Image: Taylor Jameson, PharmD, 2019. Pharmacist (manager in training), Safeway Pharmacy, Fort St. John, BC
What accomplishments are you most proud of?
I’m proud of being a health care provider in the community of Fort St. John. As one of three pharmacists at the Safeway located there, I get to exercise the full scope of pharmacy practice. This includes, but is not limited to, changing therapy dosage and duration for patients, which involves extending or tweaking it as required on a regular basis – without intervening with their physician – in order to deliver medication promptly and in a timely manner. This may also include switching drugs for the patient if necessary based on supply and demand issues on prescribed drugs. Being able to exercise the full scope for practice is both rewarding and a learning experience for me that is also beneficial to the people I provide care for.
Are you involved in any additional initiatives?
The hospital in Fort St. John has a renal dialysis unit where I oversee drug dispensing and conduct medication reviews. Often these can be highly complex cases, and I discuss patient charts with other medical specialists or nurses to ensure the accuracy and effectiveness of the prescribed drug therapy. The pharmacy I provide patient care at also has a partnership with a local long-term local care facility. It has 124 beds and part of my role is to do medication reviews once a week for patients. This work is collaborative, which involves a primary care team of other health care professions such as physicians, nurses, dieticians, and physiotherapists to discuss patient goals. The patients and their families are also involved in the process, focusing on an overall long-term goal to deprescribe. In addition, the BC Renal Agency operates in Fort St. John and other small cities nearby like Fort Nelson, Dawson Creek and Tumbler Ridge where we dispense renal medication for dialysis patients based on their individual needs. These medications are generally prescribed by a nephrologist for chronic kidney diseases and mailed or couriered to pharmacies situated near the patients.
How do you stay involved in the community you live in?
Since moving to Fort St. John, I’ve joined a men’s soccer league and volunteer for community events. I am also in the process of learning new skills such as painting and pottery making.
What UBC moment are you still talking about?
Winning the championship in Handley Cup Soccer League with the pharmacy team in third year.
Who was the biggest influence in your career?
My parents, who also are also healthcare professionals. My mother is a psychiatric nurse who works with at-risk youth and children with special needs. Her career has influenced and empowers me to be a companionate and caring healthcare provider with a desire to make a positive impact on patients.