Pharmacy Appreciation Month (PAM)
Pharmacy Appreciation Month (previously “Pharmacy Awareness Month”) is an annual national campaign through the Canadian Pharmacists Association that shines a spotlight on all things pharmacy. Celebrated each March, PAM is a time to highlight the growing role pharmacy professionals play in our healthcare system and thank them for their extraordinary efforts.
We interviewed three pharmacists who are vital to Team Heart Attack - Travis and Giuseppe, pharmacists at St. Boniface Hospital, and Dinghua, a community pharmacist. Here’s what they had to say about their roles.
What’s the best part of your job, as a Pharmacist?
Dinghua: “The most rewarding part of my job is seeing patients' faces after their questions are answered or concerns about their medications are relieved. Pharmacists are generally easier for patients to access than their family physicians are. If pharmacists can't help the patient directly, we can relay the patient's questions or requests to their doctors, so the patient doesn't have to wait at the clinic for hours for a chance to speak with the doctor themselves.”
Travis: “The best part of being a clinical pharmacist in cardiology is the direct, clear impact I get to have on the patients under my care. Not only do I get to play a big role in ensuring we provide the best possible care to every person we treat, but I get to directly speak with most people, and often their loved ones, to help them understand their conditions and to feel empowered.”
What do you wish patients knew about your role in the care of heart attacks?
Dinghua: “Regularly taking maintenance medications after a heart attack is essential. Some medications for treating heart attacks cannot be stopped abruptly. If you run out of medications before you can see your doctor for a new prescription, tell your pharmacist. Your pharmacist can extend the prescription for most of the medications so you don't have to stop taking them before you can see your doctor.”
Giuseppe: “Pharmacists have traditionally been viewed as people who gave out medications from behind a tall counter. I’d love for patients to know that pharmacists have a unique skill set - helping our physician colleagues tailor drug therapy for unique settings such as heart attack care. We also help increase, decrease, and plan medication interactions while preventing dosing errors, and teach patients how to safely use medications for their conditions. Believe me, I’m able to count by numbers other than groups of 5!”
What do you wish people knew about heart attacks?
Dinghua: “Heart attacks may not present themselves as just chest pain. Pain or discomfort can spread to the shoulder, arm, back, neck, jaw, teeth, or sometimes, the upper stomach. If you suspect that you or a loved one are having a heart attack, call 911. Don't drive to the hospital. Time is muscle!”
Giuseppe: “I wish patients didn’t assume it’s something they did that caused their heart attack. While lifestyle can contribute to a heart attack, it’s not always the case. Reducing stress, not smoking, regular exercise, and eating a well-balanced diet are all things that are in your control and can help prevent a heart attack.”
Travis: “That it’s a unique experience for each and every person – and that time is of the essence if you think you’re having a heart attack. The people who are most proactive in seeking care are often the ones who end up having the best outcome.”
#DidYouKnow?
There are more than 46,000 pharmacists and 10,500 pharmacy technicians in Canada, working in over 11,500 pharmacies across the country.
Pharmacists are consistently ranked as one of the most trusted professions in Canada.
Canadians see their pharmacist more often than any other healthcare professional.
Canada’s pharmacy teams have administered more than 25 million COVID-19 vaccines to-date.
Every week, pharmacists see about 10 million patients across the country.
About the Canadian Pharmacists Association:
The Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA) is the uniting national voice of pharmacy and the pharmacist profession in Canada. As pharmacists undertake an enhanced role in the delivery of healthcare services, CPhA ensures that the profession is recognized as a national leader in health care, influencing the policies, programs, budgets and initiatives affecting the profession and the health of Canadians. More information is available at www.pharmacists.ca
