg with placebo and 4.1kg with orlistat. However, studies also showed that higher doses of liraglutide lead to a greater proportion of patients experiencing nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. The weight loss may be, in part, due to these gastrointestinal side effects. Furthermore, clinical data on long-term (>1 year) benefits of sustained weight loss is lacking at this point in time. We discussed the clinical data with the patient, and he decided to take the medication as prescribed. However, we recommended that he be reassessed after 12 weeks to determine if there is any clinical benefit. We also recommended to the physician that he start at a lower dose of liraglutide with a slower titration to minimize adverse effects. It was also important to remind the patient that liraglutide should be used as an adjunct agent to lifestyle modifications, such as improved diet and exercise, which is still considered first line. Larry Leung and Jason Min are directors of Clinicare Pharmacists Inc., lecturers at UBC and patient care practitioners at the UBC Pharmacists Clinic. They have a passion for interdisciplinary care and the development and implementation of innovative clinical pharmacy services in the community. References available upon request at info@bcpharmacy.ca.
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ON THE COVER | TELEPHARMACY
Telepharmacy provides critical care for patients in remote areas
Below: Thanks to telepharmacy, patients in remote towns such as Valemount can fill prescriptions in their own communities as well as chat face-to-face with pharmacists. A patient talks via video conference with Ready.
Above: Pharmacist Regan Ready uses video conferencing technology at the central Sorrento pharmacy site to talk with his assistants at a remote site in the town of Valemount. He checks the prescriptions they have prepared on a high-resolution camera and then authorizes prescriptions to be dispensed to patients.
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Telepharmacy sites in BC Central Site
Remote Sites
1. Sorrento
Valemount, McBride, Logan Lake, Barriere and Sicamous
2. Vancouver
Hudson’s Hope, Dease Lake and Masset and New Aiyansh
3. Q uadra Island
Gold River
4. Surrey
Midway
By Matilda Meyers Instead of driving several hours to reach a pharmacy in a nearby town – on what can be extremely dangerous roads during winter – residents in remote towns in British Columbia can fill prescriptions in their own communities, thanks to the advent of telepharmacy. This technology, since launching in community pharmacies in 2005, has provided a critical link to patients living in rural and isolated areas. A recent policy paper by the BC Ministry of Health points out that patients living in rural communities have poorer health outcomes than their urban counterparts due to a lack of access to adequate health-care professionals and services. Telepharmacy ensures patients in remote areas have safe, high-quality access to the pharmacy care they need, when they need it and, as much as possible, without having to leave their communities. This is how it works: pharmacists in central sites use videoconferencing or other technology to communicate with assistants working in pharmacies in remote areas. This allows pharmacists to check off finished prescriptions, provide patient counseling and chat face-to-face with their patients from afar. In Canada, telepharmacy was first pioneered by hospitals in the Kootenays in 2002. It served Fernie and Creston with a base hospital in Cranbrook, while also allowing hospitals in 100 Mile House, Williams Lake and Terrace to
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cover vacation and sick relief. This makes BC a forerunner in the field. There are now a total of 11 remote telepharmacy sites around BC, operated by four different centralized community pharmacies. The remote areas being served generally have populations of less than 1,000 and find it extremely difficult to recruit and retain pharmacists. Munro’s Sorrento Prescriptions, based in Sorrento, began offering telepharmacy services in 2007. Munro’s spearheaded a pilot project that brought weekend service to patients in Sicamous, a small community located along the shores of Shuswap Lake, midway between Vancouver and Calgary. After the success of this initiative, additional full-time sites were opened in Valemount and McBride Continued on page 18
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ON THE COVER | TELEPHARMACY
and weekend service was added to the communities of Barriere and Logan Lake. “We see the benefit for patients every day in the sites where we use telepharmacy full-time,” says Regan Ready, pharmacist and operations manager of Munro’s. One of the clearest indicators of this success, Ready says, is that Munro’s now employs the equivalent of one full-time pharmacist whose sole responsibilities are to handle the needs of its remote telepharmacy sites. Prior to Munro’s, the only pharmacy in Valemount had been closed for one year because the owner had been unable to
find a pharmacist to staff it. “We then re-opened the site utilizing telepharmacy and have served the local residents consistently for more than six years,” Ready says. Watching Ready oversee operations from Sorrento doesn’t appear to be much different than if he were right there beside his remote assistants. Ready and his pharmacy assistants can both see and hear each other in real time on the video conference screen. Like colleagues who work next to each other daily, they joke briefly with each other, then Ready checks the prescriptions the assistants have prepared on a high-resolution camera.
He then authorizes the prescriptions to be dispensed to patients. He also has access to necessary remote site computer screens such as those containing full patient records. Ready also ensures pharmacists conduct site visits three times per year at each remote location. Unlike many remote communities, Valemount residents are fortunate to have a local physician. Dr. Ray Markham of the Valemount Health Centre believes his patients have been better served since the telepharmacy opened. “There is more timely availability of prescriptions on hand, and the facility
The small town of Sorrento, BC, on the south shore of the Shuswap Lake, where Munro’s Sorrento Prescriptions is located. Photo credit: Tim Thompson.
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Patients living in rural communities like Sorrento have poorer health outcomes than their urban counterparts due to a lack of access to adequate health-care professionals and practice, according to a recent policy paper by the BC Ministry of Health.
Pharmacist Regan Ready is the operations manager for Munro’s Sorrento Prescriptions, which is one of a handful of community pharmacies using telepharmacy to bring vital pharmacy services to remote BC towns.
for our patients to be able to consult with the pharmacist is excellent,” says Markham. “In addition, it has been good to have more engagement with a pharmacist, who has a local connection, albeit virtually. It has been great to have their input as part of our team-based care approach here.” Patients in Valemount also find the service invaluable. “As someone who is on multiple prescriptions I really need telepharmacists here,” says local resident Cindy. Another resident, Reesa, says “I am very satisfied. I love it that we can get our prescriptions filled the same day and that we can talk to the pharmacy assistants when we need. I very much love the great service.”
Pharmacist Alan Williamson owns and operates four Pharmasave telepharmacy sites in even more remote locations. One of these is in Dease Lake, which serves its population of 303 people, as well as the remote communities of Iskut and Telegraph Creek. The nearest pharmacy from Dease Lake is also a Pharmasave telepharmacy, located 474 kilometers away in New Aiyansh. “We offer patients in these remote communities immediate access to safe and effective pharmacy care,” says Williamson. “We have three full time pharmacists staffed exclusively for the four remote telepharmacies. This allows our patients to have direct contact with a pharmacist via a 1-800 number they can call any time the host site is open.”
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Telepharmacy also enables collaboration to take place between health-care providers in the community. “We can liaise with physicians about patient care and collaborate with other health-care networks,” says Williamson. "Without these telepharmacies, patients would need to drive for hours to have their prescription medications filled. It is not only unrealistic for patients to have this burden, but it may also contribute to more serious health issues if patients are not compliant with their medication,” says Williamson. Retaining the active role of pharmacists through telepharmacy is helping to assure the delivery of safe, high quality healthcare to patients in rural communities.
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PHARMACY ROBBERY
New robbery security measures required for BC pharmacies By Angie Gaddy All Nelli Jakac could see were his eyes. The pharmacist and owner of two Vancouver Pharmasave stores stared down the hooded and masked robber standing in front of her demanding narcotics from behind the counter. It was the third robbery in a year. And she’d had enough. “I just stared him down,” she says. “He didn’t take anything. I have those kind of eyes that mean business.” Jakac is one of many BC pharmacists who say they’ve seen an increase in robberies over the past five years. These robberies, police and pharmacists say, are ones in which criminals take thousands of dollars’ worth of prescription narcotics and leave cash still in the register.
“I just stared him down,” she says. “He didn’t take anything. I have those kind of eyes that mean business.”
Earlier this year, the College of Pharmacists of BC’s Board of Directors passed the Professional Practice Policy 74 Community Pharmacy Security. This policy requires all pharmacies across British Columbia to implement a number of actions aimed at preventing pharmacy robberies. These range from time-delay
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- Nelli Jakac
Pharmacist Nelli Jakac’s two Vancouver Pharmasave stores have been robbed a number of times by criminals looking for narcotics.
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of a robbery as well as have a robbery prevention policy and procedures manual. The College will also require mandatory reporting of the incident through an online portal, in addition to the reporting pharmacists must currently do. It began more than a year ago when the Vancouver Police Department approached the College with an idea to require every pharmacy in BC to have time-lock safes, video surveillance and other robbery preventions. The College says the decision to impose the new mandate on all BC pharmacies was to make sure no pharmacy was a soft target. For many, the concept of security measures to prevent pharmacy robberies is a good one, but say the College is sending mixed messages.
Signs advise patrons to remove hoodies and that all narcotics are stored in time-delayed safes. Starting September 15, the College of Pharmacists of BC will require all BC pharmacies to keep narcotics in safes with time delays of five minutes minimum.
safes to posting College-developed signs warning potential criminals about security measures and requiring HD video surveillance cameras "The number of robberies have not only been increasing over the recent years, they are also becoming more violent, and police warn may soon result in tragedy," says College Board Chair Anar Dossa. "We know that patients present during robberies have suffered from posttraumatic stress disorder in addition to the pharmacy professionals working there, some of whom have left the profession as a result. We also can't ignore that stolen drugs will ultimately end up for sale on the streets, putting the public at serious risk of misuse and overdose." The policy, which goes into effect on September 15, 2015, also requires all BC pharmacies to provide critical stress debriefing for any staff who has been part
Protecting pharmacists and their colleagues from robberies is something everyone can get behind. But the implementation of the College’s new security requirements leaves a number of questions unanswered.
“Our members really are looking for clarity on the implementation of the new provisions. They need to know whether the approvals that the College granted them in the past stand,” says Geraldine Vance, CEO of the BCPhA. “Everyone want to keep pharmacists safe. But we need the College to clarify its position on previous layout approvals as quickly as possible.” Brad Davie, former owner of Glover Family Pharmacy in Langley and a firefighter, had at least one burglary every year between 2008 and 2011. In some incidents the burglars brandished or threatened weapons; in the first incident the robbers took over the store not letting anyone in or out. “As a firefighter, we see lots of trauma and know the impact and how traumatic it can be,” he says. “Sometimes the emotional trauma of the event is more severe than
“As a firefighter, we see lots of trauma and know how traumatic it can be. Sometimes the emotional trauma of the event is more severe than the event itself.”
In PPP 74, the College requires physical barriers in dispensaries to be in place when a pharmacist is not present. This requirement has been -Brad Davie, firefighter, pharmacist and former in place for many years owner of Glover Family Pharmacy. under PPP 5, but was not being enforced. But despite this, the College has approved pharmacy the event itself. And it way outlasts the layouts that don’t have physical barriers for situation.” hundreds of pharmacies in recent years. So many pharmacy owners wonder whether In one store that was robbed, one the College plans to enforce this particular pharmacist left community pharmacy. requirement going forward, or if it will Another who was robbed left the industry require pharmacies that were previously completely, he said. granted approval for their pharmacy “The problem was after the pharmacy layouts to retrofit physical barriers. Not robberies happened, no one was prepared surprisingly, this has created significant to deal with them,” Davie says. “Staff knew concern among community pharmacy they needed to report stolen narcotics to owners in the province. Continued on page 23
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PHARMACY ROBBERY
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Health Canada with forms and call the police, but no one was trained on what to do for helping staff after the robbery happened.” Davie set up critical incident stress response protocol after seeing the impact the robberies had on his staff. As soon as the next robbery happened, a counsellor followed up with the staff who were robbery victims. “After this robbery, the staff members still showed up for work the next day,” he says. Vancouver police investigators say the reason they recommend these security measures is to prevent drugs from getting into the community and to protect the safety of pharmacists and their businesses. They point to banks, which implemented these same security measures years ago. Since then, the number of bank robberies has dropped to nearly zero. One investigations sergeant said that while he’s heard concerns about people fearful that a time-delay safe may make crimes more violent because a robber high on drugs doesn’t want to wait, that doesn’t match the profile of most criminals. “There are definite groups that target pharmacy. It’s making them a ton of money. It is organized,” he says. “For them, this is pharmaceutical grade drugs that they don’t have to import.” While criminals may be covered up head-to-toe in hoodies or masks, having an enhanced cameras system helps investigators identify the clothing they’ve worn. This helps police make a better case for search warrants if they have a good idea of what they’re searching for. Vancouver pharmacist Jakac, says she’s skeptical. She has already put her own security measures in place and believes all pharmacists should do their own due diligence.
BCPhA critical incident response services Association members have free and confidential access to Pharmassist, an employee assistance program that includes counselling and support for a pharmacist’s well-being. This program, coordinated through Brown Cranshaw, offers critical incident response (CIR) services that include: - Immediate telephone support - On-site support when possible - Training for peer CIR teams - Pre-incident training - CIR awareness sessions - CIR policy development For more information, visit http://www.browncrawshaw.com or contact Cyril Lopez at 604.269.2869 or 1.800.663.2840 Ext 2869.
Registrants should be aware that the deadline to enact measures is fast approaching.
Nelli Jakac’s stores have time-delay safes for narcotics. Vancouver Police and the College say time-delay safes installed by banks years ago have reduced bank robberies to nearly zero.
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BCPHA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Introducing the 2015/16 Board of Directors We sat down with each of our Board members, both returning and new, to ask them about issues that are pressing for the Association. The BCPhA is governed by a 12-member Board of Directors who set and review the strategic goals of the Association. Of this Board, seven directors are elected and up to five directors are appointed with staggered terms. Each of the directors must be a general member in good standing. Appointed directors must have personal experience, strategic liaisons or other important qualities which are
valuable to the Association and complement the Board’s experience. We’re pleased to introduce this year’s Board of Directors, effective September 1, 2015, which includes incoming president Allison Nourse and vice-president Randy Konrad. Two new Board members, John Forster-Coull and Chris Waller, also begin their terms on September. 1.
President, BCPhA Board of Directors | Elected 2014-2017 Manager, Pharmacy Services & Medicine Centre Pharmacies, uniPHARM Wholesale Drugs, Richmond What does the BCPhA need to achieve in the next three years? The BCPhA needs to provide members with the tools and resources to practice at the highest standards. The Association needs to be the voice for pharmacy to ensure community pharmacy is not overlooked in broader aspects of health care. What should members know about the Association? The Association is always working hard behind the scenes to make sure its members are included in key health initiatives such as the Green Shield Canada Cardiovascular Health Coaching Program and the genome project. The Association also has regular meetings with government to voice concerns our members have with many topics, including drug shortages. Pharmacists complain that people don’t understand what we do, or that we’re painted in a negative light in the public. How can the pharmacy industry change its reputation?
Allison Nourse
Each pharmacist needs to take action and ensure they portray our profession in a positive light. We need to stop focusing on the very small number of negative issues and showcase all the amazing things community pharmacists are doing for their patients and their communities. We need to have regular meetings with the College and address any areas of concern before they become larger issues.
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Vice-President, BCPhA Board of Directors | Appointed 2015-2018 Regional Pharmacy Manager, Canada Safeway, Vancouver What does the BCPhA need to achieve in the next three years? One of the Association’s main focuses for the next three years is working to secure new revenue streams for pharmacy from private insurers. What should members know about the Association? The BCPhA staff are effective and focused on you, the member, as their top priority. More importantly, the Association is not just made up of the Board or staff members in the office, but should be seen as all of us – the more than 3,000 pharmacists and more than 850 pharmacies – that are members. What value do members get from being part of the BCPhA?
Randy Konrad
Members get timely help with current issues. And, make sure you spend some time exploring the resources on the BCPhA website, from AffinityRx offerings to regulatory compliance support.
Past-President, BCPhA Board of Directors | Appointed 2014-2017 Pharmacy Operations, Shoppers Drug Mart, Vancouver What does the BCPhA need to achieve in the next three years? I think the biggest challenge facing the Association, and community pharmacy, is government perception of the profession and regaining the respect that pharmacists deserve in the critical role they play in primary care. What are pressing issues facing pharmacy in BC? The profession of pharmacy in BC is currently facing many headwinds and challenges. I think one of the more pressing issues is protecting and expanding the scope of practice. I am excited about the genome project and International Normalised Ratio (INR) monitoring in community pharmacy. Now that you’ve been on the Board for one (or more) terms, and understand the challenges involved in advocacy, what is one action you would ask of every pharmacist to advance pharmacy in BC?
David Pavan
I would encourage pharmacists to get involved in the profession outside of providing patient care. Volunteer for College of Pharmacists of BC (CPBC) committees, engage your local governments, MLAs and MPs, and help the public better understand what pharmacists do by becoming involved in your communities.
Elected 2013-2016 | Pharmacist-Owner, Shoppers Drug Mart, Richmond Why did you want to be on the BCPhA Board? I wanted to be on the BCPhA Board because I see the challenges that our profession is facing to be economically sustainable and to be a relevant member of the health-care team. As a practicing pharmacist, I also see the challenges pharmacists face every day, and I wanted those to be known in the boardroom. What should members know about the Association? Despite the diverse make-up of the Board, there is tremendous unity within the Board and the Association staff. We have a united goal of defining and sustaining a role for pharmacists in the future to be an integral part of primary health care and a solution to our province’s health-care woes. Pharmacists complain that people don’t understand what we do, or that we’re painted in a negative light in the public. How can the pharmacy industry change its reputation?
Alex Dar Santos
Industry and organizations must challenge themselves to commit to allowing pharmacists to be the very best they can. Reciprocally, pharmacists must strive to be the very best professionals they can, while understanding the constraints and pressures we all face. Positive publicity is achieved one patient at a time.
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Appointed 2014-2017 | Principal, M.D. Hygieia Advisory, Vancouver What does the BCPhA need to achieve in the next three years? We need to build multiple partnerships with payers, researchers and health-care providers that advance the practice of medication management by pharmacists as a funded service. This will improve patient health outcomes and conserve scarce fiscal resources. What are pressing issues facing pharmacy in BC? Three big issues I see are 1) medication management is not a funded service, 2) reimbursement continues to focus primarily on medication distribution, and 3) patients, pharmacists and prescribers have grown complacent with the established system and there is little demand for change. What value do members get from being part of the BCPhA? Membership in the BCPhA includes access to a team of committed staff and the collective resources of your fellow pharmacists in advancing your chosen profession and business.
Mark Dickson Elected 2015-2018 | Pharmacist, Glovers Medicine Centre compounding pharmacy Pharmacist Instructor, Stenberg College Pharmacy Technician Program, Kamloops What are pressing issues facing pharmacy in BC? Pharmacy in BC actually has a great opportunity right now to directly contribute and improve health care. At a time when so many patients don't even have a family physician, pharmacists are positioned better than ever to help patients. Whether it's helping patients optimize medication regimes or prescribing and administering vaccines, we are ideally situated to be the first point of contact for patients and can often save a visit to the ER or drop-in clinic. What should members know about the Association? The BCPhA has our members' interests, financially and operationally, first in mind. Priorities shift, but the Association does its absolute best to listen and implement feedback from members. With our excellent communication network throughout the province, we are able to respond to issues in a timely manner.
Julie Ford
Now that you’ve been on the Board for one (or more) terms, and understand the challenges involved in advocacy, what is one action you would ask of every pharmacist to advance pharmacy in BC? Get out and promote your profession. Be proud of what you do and tell people about moments when you did something to positively improve a patient's health.
Elected 2013-2016 | Pharmacist-Owner, Shoppers Drug Mart, Vancouver What does the BCPhA need to achieve in the next three years? Continue to make progress in creating relationships with government and other stakeholders. Continue to show the value of our profession and demonstrate ways in which we can be a solution for the rising health care costs and aging population, such as with the current genome project. What should members know about the Association? The BCPhA is very committed to representing all of our members. The Association's goal is for community pharmacy to be an active voice in the development of BC’s health-care policies. Now that you’ve been on the Board for one (or more) terms, and understand the challenges involved in advocacy, what is one action you would ask of every pharmacist to advance pharmacy in BC?
Nemanja Filipovic
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Get in touch with your local MLA; demonstrate excellent patient care to everyone and educate your patients on everything you do for them; take advantage and perform all the new patient care services which we are able to do.
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Elected 2015-2018 | Owner/Manager, Victoria Compounding Pharmacy Ltd., Victoria Why did you want to be on the BCPhA Board? The practice of pharmacy is rapidly evolving. Serving on the BCPhA Board is an ideal way to help shape the profession in a meaningful way. What does the BCPhA need to achieve in the next three years? In light of the continuing financial constraints faced by practicing pharmacists, there needs to be a clear voice to government and other third-party payers as to the fiscal reality of providing patient care. What are pressing issues facing pharmacy in BC? One of the most concerning, if not the most important issue, is the number of audits and the method of audit. Insurance fraud needs to be dealt with swiftly and harshly. However, prescriptive clerical errors should not be part of any punitive audit finding.
John Forster-Coull Appointed 2013-2016 | General Manager, Drugstore, Overwaitea Food Group, Langley What value do members get from being part of the BCPhA? Our College’s mandate is the safety and protection of the public. We need the BCPhA to look after the interests of pharmacists and community pharmacy. Pharmacists complain that people don’t understand what we do, or that we’re painted in a negative light in the public. How can the pharmacy industry change its reputation? We need to update our image with consistency, honesty, and care for our patients and not be afraid to talk about our worth and contribution to the public and health care. We need to celebrate our wins more publicly. Now that you’ve been on the Board for one (or more) terms, and understand the challenges involved in advocacy, what is one action you would ask of every pharmacist to advance pharmacy in BC?
Ralph Lai
First, we should treat patients with care, be honest with our dealings, and get involved with the profession. We need to brag a little about our wins instead of being so humble and silent. We need to keep talking to our patients and others about our services with the expanded scope and our contribution to health care.
Elected 2014-2017 | Consultant Pharmacist, St. Anthony's Clinic Pharmacy, Victoria What value do members get from being part of the BCPhA? Ongoing advocacy to the government and the public at large, and exceptional educational support services are just two of the many services provided to members. Pharmacists complain that people don't understand what we do, or that we're painted in a negative light in the public. How can the pharmacy industry change its reputation? Ensuring the direct, intimate pharmacist-patient interaction is a memorable, essential experience will ensure that the public understands our profession contributes to their best possible health-care outcomes. Now that you've been on the Board for one (or more) terms, and understand the challenges involved in advocacy, what is one action you would ask of every pharmacist to advance pharmacy in BC?
Glen Schoepp
I would encourage all pharmacists to take at least one online education program offered by the Association each and every year to improve skill levels and win patients over with clear committment to ongoing improved services.
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Appointed 2013-2016 | Vice-President, Pharmacy and Cosmetics, London Drugs, Richmond What does the BCPhA need to achieve in the next three years? We need to find different ways to encourage pharmacists at large to “get involved”. We need the masses to participate. What are pressing issues facing pharmacy in BC? 1.
The Pharmaceutical Services Division seems to be continuously reducing pharmacy reimbursement and participation in effective patient care.
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The College has fallen behind with advancing pharmacy practice. BC once led the country and now we have stalled. Practicing pharmacists need to get involved by advocating for less burdensome administrative work that impacts their ability to practice to their fullest extent.
3.
Third-party payers are demanding the pharmacy sector follow government payment rules.
Now that you've been on the Board for one (or more) terms, and understand the challenges involved in advocacy, what is one action you would ask of every pharmacist to advance pharmacy in BC?
John Tse
Get involved with communicating the advancement of our profession to government, the College, payers, and insurance companies. Write letters, attend meetings, learn, understand and participate, participate, participate! The most important thing I’ve learned is: The best way to predict the future is to create it. The profession must predict our future or someone else will do it for us.
Elected 2015-2018 | Pharmacist/Owner, Lakeside Medicine Centre Pharmacy, Kelowna Why did you want to be on the BCPhA Board? Not to sound cliché but I ran for a seat on the Board because I wanted to give back to the practice of pharmacy. I think that I will bring a unique perspective to the Board as my pharmacy is clinicallyfocused. What should members know about the Association? The Association has some wonderful benefits for both individual and corporate members: practice insurance, workshops both regional and at the annual conference, jobs listing and The Tablet, just to name a few. It would be really exciting if we had 100 per cent participation by pharmacists and pharmacies in the BCPhA. We would be able to say that we speak for all of the pharmacists and pharmacies in BC. Pharmacists complain that people don’t understand what we do, or that we’re painted in a negative light in the public. How can the pharmacy industry change its reputation?
Chris Waller
Get out from behind the counter and talk with your patients. If you are asked to do speaking engagements in your community, do it! Volunteer your time. It is quite rewarding to engage with a small audience and answer their questions. You will likely learn something new. I know that I have. What are pressing issues facing pharmacy in BC? Pressing issues include drug shortages, expanding pharmacist practice, and ensuring pharmacists have the tools they need to practice good patient-focused care.
Full biographies of each Board member are available online at www.bcpharmacy.ca/bcpha-board-pha.
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www.bcpharmacy.ca
CAREER LISTINGS
DEASE LAKE
ARE YOU MAXIMIZING THE VALUE OF YOUR MEMBER BENEFITS? Pharmacy members can place free Career Opportunities listings in this section and on the BCPhA website. Job postings for pharmacy technicians and assistants are also distributed by the Pharmacy Technician Society of British Columbia (PTSBC). A new enhancement to the best pharmacy job board in BC! Pharmacist members looking for new career opportunities can post their resumes for free on the Hire-aPharmacist page. To learn more, visit the Recruitment section of bcpharmacy.ca
BURNS LAKE Pharmacist – full-time Job duties include: Demonstrate strong sales ability, leadership, energy, passion and strong communication skills as we strive to be recognized as the Canadian leader in pharmacy health-care. Consult with patients to maximize Rx and OTC sales. Provide professional advice and applicable dialogue with patients on prescription and OTC products to provide excellent customer service. Be aware of and support any in-store events. Supervise pharmacy technicians. Ensure company standard operating procedures, policies, professional standards and applicable laws and regulations are followed. Implement proper pricing and receiving procedures to minimize shrinkage. Maintain dispensary inventory level within the prescribed guidelines through accurate perpetual inventory records. Please send resumes to Chantelle Holoiday, talent acquisition consultant - Western Canada, at choloiday@rexall.ca. CRESTON Pharmacist – full-time or part-time We are currently looking for a full-time or part-time pharmacist to join our friendly, professional team. We take pride in providing superior patient care in a thriving community pharmacy. Pharmacists overlap on weekdays and work alongside two or three pharmacy assistants to allow the provision of prompt and courteous pharmacy services. Please visit www. crestonvalleybc.com to learn more about our community and surrounding area. If you are a motivated pharmacist looking for a rewarding career, please contact us for more information about this opportunity. Please send resumes to Jody McBlain, owner, at pharmasave282@ gmail.com, fax 250.428.9082 or please call 250.428.9080.
Pharmacy technician – full-time Pharmasave Telepharmacy in Dease Lake is looking for a full-time registered pharmacy technician to join our team. The successful candidate must be reliable, energetic and demonstrate an ability to perform the following tasks: work in a high paced detail-oriented environment; work well with both health-care professionals and the general public; manage and maintain inventory; balance cash; and have good communication skills and a willingness to learn. Please send resumes to Alan Williamson, owner, at ps214@shaw.ca. DELTA Pharmacist – full-time We are looking for full-time pharmacists for our Lower Mainland pharmacy. Experience with WinRX/Kroll and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, etc.) are necessary. The successful applicant is required to have at least one to two years of experience working in a community pharmacy and to be injection certified. Pharmacists must also have a good working knowledge of PharmaCare and third party billing policies, medication reviews, and experience with blister packing. Pharmacists must be strong communicators, clinically-oriented, and willing to further their pharmacy practice and patientcentered care. Wages start at $37/hour and increases steadily with experience. Full medical/ dental after three months. If interested, kindly send a resume and cover letter to shafik@ wescanapharmacy.com. Pharmacy technician or assistant – full-time Looking for an experienced pharmacy assistant or registered pharmacy technician with at least one to two years of community pharmacy experience. Must be aware of all PharmaCare and third party billings and regulations as well as College bylaws. Additionally, must be proficient in Microsoft Office (e.g., Word, Excel, etc.) and familiar with PharmaCare-related service paperwork (e.g., medication reviews, flu and travel vaccinations, adaptations, methadone, compounding, etc.). Mandarin, Punjabi, Hindi, or Italian language fluency is an asset. This is a fulltime job (40 hours/week). The ideal candidate must be comfortable taking on a supervisory and leadership role. Wages range from $15-20/ hour depending on qualifications and experience. Kindly forward your resume and cover letter to shafik@wescanapharmacy.com. FORT NELSON Pharmacist – full-time Overwaitea Food Group, one of Western Canada’s leading food and consumer-goods retailer, operates more than 110 pharmacies in BC and Alberta under the following banners: Save On Foods, PriceSmart Foods, Coopers Foods, Urban Fare and Overwaitea Pharmacy. We provide a very professional pharmacy practice
www.bcpharmacy.ca
environment and are committed to: challenging & growing our staff, caring for people, healthy living for our shoppers and patients, innovation and investing in our future. Join the Overwaitea Food Group and make your career prescription complete! We are currently seeking a pharmacist for our location in Fort Nelson, BC. For more information on career opportunities, please contact or forward your resume in confidence to raymond_jay@owfg.com. HAZELTON Pharmacy manager – full-time A new pharmacy in Hazelton, BC is looking for a pharmacy manager. If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity please send an email to Alan Williamson, owner, at ps214@shaw.ca. Pharmacy technician – full-time Pharmasave Telepharmacy in Hazelton is looking for a full-time registered pharmacy technician to join our team. The successful candidate must be reliable and energetic and demonstrate an ability to perform the following tasks: work in a high paced detail-oriented environment where accuracy is of utmost importance; work with both the general public and health care professionals; manage and maintain adequate inventory levels; balance cash; have good communication and phone skills; have good computer skills and a willingness to learn. If you are interested in the position please email your resume and references to Alan Williamson, owner, at ps214@shaw.ca or please call 604.926.5331. HUDSON’S HOPE Pharmacy technician – full-time Pharmasave Telepharmacy in Hudson’s Hope is looking for a full-time registered pharmacy technician to join our team. The successful candidate must be reliable, energetic and demonstrate an ability to perform the following tasks: work in a high paced detail-oriented environment; work well with both health care professionals and the general public; manage and maintain inventory; balance cash; have good communication skills and a willingness to learn. Please send resumes to Alan Williamson, owner, at ps214@shaw.ca. KAMLOOPS Pharmacist – full-time Overwaitea Food Group, one of Western Canada’s leading food and consumer-goods retailer, operates more than 110 pharmacies in BC and Alberta under the following banners: Save On Foods, PriceSmart Foods, Coopers Foods, Urban Fare and Overwaitea Pharmacy. We provide a very professional pharmacy practice environment and are committed to: challenging & growing our staff, caring for people, healthy living for our shoppers and patients, innovation and investing in our future. Join the Overwaitea
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(Pharm), R.Ph., regional manager, pharmacy operations, at sammy_lee @owfg.com.
Food Group and make your career prescription complete! For more information on career opportunities, please contact or forward your resume in confidence to raymond_jay@owfg.com.
Pharmacist – part-time London Drugs has a part-time opportunity in Kelowna. Join a clinical and patient focused team using the latest robotic dispensing machines plus counselling booths and counselling rooms. Competitive salary and compensation packages, scheduled meal breaks and opportunities to advance to roles such as travel medicine, long term care, pharmacy management, CDE, injection pharmacist and patient care pharmacists. Please send resumes to Shawn Sangha, pharmacy operations manager, at ssangha@londondrugs.com.
Pharmacist – part-time London Drugs has a full-time opportunity in Kamloops. Join a clinical and patient focused team using the latest robotic dispensing machines plus counselling booths and counselling rooms. Competitive salary and compensation packages, scheduled meal breaks and opportunities to advance to roles such as travel medicine, long term care, pharmacy management, CDE, injection pharmacist and patient care pharmacists. Please send resumes to Shawn Sangha, pharmacy operations manager, at ssangha@londondrugs.com or fax 604.448.1075. Pharmacist – part-time Manshadi Pharmacy is looking to hire a part-time motivated pharmacist to work in a well-established independent retail pharmacy. Experience working in a busy pharmacy is a requirement. We specialize in diabetic care, compounding and home health care products. Great team that supports our pharmacist. We prefer a long-term commitment. Kamloops is a great place to be. We are close to two ski hills, Sun Peaks and Harper Mountain, and dozens of nearby lakes. Good community to raise a family with all needed amenities. Thank you for your interest but only qualified applicants will be contacted. Please send resumes to Missagh Manshadi, pharmacist/owner at missagh@ manshadipharmacy.com, fax 1.250.434.2527, phone 1.250.574.0111, or learn more at www. manshadipharmacy.com.
KELOWNA Pharmacist – part-time Overwaitea Food Group, one of Western Canada’s leading food and consumer-goods retailer, operates more than 110 pharmacies in BC and Alberta under the following banners: Save On Foods, PriceSmart Foods, Coopers Foods, Urban Fare and Overwaitea Pharmacy. We provide a very professional pharmacy practice environment and are committed to: challenging & growing our staff, caring for people, healthy living for our shoppers and patients, innovation and investing in our future. Join the Overwaitea Food Group and make your career prescription complete! For more information on career opportunities, please contact or forward your resume in confidence to Sammy Lee, B.Sc.
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Pharmacy manager – full-time
We are currently seeking an experienced regulated pharmacy technician. The successful applicant must be committed to providing excellent patient care, be very organized, and be able to perform in a fast-paced environment. Those interested in a professional, challenging, rewarding full-time career can forward your resume to Merrie-Jean.Mulhern@remedysrxsp. ca, phone 778.478.8128, or learn more at http:// www.dycksdrugs.com/.
Pharmacy manager and part ownership position available in picturesque Nakusp. Try a change of pace in this beautiful and relaxed West Kootenay town located only 2.5 hours from the Okanagan. Enjoy skiing, hiking, fishing and the famous hot springs in this spectacular unspoiled lakeside paradise. Talk about job satisfaction. Come practice in a community which really appreciates pharmacists. Work as an integral part of the health-care team, where you get the support you need to practice patient-oriented pharmaceutical care. You control your schedule and vacation (no evenings, Sundays or holidays). Competitive wages and benefits. Come enjoy your life! Please send resumes to Troy Clark, owner, at troyclark6@gmail.com, learn more online at www.peoplesdrugmart.com, fax 250.265.2218 or please call 250.265.2228.
Pharmacist – full-time
Manshadi Pharmacy is looking to hire a full-time motivated pharmacy technician to work in a well-established independent retail pharmacy. We specialize in diabetic care, compounding and home health-care products. Great team that supports our pharmacist. We prefer a long-term commitment. Kamloops is a great place to be. We are close to two ski hills, Sun Peaks and Harper Mountain, and dozens of nearby lakes. Good community to raise a family with all needed amenities. Please send resumes to Missagh Manshadi, pharmacist/owner at missagh@ manshadipharmacy.com, fax 1.250.434.2527, or please call 1.250.574.0111,
NAKUSP
Pharmacy technician – full-time
LANGLEY
Pharmacy technician – full-time
oriented environment; work well with both patients and other health care professionals; manage and maintain inventory; have good communication skills and a willingness to learn. Robson Valley IDA Pharmacy is a member of the Munro Pharmacy Group. We operate a number of pharmacies throughout the BC interior. Our stores are equipped with the latest technology. We take pride in offering prompt friendly prescription service and helpful advice on patients' pharmacy needs. Please send resumes to Regan Ready, pharmacist/pharmacy operations manager, at regan@teamrx.net or phone 1.855.99.REGAN toll-free.
A pharmacist is the cornerstone of success for every Shoppers Drug Mart store. The practice of pharmacy is our focus, and we take it very seriously. Desired skills and experience include: Bachelor of Pharmacy, license to practice in BC, superior interpersonal skills, strong verbal and written communication skills, commitment to providing exceptional customer service, and computer proficiency. Please see the attachment for the full job description online at www. bcpharmacy.ca/jobs. Please send resumes to associate-owner Jora Lidder at asdm287@ shoppersdrugmart.ca or fax 604.534.5009. MASSET Pharmacy manager – full-time Pharmasave in Masset on Haida Gwaii is looking for a pharmacy manager. Please email owner Alan Williamson at ps214@shaw.ca to learn more about the position. Pharmacy technician – full-time Pharmasave Telepharmacy in Masset is looking for a full-time registered pharmacy technician to join our team. The successful candidate must be reliable, energetic and demonstrate an ability to perform the following tasks: work in a high paced detail-oriented environment; work well with both health-care professionals and the general public; manage and maintain inventory; balance cash; have good communication skills and a willingness to learn. Please send resumes to Alan Williamson at ps214@shaw.ca.
Pharmacy technician – full-time Pharmacy technician position available in picturesque Nakusp. Try a change of pace in this beautiful and relaxed West Kootenay town located only 2.5 hours from the Okanagan. Enjoy skiing, hiking, fishing and the famous hot springs in this spectacular unspoiled lakeside paradise. Talk about job satisfaction. Come practice in a community which really appreciates their pharmacy. Work as an integral part of the health-care team, where you get the support you need to practice patient oriented care. Flexible schedule and vacation (no evenings, Sundays or holidays). Competitive wages. Come enjoy your life! Please send resumes to Troy Clark, owner, at troyclark6@gmail.com, learn more online at www.peoplesdrugmart.com, fax 250.265.2218 or please call 250.265.2228. NEW AIYANSH Pharmacy technician – full-time Pharmasave Telepharmacy in New Aiyansh is looking for a full-time pharmacy technician. Please send your resume in confidence to Alan Williamson (owner) at ps214alan@shaw.ca or please call 604.926.5331. NEW WESTMINSTER
MCBRIDE
Pharmacist – full-time
Pharmacy technician - full-time
Key responsibilities include: checking prescriptions for accuracy, counseling on prescription medications, OTC counseling, health management consulting, and collaboration with pharmacy assistants to accurately dispense prescription medications. Qualifications: Bachelor of Pharmacy, license to practice in
Robson Valley IDA Pharmacy in McBride is looking for a full-time registered pharmacy technician to join our team. The successful candidate must be reliable, energetic and demonstrate an ability to perform the following tasks: work in a fast-paced, detail
www.bcpharmacy.ca
BC, superior interpersonal skills, strong verbal and written communication skills, commitment to providing exceptional customer service, and computer proficiency. Work hours: flex schedule, some weekends and evenings. Please send resumes to sabeeh@globalhealthmanagement.ca. Pharmacy assistant – full-time Pharmasave Columbia Square is looking for a full-time compounding technician/assistant. Experience with compounding is preferred. PCCA or Medisca compounding training is a definite asset! Minimum two years’ experience working as an assistant and experience with Kroll software is required. Candidates must be hard-working, organized, quick to learn, and good with calculations. Excellent communication and customer service skills are a must. Located across the street from New Westminster skytrain station. Please reply with resume to pharmacy. ps275@shaw.ca or fax 604.525.5608. NORTH VANCOUVER Pharmacy technician – full-time or part-time Fully registered pharmacy technician for established independent full-service community pharmacy. Requirements: Full pharmacy technician registration, MMT experience, and English language skills. Benefits include annual paid vacation, paid annual CPBC fees and flexible schedule. Please email cover letter and resume ASAP to ewhpharmacy@hotmail.com.
during the week for a minimum of 32 hours a week. This is a new pharmacy with low initial volume especially on the weekend (40-60 Rx). Competitive compensation. Qualifications: BC pharmacist license; knowledge of how to operate Kroll software; must hold (or acquire) a BCPhA insurance certificate (as required by the College of Pharmacists of BC to hold a license to practice pharmacy); basic knowledge of how to operate a POS system. New grads welcome to apply. Please send resumes to pharmasavepittmeadows@ gmail.com. PRINCE GEORGE Pharmacist – full-time Overwaitea Food Group, one of Western Canada’s leading food and consumer-goods retailer, operates more than 110 pharmacies in BC and Alberta under the following banners: Save On Foods, PriceSmart Foods, Coopers Foods, Urban Fare and Overwaitea Pharmacy. We provide a very professional pharmacy practice environment and are committed to: challenging & growing our staff, caring for people, healthy living for our shoppers and patients, innovation and investing in our future. Join the Overwaitea Food Group and make your career prescription complete! For more information on career opportunities, please contact or forward your resume in confidence to livia_chan@owfg.com. RICHMOND
PENTICTON
Pharmacy assistant – part-time / full-time
Pharmacist – full-time
PITT MEADOWS
We are an independent chain in Richmond with two pharmacy locations. Looking for an enthusiastic pharmacy assistant to become a member of our team. The position is part-time to start and will lead to full-time. We offer very competitive wages and ideal working hours. The ideal candidate will be customer-oriented, a quick learner, hard-working, focused, and have some experience working in a pharmacy environment. The following skills would be a bonus: experience working with WINRX software and communication skills in Punjabi. Please forward your resume to mvirk_@hotmail.com or fax 604.370.6798. We will contact you based on your qualifications.
Pharmacy manager – full-time
SORRENTO
Looking for an ideal candidate who possesses a minimum of two years retail pharmacy employment with previous managerial experience. A self-starter who has strong work ethics and is business-focused on patientcentered care: a willingness to perform medications reviews, adaptations and injections. Must have a working knowledge of PharmaCare and third party billings. Previous working knowledge in LTC, group home and blister packing is an asset. Experience with Healthwatch and the ability to communicate effectively with health-care providers is essential. Competitive compensation wage and benefit package. Please send resumes to Annette Tsang, associate/owner at asdm2209@shoppersdrugmart.ca or fax 604.465.1021 or please call 604.465.8122.
Pharmacist – full-time
Busy retail pharmacy in beautiful Penticton. Open 8am to 10pm seven days a week. Great pharmacist/technician support. Must be interested in performing medication reviews, injections and other professional services. Looking for someone who wants to be part of a great team. Excellent customer service is a must! Come join our team. Please send resumes to Shannon Crawford, associate/owner, at asdm203@shoppersdrugmart.ca, learn more online at www.shoppersdrugmart.ca, or please call 250.492.8000.
Pharmacist – part-time A part-time pharmacist is needed to work two shifts of 10 hours on Saturdays and Sundays and three shifts of four hours on weekdays. There is also the option to pick up more shifts
Munro’s Sorrento Prescriptions is accepting applications for a full-time pharmacist for primarily the Sorrento store plus some shifts at stores in Salmon Arm, Enderby, Sicamous and Armstrong. We are looking for a full-time pharmacist who is enthusiastic and energetic; wants to use their full scope of practice for medication reviews and injections; can assist in setting up clinic days for 10 stores and work with telepharmacy; is willing to travel and interested in becoming a store manager in a progressive and innovative setting. We offer competitive salary, paid fees and educational programs, travel expenses, and a chance to see different areas of BC. We are open seven days a week, with our latest shift until 7pm. Applicant would be expected to work two weekends per month. Please send resumes to llida@telus.net or fax 250.523.6541.
www.bcpharmacy.ca
SURREY Pharmacist – full-time Community pharmacy in Surrey is looking for a full-time pharmacist. New grads welcome. Friendly work environment. No evenings. Excellent salary and benefits package with attractive bonus structure available. Please submit resume via email to pharmacyjobs@ hotmail.com. Pharmacist – full-time We are looking for a pharmacist to join our growing company. We are an independent, community-based pharmacy providing patientcentered care. We require a pharmacist with the following qualifications: highly motivated and with a strong work ethic, strong customer service skills, good communication and leadership skills, ability to work proactively as a member of a dynamic and energetic team, willingness to actively participate in patients’ health-care outcomes, and various managed care initiatives. We offer stability, a competitive wage, and a benefits package. We pride ourselves on our dedication to our employees and interest in long term relationships. Please send resumes to hr@nazpharmacy.com or fax 604.608.3230. Pharmacist – full-time Surlang Medicine Centre Pharmacy has an immediate long-term opportunity for pharmacist with excellent communication skills. The pharmacy specializes in extensive compounding and we are a BC-licensed renal dispensing community pharmacy. This position is Wednesday to Saturday (Wednesday to Friday 9:30am to 5:30pm, Saturday 9:30am to 4:00pm). No Sundays or holidays. Excellent potential for full-time in the future for a proven candidate. We offer competitive wages and benefits. If you’re interested in joining a progressive pharmacy and continue to develop your skills please send resume to the following two emails: bssangha12@gmail.com and surlang@medicinecentre.com, and call me on my cell phone at 604.790.9993. Pharmacy assistant – full-time and part-time Pharmasave in Surrey is looking for part-time and full-time pharmacy assistants. We are a specialized pharmacy located next to a medical clinic with patient-centred practice setting. Experience in compounding, home health care, natural health products, compression fitting, medical supplies and long term care is an asset. The successful candidate must possess excellent interpersonal skills, strong work ethics, and effective organizational and time management skills. Working knowledge with Kroll is a must. We offer competitive wage and will provide onthe-job training. Currently we are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm. Candidate must be open to working the weekends as well. Please send resumes to pharmasaveHR@shaw.ca. VALEMOUNT Pharmacy technician - full-time Valemount IDA Pharmacy is looking for a fulltime registered pharmacy technician to join our team. The successful candidate must be reliable, energetic and demonstrate an ability to perform the following tasks: work in a fast-paced detail
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oriented environment; work well with both patients and other health care professionals; manage and maintain inventory; have good communication skills and a willingness to learn. Valemount IDA Pharmacy is a member of the Munro Pharmacy Group. We operate a number of pharmacies throughout the BC interior. Our stores are equipped with the latest technology. We take pride in offering prompt friendly prescription service and helpful advice on patients' pharmacy needs. Please send resumes to Regan Ready, pharmacist/pharmacy operations manager at regan@teamrx.net or call 1-855-99-REGAN toll-free. VANCOUVER Pharmacist – full-time We are a well-established, fast-paced independent community pharmacy currently looking for a motivated, focused and diligent full-time pharmacist to join our expanding team. We are a dynamic, clinical-based dispensary who works with multidisciplinary health-care professionals to provide excellent customer service and quality patient focused care. Successful candidates must be registered and in good standing with CPBC, possess strong and effective communication and organizational skills, and the ability to work effectively in a team environment as well as independently. Experience with adaptations, administering injections and med reviews an asset. No evenings. Position to start immediately. If interested, please send in a cover letter and your resume to vancouverpharma@gmail.com. New grads are welcome to apply. Pharmacist – part-time Part-time pharmacist position available: experienced in retail pharmacy, exceptional communication and organization skills, familiar with Telus RxA or RxT program, and able to work productively as a member of a dynamic team. Please, no phone calls about this job. Please send resumes to ymm@yyoung.com or fax 604.630.1001. Pharmacy assistant – full-time This is a pharmacy lab position. Looking for a person who is a team player, independent, reliable, organized and punctual. Must have good manual dexterity and strong mathematical skills. This individual must also have the desire to be taught and learn new skills. This is a full-time position from Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm. Please email with resume and include phone number to macrx3@medicinecentre.com. Pharmacy assistant – full-time Home Healthcare Product specialist required for full-time position in west side of Vancouver. Hours are Monday to Friday from 9am to 6pm. Good interpersonal skills, attention to detail, computer proficiency and ability to multi-task are important. Interest in the health-care field would be ideal. We are a pharmacy specializing in medical supplies and compression garments. You would be measuring patients and ordering compression garments, fitting braces and helping with medical equipment selection and merchandising. You would also be supporting the regular activities of the pharmacy, including answering telephones, patient data entry, taking in prescriptions and helping customers with
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front store items. Experience would be an asset, but not required, as on-the-job training will be provided. Please send resumes to macrx3@medicinecentre.com. Pharmacy assistant – full-time Currently expanding and looking for new staff. We have a great team who works very well together, supportive to new staff and we have fun! Benefits and a good pay structure are offered. Our pharmacy is very different, come in and meet us and you will see! Win-Rx and working with witness doses is an asset. Please send resumes to alkarimtejani@yahoo.com. Pharmacy assistant – full-time Established independent pharmacy seeking full-time pharmacy assistant to join our team. Responsibilities include: greeting patients at prescription drop-off and pick-up; receiving and entering prescriptions; preparing and compounding medications; cashier duties and inventory maintenance; general work place organization. Assets: good customer service skills, prior pharmacy experience or graduation from a pharmacy assistant school, general knowledge of government/private insurance, ability to operate Kroll computer software; Cantonese and/or Mandarin speaking skills desirable. We offer competitive wages with excellent training and support. If you are interested in the position, please submit your resume with email address and phone number to mjsrxmanager@gmail.com. VERNON Pharmacist – part-time Overwaitea Food Group, one of Western Canada’s leading food and consumer-goods retailer, operates more than 110 pharmacies in BC and Alberta under the following banners: Save On Foods, PriceSmart Foods, Coopers Foods, Urban Fare and Overwaitea Pharmacy. We provide a very professional pharmacy practice environment and are committed to: challenging & growing our staff, caring for people, healthy living for our shoppers and patients, innovation and investing in our future. Join the Overwaitea Food Group and make your career prescription complete! We have a part-time pharmacist position available in Kelowna and Vernon. For more information on career opportunities, please contact or forward your resume in confidence to Sammy Lee, B.Sc. (Pharm), R.Ph., regional manager, pharmacy operations, at sammy_lee @owfg.com. VICTORIA Pharmacist – full-time Are you looking for an opportunity with an established independent pharmacy chain that is looking to grow and expand its focus on patient care, and clinical specialization? We take patient follow up to a whole new level. We are looking for energetic pharmacists who want to practice their full scope of clinical skills and help us bring top-notch health care to our customers. Heart Pharmacy IDA owned by Naz Rayani are looking for an engaged, clinically oriented and outgoing full-time pharmacist to work at our unique community pharmacies. Please send resumes to jobs@victoriapharmacy.com.
www.bcpharmacy.ca
Pharmacist – part-time, float Overwaitea Food Group, one of Western Canada’s leading food and consumer-goods retailer, operates more than 110 pharmacies in BC and Alberta under the following banners: Save On Foods, PriceSmart Foods, Coopers Foods, Urban Fare and Overwaitea Pharmacy. We provide a very professional pharmacy practice environment and are committed to: challenging & growing our staff, caring for people, healthy living for our shoppers and patients, innovation and investing in our future. Join the Overwaitea Food Group and make your career prescription complete! We are currently seeking a part-time floater pharmacist position in Victoria, BC. For more information on career opportunities, please contact or forward your resume in confidence to pharmacyemployment@owfg.com. Pharmacist – part-time London Drugs has a part-time opportunity in Victoria. Join a clinical and patient focused team using the latest robotic dispensing machines plus counselling booths and counselling rooms. Competitive salary and compensation packages, scheduled meal breaks and opportunities to advance to roles such as travel medicine, long term care, pharmacy management, CDE, injection pharmacist and patient care pharmacists. Please send resumes to Shawn Sangha, pharmacy operations manager, at ssangha@londondrugs. com or fax: 604-448-1075. Pharmacy technician – full-time Registered pharmacy technician required to work at Heart Pharmacy IDA owned and operated by Naz Rayani. Our focus is on patient-centered practice with a desirable and friendly population. All applications are confidential. Compensation is commensurate with experience. Please send resumes to jobs@victoriapharmacy.com. Pharmacy technician – full-time A full-time regulated pharmacy technician position is available at Elements Compounding Pharmacy. Experience with Kroll software and compounding is preferred. Please drop off your resume and cover letter in person to 3540 Blanshard Street, Victoria BC. Compensation is commensurate with experience. Please send resumes to info@elementspharmacy.ca. WEST VANCOUVER Pharmacy assistant – part-time Pharmasave in The Village at Park Royal, West Vancouver, is seeking a reliable, outgoing pharmacy assistant to greet customers, receive prescriptions/obtain client information, assist with compounding, compliance packaging, cash, and other duties as required. Previous experience or recent graduation from a pharmacy assistant program is essential, along with good interpersonal skills and excellent written and spoken English. Experience in Kroll and specialty compounding is beneficial but not mandatory. Candidates must possess strong interpersonal skills and have a commitment to providing exceptional customer service in a team environment. We offer competitive compensation and an excellent work environment. Please send resumes to pharmacist@prvpharmasave.com or please call 604.925.3304.
OPPORTUNITIES ACROSS BC LOWER MAINLAND Pharmacist – full-time This position is for pharmacy operations support. An independent multi-store pharmacy owner is looking to hire a pharmacist to provide operations support to their group of stores. Candidates will have pharmacy operations support or equivalent experience and be passionate about community pharmacy and enthusiastic about helping pharmacy managers integrate services into their practice. This position will require travel outside of the Lower Mainland as well as dispensing in the stores on an as-needed basis. Experience with Kroll is desirable. Interested candidates please email resume in confidence to pharmacyjobs9@gmail.com. LOWER MAINLAND Pharmacist – part-time London Drugs has a part-time opportunity in the Lower Mainland. Join a clinical and patient focused team using the latest robotic dispensing machines plus counseling booths and counseling rooms. Competitive salary and compensation packages, scheduled meal breaks and opportunities to advance to roles such as travel medicine, long-term care, pharmacy management, CDE, injection pharmacist and patient care pharmacists. Please send resumes to Shawn Sangha, pharmacy operations manager, at ssangha@londondrugs.com.
fast-paced team environment. If you are highly motivated to provide excellent pharmacy care and customer service and would like to inquire about available positions please call, fax or email your resumes. Please send resumes to etoth@ costco.com or fax 425.427.7735 or please call 604.444.9344.
OPPORTUNITIES OUTSIDE BC ALBERTA Pharmacist – full-time, float position The Overwaitea Food Group (OFG) proudly provides professional, patient-centered care through more than 80 pharmacies across BC and Alberta. We are a leading-edge food and consumer goods retailer known for our belief that well-being is about prevention, not just intervention. And thanks to the breadth and depth of our well-established health related offerings, our pharmacists are in a unique position to counsel clients about nutrition and wellness. At OFG, we're committed to fostering a work environment that encourages personal growth, training and career opportunities and provides continuous learning. We offer an attractive compensation package and our extensive benefits package for full-time pharmacists is one of the industries finest. Learn more about what we have to offer. Please send resumes to pharmacyemployment@owfg.com. ALBERTA
ACROSS BC
Pharmacy assistant – part-time
Pharmacist – relief, float position
We are currently looking for a part-time pharmacy assistant for our pharmacies in Alberta. The successful applicant should have excellent communication and customer service skills. The following skills would be considered an asset: previous pharmacy dispensary experience; experience using the Kroll pharmacy software; pharmacy assistant or technician certification. The pharmacy assistant / technician will be reporting to the pharmacy manager and staff pharmacists. The duties may include but are not limited to: typing new prescriptions; counting and labeling prescriptions; receiving and entering drug inventory; preparation of compliance packs; and unpacking and stocking drug orders. Sorry but only short-listed applicants will be contacted. Please send resumes to pharmacyemployment@ owfg.com.
The Overwaitea Food Group (OFG) proudly provides professional, patient-centered care through more than 110 pharmacies across BC and Alberta. We’re a leading-edge food and consumer goods retailer known for our belief that well-being is about prevention, not just intervention. And thanks to the breadth and depth of our well-established health related offerings, our pharmacists are in a unique position to counsel clients about nutrition and wellness. At OFG, we're committed to fostering a work environment that encourages personal growth, training and career opportunities and provides continuous learning. We offer an attractive compensation package and our extensive benefits package for full-time pharmacists is one of the industries finest. New grads are welcome to apply. Please send resumes to pharmacyemployment@owfg.com. ACROSS BC Pharmacy technician – full-time Costco Pharmacy: Pharmacy technicians required for various locations across British Columbia (Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey, Port Coquitlam, Langley, Langford, Nanaimo, Kelowna, Kamloops and Prince George). Costco Pharmacy provides a practice environment which enhances patient care and is equipped with semi-private and private counselling areas. We have a great working environment, opportunities for advancement in addition to highly competitive rates. Costco Pharmacy is seeking ambitious, high-energy pharmacy technicians, who enjoy working in a
FORT MCMURRAY, ALBERTA Pharmacist – part-time Two permanent part-time positions available. Overwaitea Food Group, one of Western Canada’s leading food and consumer-goods retailer, operates more than 100 pharmacies in BC and Alberta under the following banners: Save On Foods, PriceSmart Foods, Coopers Foods, Urban Fare and Overwaitea Pharmacy. We provide a very professional pharmacy practice environment and are committed to: challenging & growing our staff, caring for people, healthy living for our shoppers and patients, innovation and investing in our future. Join the Overwaitea Food Group and make your career prescription complete! Please see attachment at www.bcpharmacy.ca/jobs for more details. Please send resumes to Denise
www.bcpharmacy.ca
Nilsen, regional manager, pharmacy operations, at denise_nilsen @owfg.com. GRAND PRAIRIE, ALBERTA Pharmacy assistant – part-time We are currently looking for a part-time pharmacy assistant for our pharmacy in Grande Prairie, AB. The successful applicant should have excellent communication and customer service skills. The following skills would be considered an asset: previous pharmacy dispensary experience; experience using the Kroll pharmacy software; pharmacy assistant or technician certification. The pharmacy assistant/technician will be reporting to the pharmacy manager and staff pharmacists. The duties may include but are not limited to: typing new prescriptions; counting and labeling prescriptions; receiving and entering drug inventory; preparation of compliance packs; and unpacking and stocking drug orders. Sorry but only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. Please send resumes to pharmacyemployment@owfg.com. JASPER, ALBERTA Pharmacist – full-time Job duties include: Demonstrate strong sales ability, leadership, energy, passion and strong communication skills as we strive to be recognized as the Canadian leader in pharmacy health-care. Consult with patients to maximize Rx and OTC sales. Provide professional advice and applicable dialogue with patients on prescription and OTC products to provide excellent customer service. Be aware of and support any in-store events. Supervise pharmacy technicians. Ensure company standard operating procedures, policies, professional standards and applicable laws and regulations are followed. Implement proper pricing and receiving procedures to minimize shrinkage. Maintain dispensary inventory level within the prescribed guidelines through accurate perpetual inventory records. Please send resumes to Chantelle Holoiday, talent acquisition consultant - Western Canada, at Choloiday@rexall.ca.
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES LOWER MAINLAND – PHARMACY FOR SALE The pharmacy for sale is a patient care focused pharmacy, strategically located next to a medical walk-in clinic. This is a truly turnkey opportunity with trained staff and an established clientele in place. It is located in a densely populated area that includes commercial and residential developments. This pharmacy is driven by sales of medically required products, making the revenue of this business recession resistant. As the pharmacist and owner you will be supported by one of Canada’s leading health care companies. Asking price is $249,000. Interested in buying this pharmacy? Contact Paul Savage at Pacific Business Brokers Inc. to learn more by email at psavage@pacificbusinessbrokers.com or phone 604.218.3001. SURREY – PHARMACY FOR SALE Are you thinking of buying a pharmacy? We have one for sale in Surrey. The pharmacy
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is patient care focused pharmacy and well established methadone clientele in place. If you would like to get more information, please email nancycooper59@hotmail.com. FOREWEST HOLDINGS partners with local pharmacists to own 34 Pharmasave locations. We have been partnering with local pharmacists for more than 30 years. We are currently looking for opportunities to acquire more community pharmacies in BC and Alberta. Please contact us if you are ready to sell all or part of your store. Forewest is also always looking for pharmacists who would like to become part owners of a pharmacy. Under the Forewest program you become a shareholder of your store and receive your FULL pro-rata share of its income in addition to your normal salary. We have several ownership opportunities available at this time. Please contact either Gordon Gooding at ggooding@forewest.ca, 604.309.7405; or Don Fraser at dmmkfraser@hotmail.com, 604.788.9315. Are you thinking of selling your pharmacy? OVERWAITEA FOOD GROUP may be interested. If you would like more information please email pharmacybuyer1@gmail.com. PEOPLES DRUG MART is an established and proven pharmacy banner that will make your pharmacy business more successful and
profitable. We provide outstanding marketing support and services for a low monthly fee. Unlike other banners, Peoples Drug Mart does not charge a percentage of sales. Our belief is that the profits from your hard work should stay in your business. With Peoples, you get the best of both worlds, outstanding support and services, and the ability to maintain your profits. If you are interested in purchasing, selling or opening a new pharmacy, please contact Frank Cucca, toll-free 1.877.450.6006, ext. 18 or 604.619.4846 or email frankc@pdmstores.com. What is important to you is important us. PHARMASAVE is the best choice for independent business in BC. Maintain your freedom while having access to the most comprehensive retail and professional programs in the industry and our strong national brand. We are a true cooperative, 100% memberowned and governed. Benefit from owning your own business, and also share in the economic advantages of a strong group of 500+ stores. If you are a store owner, or a pharmacist interested in purchasing a pharmacy, or are planning on selling your business, please give us a call. Our only priority is you and your success! Contact Dave Reston, CEO, Pharmasave Pacific, at 1.800.665.3344, 604.575.5730 or email dreston@pharmasavebc.ca.
Welcome to the newest members of the BCPhA! Pharmacist (General) members: Erin Adams, Shaymaa Aly, Pegah Arasteh, Jordan Asayo, Shardul Bhilocha, Dawson Bremner, Janice Catanglan, Danielle Chan, Stacy Chattu, Grace Chen, Wei Liang Chen, Tiffany Cheng, Purple Chu, Jordon Claussen, David Cobleigh, Alison Crow, RenĂŠe Dagenais, Anita Devi, Simon Doan, Ayso Ebrahimi, Joshua Evanson, Edward Fang, Ahmed Farag, Andrew Fong, Susy Fung, Nicole Gardiner, Bikramjit Gill, Tegan Graetz, Derek Grant, Younghwa Graves, Marista Gupta, Stephen Gwilliam, Jean Hicks, Joan Homer, Nicole Hong, Fiona Huang, Teresa Hui, Adam Husk, Stephen Huynh, Lee Jenkinson, Maninder Johal, Nisa Kabolizadeh, Josh Karroll, Ayoung Kim, Brian Kim, Marc Kirillo, Ashley Klassen, Kevin Ku, Hassan Lalani, Chun Yat Lam, Joyce Lam, Paul Lao, Anthony Lau, Ho Wan Owen Lee, John Lee, Keonhee Lee, Seungsoo Lee, Cherlier Li, Juliana Li, Erin Liebich, Lucy Lin, Hongwei Liu, Yu Ivan Lo, Richard Low, Matthew Lum, Nicholas Mah, Jennifer Mai, Mary Mani, Tony Mattu, Tarlan Mazarrei, Enas Metry, Sravani Mettu, Elisabeth Mignault, Katherine Milbers, Robert Milroy, Keya Morasse, Sima Naghshi, Mohamed Naser, Wendolyn Neufeld, Ann Nguyen, Jodi Nicholas, Mitul Pandya, Devang Patel, Harshit Patel, Esha Randhawa, Alexander Rivera, Carly Rosger, Kayla Ruxton, Rene Santamaria Tinoco, Alexandra Schaller, Robyn Seipp, Alex Serebryanskyy, Angela Shieh, Ranjit Sidhu, Andrea Silver, Gurpreet Singh, Jeemin Song, Liisa Stover, Andy Sulaiman, Kelsey Swinden, Stefanie Tagg, Sabitha Thomas, Amy Tran, Erica Tsai, Kit Ying Florence Tse, Simranpal Uppal, Sunil Vemula, Ying Wang, Brandon Wong, Jung-Chien Wu, Sz-Ing Wu, David Yang, Shuk Wan Yau, Jackson Yu, Lindy Zhu, Adrian Ziemczonek and David Zucker.
Pharmacy (Corporate) members: Barry's Drugs, Peoples Drug Mart #043, Phoenix Dispensary Ltd. and Princeton Pharmacy.
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www.bcpharmacy.ca
ASSOCIATION CONTACTS Geraldine Vance Chief Executive Officer 604.269.2860 geraldine.vance@bcpharmacy.ca Cyril Lopez Chief Operating Officer 604.269.2869 cyril.lopez@bcpharmacy.ca Derek Desrosiers Director, Pharmacy Practice Support 604.269.2862 derek.desrosiers@bcpharmacy.ca Angie Gaddy Director, Communications 604.269.2863 angie.gaddy@bcpharmacy.ca Vince Lee Manager, Marketing 604.269.2867 vince.lee@bcpharmacy.ca Bryce Wong Manager, Pharmacy Practice Support 604.269.2865 bryce.wong@bcpharmacy.ca Matilda Meyers Manager, Communications 604.269.2866 matilda.meyers@bcpharmacy.ca Nelson Chen Coordinator, Pharmacy Practice Support 604.269.2880 nelson.chen@bcpharmacy.ca Ray Chow Database Administrator, Member & Corporate Services 604.269.2882 ray.chow@bcpharmacy.ca Maria dela Cruz Executive Assistant & Project Coordinator 604.269.2861 maria.delacruz@bcpharmacy.ca Linda Tinnion Assistant, Member Services 604.269.2864 linda.tinnion@bcpharmacy.ca Starr Rempel Administrative Assistant Member & Corporate Services 604.261.2092 starr.rempel@bcpharmacy.ca 604.261.2092, Toll-free: 1.800.663.2840 info@bcpharmacy
You spend your life helping others. It’s now your turn to receive the right advice.
We Have the Perfect Prescription for Your Home. For 35 years Reliance has been protecting the home and automobiles of BC residents. Reliance is now a partner with the BC Pharmacy Association and has teamed up with them and Adams Insurance to offer HomeProtect Rx—a home insurance policy exclusively for members of the BCPhA. Home Protect Rx is a Comprehensive Home Insurance Policy providing Guaranteed Replacement cost coverage against loss or damage to your home and replacement cost coverage to your personal property. In addition to our exceptional policy features, as BCPhA members you will receive benefits not available to the general public: Premium Claims Service 24 hour emergency claim service; Claims advocate who works for you to ensure a quick and fair settlement Discounts up to a maximum of 70% in savings Policy Extensions, Optional Coverage, Convenient Payment Options
Fill Your Prescription Today! Contact Richard Seto or Doug Chan for your no obligation quote. TEL: 604 255 4616 TOLL FREE: 1 877 354 2623
Affinity BCPhA prescribed member discounts
BC Lions Canucks Car rental Cineplex Hotels around the world PNE and Playland Show tickets and much more!
BONUS: Credits back, accessories, waived fees $150 in cash and credits for new activations* $50 bill credit for upgrades/renewals* A free Gel Skin Case for your smartphone* No activation fee Free shipping in Canada Free SIM card
$60/month*
$70/month*
• 3GB of data • Unlimited calling from Canada to Canada • Unlimited text, picture and video messaging in Canada • Voicemail 25 • Caller ID, call conference, call waiting
• 5GB of data • Unlimited calling from Canada to Canada • Unlimited calling from Canada to US** • Unlimited text, picture and video messaging in Canada • Voicemail 25 • Visual Voicemail • Caller ID, call conference, call waiting
Est. retail value $95/month
Est. retail value $115/month
*A new activation means either transferring from another wireless provider or opening a new account with TELUS with a brand new phone number on a new 2-year contract. The $150 in cash and credits is a $100 bill credit and a $50 Visa cash card. The $50 Visa card is only available while supplies last. Upgrades/renewals means that you are an existing TELUS customer signing up for a new 2-year contract. All bill credits will be applied to your account over a 5-month period if you are eligible. You must be subscribed on our plan for at least 6 months or an additional cancellation fee equivalent to the applicable bonus credits/cash will be applied. The free Gel Skin Case is only available whlie supplies last. **Canada to US calling is not US roaming, it is when you place a call while you are in Canada on the TELUS network to a US phone number.
UPDATES 1,000+ TELUS subscribers
After almost three years, we have more than 1,100 members, family and staff subscribed to the Affinity Rx TELUS program! With such a large group of subscribers, we are able to continue offering exclusive rate plans and bonus offers like no other. We will also be offering full billing options direct through TELUS shortly. Once you switch, you will be able to make account changes, add-ons and pay your bill directly to TELUS by debit, credit, cheque or online. All new orders will have direct biling with TELUS set up automatically. We will be contacting all existing members soon with more details.
Upgrade earlier than ever
There was a recent change to the CRTC Wireless Code on June 3, 2015. Anyone on a three year contract can now upgrade/renew onto a new 2-year contract if they have less than one year left on contract. We will contact everyone that is now eligible to upgrade early. For those on a 2-year contact, you can upgrade if you have less than two months left on your contract. Simply place your order online and choose the Upgrade/Renewal option when choosing your device.
HOW TO ACCESS THE DEALS Log into www.bcpharmacy.ca and go to the Member Benefits - Affinity Rx section or email vince.lee@bcpharmacy.ca