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  • From Scope to System: Deepak Narang on Regulation, Workforce, and the Future of Pharmacy in Alberta

    From Scope to System: Deepak Narang on Regulation, Workforce, and the Future of Pharmacy in Alberta
    2026/05/04
    In this episode of The Pharmacists Are In, John and Ajit sit down with Deepak Narang, a community pharmacist, pharmacy owner, and candidate for Alberta College of Pharmacy Council. The conversation begins with a milestone moment - Deepak administering Canada's first adult RSV vaccine - and expands into a deeper discussion on pharmacy practice, regulation, and leadership. They explore the realities of practicing within Canada's most advanced scope, including recent reimbursement cuts, increasing regulatory pressures, and the growing complexity of frontline care. Deepak Narang shares his platform centered on practical, workable regulation, consistent execution of standards, and the importance of bringing frontline perspectives into decision-making. The discussion also dives into workforce optimization, including expanding the role of pharmacy technicians, opportunities for further pharmacist scope expansion, and the systems needed to support sustainable practice change. This episode offers a timely look at how pharmacy can continue to evolve while ensuring patient care remains at the center. If you are interested in the future of pharmacy practice, regulation, and leadership in Canada, this is a conversation you will not want to miss.
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    30 分
  • Rebranding Pharmacy: Danielle Paes on Scope Evolution, Specialization, and the Future of Practice

    Rebranding Pharmacy: Danielle Paes on Scope Evolution, Specialization, and the Future of Practice
    2026/04/29
    In this episode, Ajit Johal and Dr. John Papastergiou connect with Danielle Paes, Former Chief Pharmacist Officer at the Canadian Pharmacists Association and Head of Operations Canada at The Mental Wealth Academy, live from Pharmacy U, where she delivered the keynote address, to explore how the pharmacy profession has evolved over the past 15 years - and where it is headed next. From expanded scope and funding to the growing role of pharmacists in primary care, Danielle shares insights from her keynote on the transformation of pharmacy practice and the opportunity ahead. The conversation dives into rebranding the profession, moving beyond the traditional "retail" mindset, and embracing specialization based on passion and patient need. They also tackle real-world challenges - burnout, workforce pressures, and the gap between training and practice - while highlighting the importance of mindset, leadership, and professional alignment in building a sustainable and fulfilling career. Whether you are early in your career or looking to evolve your practice, this episode offers a powerful perspective on what it means to be a pharmacist today - and what is possible next. We are grateful to RxLaw for their support of this episode, helping to advance the knowledge and professional development of pharmacists. With a team that combines legal expertise and firsthand healthcare experience, RxLaw offers practical, informed guidance that reflects the realities of clinical practice. Their commitment to supporting healthcare professionals and navigating complex regulatory environments helps strengthen the profession and promote high standards of care.
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    28 分
  • Iron Deficiency and Quality of Life: The Pharmacist’s Opportunity

    Iron Deficiency and Quality of Life: The Pharmacist’s Opportunity
    2026/04/25
    In this episode, hosts Ajit Johal and Dr. John Papastergiou are joined live at Pharmacy U Toronto by Farzaneh Mahmoudyar, Brand Manager at Seaford Pharmaceuticals, for a unique conversation bridging pharmacy practice and industry. Fari shares her unconventional career journey from PharmD to strategic roles in pharma, driven by a passion for translating science into meaningful engagement with both healthcare professionals and patients. The discussion dives into iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia - a condition affecting millions of Canadians - and explores why it remains under-recognized despite its significant impact on patient quality of life. Together, they unpack real-world challenges pharmacists face when managing anemia, from limited time for patient counselling to the complexity of diagnosis and product selection. The conversation also highlights the growing expectations placed on pharmacists, the need for deeper clinical services, and how industry can more effectively engage pharmacists in meaningful, practice-relevant ways. This episode offers a fresh perspective on collaboration between pharmacy and industry, and the opportunity to elevate care in an often overlooked therapeutic area. We are grateful to RxLaw for their support of this episode, helping to advance the knowledge and professional development of pharmacists. With a team that combines legal expertise and firsthand healthcare experience, RxLaw offers practical, informed guidance that reflects the realities of clinical practice. Their commitment to supporting healthcare professionals and navigating complex regulatory environments helps strengthen the profession and promote high standards of care.
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    13 分
  • From Stigma to Support: Transforming Obesity Care in Pharmacy

    From Stigma to Support: Transforming Obesity Care in Pharmacy
    2026/04/24
    In this episode of The Pharmacists Are In, Ajit Johal is joined by Lisa Schaffer, Executive Director at Obesity Canada, and Ian Patton, Director of Advocacy and Public Engagement at Obesity Canada, for a powerful conversation about obesity as a chronic disease, the impact of weight bias and stigma, and the role pharmacists can play in improving care. Recorded during Pharmacy U, the discussion explores how lived experience, clinical evidence, advocacy, pharmacotherapy, access, and patient-centered goal setting all come together in obesity management. Lisa and Ian also discuss Obesity Canada's clinical practice guidelines, education programs, advocacy priorities, and why pharmacists are uniquely positioned to create safe, supportive, relationship-based spaces for people living with obesity. We are grateful to RxLaw for their support of this episode, helping to advance the knowledge and professional development of pharmacists. With a team that combines legal expertise and firsthand healthcare experience, RxLaw offers practical, informed guidance that reflects the realities of clinical practice. Their commitment to supporting healthcare professionals and navigating complex regulatory environments helps strengthen the profession and promote high standards of care.
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    24 分
  • From Front Shop to Specialty: Building a Profitable Pharmacy Future

    From Front Shop to Specialty: Building a Profitable Pharmacy Future
    2026/04/22
    Recorded live at PharmacyU Toronto's 15-year anniversary, this episode of The Pharmacists Are In features Ajit Johal in conversation with Donald Swainson, President at STEM and Yvon Picard, President at Alliance Local Rx on two critical pillars of modern pharmacy practice: profitability and growth. Yvon breaks down why understanding your EBITDA is no longer optional, highlighting a major gap in pharmacy business literacy and the often-overlooked impact of the front shop on overall performance. Don explores the emerging $20 billion specialty pharmacy opportunity and what it takes for community pharmacies to compete, collaborate, and succeed in this evolving space. From financial fundamentals to scaling clinical services, this episode delivers a practical roadmap for pharmacists looking to build sustainable, high-impact practices. We are grateful to RxLaw for their support of this episode, helping to advance the knowledge and professional development of pharmacists. With a team that combines legal expertise and firsthand healthcare experience, RxLaw offers practical, informed guidance that reflects the realities of clinical practice. Their commitment to supporting healthcare professionals and navigating complex regulatory environments helps strengthen the profession and promote high standards of care.
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    26 分
  • Hidden Risks in Pharmacy Practice: RxLaw on Complaints, Audits, and Legal Exposure

    Hidden Risks in Pharmacy Practice: RxLaw on Complaints, Audits, and Legal Exposure
    2026/04/20
    In this episode of The Pharmacists Are In, recorded at Pharmacy U Toronto 2026, hosts Dr. John Papastergiou and Ajit Johal are joined by Aly Háji and Connie Beck from RxLaw to unpack one of the most overlooked risks in pharmacy practice: regulatory complaints and legal exposure. They explore the realities of college complaints, why most issues pharmacists face are regulatory rather than lawsuits, and how even small errors or missteps can escalate into serious professional and financial consequences. The discussion highlights critical insights on liability insurance, the growing impact of public college records, and how regulatory findings can now influence audits, payer actions, and even pharmacy financing decisions. The RxLaw team also shares practical, real-world advice on when to seek legal support, how to respond to early college inquiries, and common high-risk habits that can lead to investigations. From documentation and consent to workflow decisions and audit preparedness, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to help pharmacists protect their practice and their careers. Whether you are new to practice or highly experienced, this conversation is a must-listen for understanding risk, prevention, and the evolving legal landscape in pharmacy. We are grateful to RxLaw for their support of this episode, helping to advance the knowledge and professional development of pharmacists. With a team that combines legal expertise and firsthand healthcare experience, RxLaw offers practical, informed guidance that reflects the realities of clinical practice. Their commitment to supporting healthcare professionals and navigating complex regulatory environments helps strengthen the profession and promote high standards of care.
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    35 分
  • Martin Rissin, Senior Director of Strategy & Partnerships at Pharmacy U: The Next Chapter of Pharmacy Conferences and Education in Canada and Beyond

    Martin Rissin, Senior Director of Strategy & Partnerships at Pharmacy U: The Next Chapter of Pharmacy Conferences and Education in Canada and Beyond
    2026/04/16
    Recorded live at Pharmacy U Toronto 2026, this episode of The Pharmacists Are In features a conversation with Martin Rissin, Senior Director of Strategy & Partnerships at Pharmacy U (EnsembleIQ Healthcare), and a key figure in shaping pharmacy education and events in Canada. Martin shares the origin story of Pharmacy U - inspired by a single pharmacist interaction that redefined what pharmacy care could look like - and how that vision grew into one of Canada’s most influential pharmacy conferences. The discussion explores the evolution of Pharmacy U from a small event to a national platform spanning conferences, masterclasses, and media, all focused on advancing patient-centered care. Dr. John Papastergiou and Ajit Johal dive into the future of pharmacy education, including the rise of deep-dive masterclasses, the growing demand for specialization, and the possibility of multi-day conferences and expansion into the US. They also unpack the value of networking, accessibility, and the "vibe" that keeps pharmacists coming back year after year. A must-listen for anyone interested in the future of pharmacy learning, collaboration, and innovation in Canada. This episode is brought to you in collaboration with Pharmacy U, with gracious support from RxLaw.
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    26 分
  • OPA Chair Hitesh Pandya and CEO Justin Bates on Advocacy, Funding, and Expanding Pharmacy Scope

    OPA Chair Hitesh Pandya and CEO Justin Bates on Advocacy, Funding, and Expanding Pharmacy Scope
    2026/04/10
    In this live episode of The Pharmacists Are In, recorded at Pharmacy U Toronto, hosts Dr. John Papastergiou and Ajit Johal sit down with Hitesh Pandya, Chair of the Ontario Pharmacists Association, and Justin Bates, CEO of Ontario Pharmacists Association, for an inside look at the forces shaping pharmacy practice in Ontario. From Queen’s Park advocacy to real-world pharmacy operations, the conversation explores the critical challenges facing the profession - including chronic underfunding, the push for expanded scope of practice, and the complexities of implementing new services like point-of-care testing, vaccinations, and chronic disease management. The group also dives into the realities behind government decision-making, reimbursement models, and why sustainability must come before expansion. With insights on patient expectations, primary care gaps, and the evolving role of pharmacists as healthcare hubs, this episode offers a candid and timely perspective on where pharmacy is headed - and what it will take to get there. Whether you're a frontline pharmacist, owner, or industry stakeholder, this is a must-listen on the future of pharmacy in Canada! This episode is brought to you in collaboration with Pharmacy U, with gracious support from RxLaw.
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    36 分