The Pharmacists Are In: Recent Episodes
Lampyon Canada Inc. & John Papastergiou
The Pharmacists Are In is the Canadian pharmacists’ guide to expanding and innovating scope of care within the pharmacy profession. Host John Papastergiou will guide you in revolutionizing your pharmacy practice through discussions on point of care testing and monitoring, counselling strategies and implementing the latest in care best practices.
Your Host
John Papastergiou is a frontline community pharmacist owner, assistant professor at the University of Toronto and University of Waterloo school of pharmacies and an internationally recognized author, speaker, researcher and a point of care testing evangelist. John is passionate about developing and positioning community pharmacies to become a hub for monitoring patients for chronic diseases. In 2014, John was named Canadian Pharmacist of the Year and received the Ontario Pharmacist’s Association Mentorship Award.
Podcasts on this channel are produced by Lampyon Canada Inc. For more information, please email info@lampyon.ca .
What does it take to transform a community pharmacy into a true clinical care destination?In this episode, Dr. John Papastergiou and Ajit Johal are joined by Mohamed Adel Elsabakhawi, Pharmacist and Pharmacy Owner at Shoppers Drug Mart, to discuss how point-of-care testing, pharmacist-led clinics, and strong leadership can reshape patient care and pharmacy practice.Drawing on years of real-world experience, Mohamed shares how his team has integrated point-of-care testing into daily workflow, developed pharmacist-directed clinics, introduced a care concierge model, and built a culture where pharmacists are empowered to practice to their full potential. The conversation explores why leadership and staff engagement are often the biggest barriers to implementation, how clinical services can strengthen patient relationships, and why pharmacists must continue pushing for expanded scope of practice.Whether you are looking to introduce new clinical services or take existing ones to the next level, this episode is packed with practical ideas you can apply in your own pharmacy.We are grateful to RxLaw (https://rxlaw.ca) 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.
In the concluding episode of this three-part series, Dr. John Papastergiou and Ajit Johal continue their conversation with Hanson, founder of the Pharmacists Deserve It platform (https://PharmacistsDeserveIt.com), shifting the focus to the opportunity for pharmaceutical manufacturers.Together, they explore how pharmacist-led OTC counselling creates value far beyond product sales by improving patient outcomes, generating meaningful real-world insights, strengthening relationships with pharmacists, and ensuring products are used appropriately. Hanson explains how participating manufacturers gain access to unique point-of-care data while supporting pharmacists for the clinical expertise they already provide every day.The discussion also tackles common manufacturer concerns, including budgeting, scalability, and fairness across competing products, while outlining Hanson's vision for a future where every OTC product supports pharmacist counselling.Whether you're a pharmacist interested in expanding clinical services or a manufacturer looking for innovative ways to engage healthcare professionals and patients, this episode offers a compelling perspective on the future of OTC care.Listen now and discover how pharmacists, manufacturers, and patients can all benefit from a better model for OTC counselling.This episode is presented with support from the Pharmacists Deserve It Platform (https://PharmacistsDeserveIt.com).Pharmacists Deserve It is helping transform OTC counselling by recognizing and supporting the clinical expertise pharmacists provide every day. Their innovative platform enables pharmacists to receive compensation for eligible OTC counselling interactions while helping manufacturers improve patient education, product utilization, and real-world insights at the point of care.By supporting pharmacist-patient conversations around OTC products, the platform aims to improve patient care while acknowledging the important clinical services pharmacists provide every day.
In this episode of The Pharmacists Are In, Ajit Johal is joined by Manjit Hansra, Founder at Rx for Renewal, and Kristen Stegehuis, Medical Sales at Mantra Pharma, to discuss practical approaches to lipid management in community pharmacy. The conversation explores the ongoing challenge of patients who are unable or unwilling to take statins, emerging opportunities for pharmacist intervention, and the growing role of evidence-based plant sterols in cardiovascular risk reduction.The guests review current lipid management strategies, discuss where CardioSmile fits alongside lifestyle interventions and statin therapy, and explain how pharmacists can confidently support patients using guideline-informed recommendations. They also share practical insights into counselling, patient selection, and integrating lipid management conversations into everyday pharmacy practice.The episode concludes with a discussion on pharmacist burnout, leadership, and the importance of maintaining personal wellbeing while continuing to expand pharmacy practice.We are grateful to RxLaw (https://rxlaw.ca) 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.
Pharmacists counsel patients on over-the-counter (OTC) products every day, yet these valuable clinical interactions have traditionally gone unrecognized and uncompensated. In the second episode of this three-part series on the Pharmacists Deserve It Platform, Dr. John Papastergiou and Ajit Johal welcome back community pharmacist and founder Hanson Lalani to take a closer look at how the platform works and the value it brings to pharmacists.The discussion explores how pharmacists can quickly sign up, access product-specific counselling resources, document eligible counselling interactions in seconds, and receive recognition for the expertise they provide every day. The hosts also discuss how the platform helps pharmacists build confidence in OTC counselling by providing concise manufacturer-approved counselling points that fit seamlessly into a busy workflow.More than just a new tool, the Pharmacists Deserve It Platform represents a new way of recognizing the time, knowledge, and clinical judgment pharmacists bring to patient care. By supporting pharmacists in delivering high-quality OTC counselling, the platform aims to strengthen pharmacy practice while encouraging greater patient engagement.This episode is presented with support from the Pharmacists Deserve It Platform (https://PharmacistsDeserveIt.com).The Pharmacists Deserve It Platform was created by pharmacists to recognize the clinical value of OTC counselling. The platform provides pharmacists with product-specific counselling resources from participating manufacturers, enables quick and compliant documentation of eligible counselling interactions, and recognizes pharmacists for the time and expertise they dedicate to helping patients make informed decisions about over-the-counter therapies.By supporting pharmacist-patient conversations around OTC products, the platform aims to improve patient care while acknowledging the important clinical services pharmacists provide every day.
Over-the-counter (OTC) counselling is one of the most common clinical services pharmacists provide, yet it has traditionally gone unrecognized and uncompensated. In this first episode of a three-part series introducing the Pharmacists Deserve It Platform (https://PharmacistsDeserveIt.com), Dr. John Papastergiou and Ajit Johal are joined by community pharmacist and founder Hanson Lalani to discuss a new approach that recognizes and rewards pharmacists for the expertise they bring to OTC patient care.The conversation explores how the Pharmacists Deserve It Platform enables pharmacists to document eligible OTC counselling interactions while helping manufacturers better support pharmacist education around their products. More importantly, it examines why these counselling conversations matter. From preventing medication errors and harmful drug interactions to ensuring patients select and use OTC therapies correctly, pharmacists play a critical role in improving outcomes every day.The hosts also discuss how better recognition of OTC counselling can encourage more patient engagement, strengthen pharmacy practice, and help reduce unnecessary strain on the healthcare system by ensuring patients receive the right advice at the right time.This episode is presented with support from the Pharmacists Deserve It Platform (https://PharmacistsDeserveIt.com).The Pharmacists Deserve It Platform was created by pharmacists to recognize the clinical value of OTC counselling. The platform provides pharmacists with product-specific counselling resources from participating manufacturers, enables quick and compliant documentation of eligible counselling interactions, and recognizes pharmacists for the time and expertise they dedicate to helping patients make informed decisions about over-the-counter therapies.By supporting pharmacist-patient conversations around OTC products, the platform aims to improve patient care while acknowledging the important clinical services pharmacists provide every day.
Professional Affairs at Wholehealth Pharmacy Partners, and Shelita Dattani, Chair and Advocacy Lead at Vaccine Alliance.Hosts Dr. John Papastergiou and Ajit Johal explore the growing role of pharmacists in preventive care, vaccination, travel health, chronic disease management, and professional advocacy. The conversation highlights the importance of pharmacist-led prevention strategies, the opportunities presented by expanding scope of practice, and the need for stronger advocacy to ensure pharmacists are recognized and valued for the care they provide.They also discuss PharmacyU's unique role in bringing the profession together, the evolving mindset of new pharmacy graduates, and what pharmacy practice could look like over the next three to five years.Whether your passion is immunization, chronic disease management, pharmacy ownership, or advancing the profession, this episode offers practical insights and an optimistic vision for the future of pharmacy in Canada.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.
In this episode of The Pharmacists Are In, hosts Dr. John Papastergiou and Ajit Johal welcome two of the most respected voices in vaccine education and public health: Dr. Paul Offit, Professor of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Charlotte Moser, Co-Director, Vaccine Education Center at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.Together, they examine the rapidly changing vaccine landscape in the United States, including the impact of recent policy changes, the dismissal and restructuring of the ACIP committee, rising measles cases, and growing challenges around public trust in vaccines. The discussion explores how misinformation campaigns have evolved, why healthcare professionals remain essential sources of trusted information, and what pharmacists can do when faced with vaccine questions and hesitancy in everyday practice.Dr. Offit and Charlotte Moser also share practical communication strategies for frontline healthcare providers, discuss the importance of empathy when addressing concerns, and offer perspectives on the future of vaccine science and public health.For pharmacists, immunizers, and healthcare professionals navigating an increasingly complex information environment, this episode delivers timely insights and practical advice from two global leaders in vaccine education. We are grateful to Immunize.io Health Association (www.immunize.io) for their support of this educational program and their commitment to advancing immunization awareness, education, and access. Since 2018, Immunize.io has worked to improve vaccination rates through community outreach, healthcare professional education, workplace and community immunization programs, and initiatives that address vaccine confidence and accessibility. Their efforts help strengthen public health both locally and globally by supporting evidence-based immunization practices and expanding protection against vaccine-preventable diseases.
In this episode, Ajit Johal and Dr. John Papastergiou shift the conversation back to one of the most pressing challenges in pharmacy practice - diabetes management. With more patients presenting in community pharmacies and limited access to primary care, pharmacists are increasingly on the front lines of supporting those living with diabetes.The discussion explores the growing role of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), the limitations of relying solely on A1C, and the importance of focusing on time in range and hypoglycemia prevention. John and Ajit also unpack common misconceptions around CGM, practical onboarding strategies, and how pharmacists can start small to integrate this powerful technology into everyday practice.From identifying high-risk patients to leveraging real-time data for better outcomes, this episode offers practical insights to help pharmacists improve care without adding unnecessary complexity.We are grateful to Dexcom Canada for their support of this educational program, helping to advance the knowledge and professional development of pharmacists. Dexcom develops continuous glucose monitoring technology that supports patients and healthcare professionals with real-time glucose data to help inform diabetes management. Their commitment to innovation continues to support the evolving role of pharmacists in diabetes care across Canada.
Professional Affairs at McKesson Canada and candidate for the Ontario Pharmacists Association (OPA) Board of Directors.Smita shares her 20+ year journey across frontline practice, operations, and government affairs, and how those experiences shape her approach to advocacy today. The conversation explores one of the most pressing challenges facing the profession - balancing scope expansion with sustainable funding.From newly funded vaccines to growing common ailments programs, the discussion dives into what it really takes to implement services at the pharmacy level. Smita emphasizes the importance of interoperability, workforce capacity, and ensuring funding and scope evolve together - not separately.The episode also highlights the role of grassroots advocacy, the importance of OPA membership, and why pharmacists must unify their voice to drive meaningful system-level change. With the OPA election underway, this is a timely and important conversation about leadership, representation, and the future of pharmacy in Ontario and across Canada.Listen in for a pragmatic, frontline-informed perspective on where the profession is heading and how pharmacists can help shape it. This episode is supported by Lampyon Health Communications, an agency at the intersection of health marketing and health education. Through strategic storytelling, education, and digital innovation, Lampyon helps bring important healthcare conversations - like this one - to life for pharmacists and the broader healthcare community.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In this follow-up episode, John Papastergiou and Ajit Johal continue their conversation on respiratory protection, turning their focus to pneumococcal disease and the importance of expanding vaccination access in pharmacy practice. They unpack recent NASI guideline updates, differences between PCV20 and PCV21, and share practical advice for pharmacists on workflow integration, patient communication, and year-round immunization programs. Listen in as John and Ajit connect the dots between influenza, COVID-19, RSV, and pneumococcal vaccination — and discuss how pharmacists can strengthen public health and practice growth.
In this episode of The Pharmacists Are In, Dr. John Papastergiou and Ajit Johal explore the evolving role of pharmacists in addressing Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) through vaccination and education. Drawing on Ajit’s presentation at the FIP Congress and John’s community-based practice insights, they discuss global and Canadian trends, new vaccination options, and how pharmacists can lead in awareness, testing, and immunization. Tune in to hear practical strategies for incorporating RSV vaccination into busy pharmacy workflows and improving patient outcomes across age groups.For more episodes and resources, visit www.ThePharmacistsAreIn.com!We are grateful to Pfizer Canada (www.pfizer.ca) for their financial support of this educational program to help enhance the knowledge and education of pharmacists.
In part two of our conversation with Shamier Anderson and Matthew Mazzuca, John and Ajit dive deeper into the future of personalized medicine. They discuss the growth of compounding, the rise of preventative care, and the importance of bridging science and storytelling to connect with patients. From pharmacogenomic testing to lifestyle medicine, Shamir and Matthew share how innovation and creativity can empower patients, providers, and the healthcare system as a whole.View with video:https://thepharmacistsarein.com/episode/science-to-story-personalized-medicine-compounding-and-the-future-of-wellness
In part one of this two-part episode of The Pharmacists Are In, Dr. John Papastergiou and Ajit Johal welcome two special guests: Canadian actor and community builder Shamier Anderson, and health tech innovator Matthew Mazzuca. Together, they discuss their journeys from Hollywood and from engineering to healthcare entrepreneurship. The conversation explores resilience in the face of rejection, the importance of thinking big, and how innovation in both the arts and health technology is reshaping the future of wellness.View with video:https://thepharmacistsarein.com/episode/from-hollywood-to-health-tech-lessons-in-resilience-and-innovation
In this episode of The Pharmacists Are In, John Papastergiou and Ajit Johal reconnect after a busy stretch to dive into the rapidly growing world of pharmacist-led travel health services. Ajit shares insights from his presentation at the ISTM Congress in New Orleans, highlighting Canada's leadership in travel medicine, international perceptions of pharmacist scope, and the high clinical and business value of pharmacy-run travel clinics.They explore key immunization gaps revealed through travel consults, like hepatitis A, MMR, and tetanus, and offer practical advice for pharmacists looking to launch or strengthen travel health services. Whether you're just getting started or considering certification, this episode covers the opportunity, the implementation, and the future of pharmacy-based travel medicine.For more episodes and resources, visit www.ThePharmacistsAreIn.com!
In this episode of The Pharmacists Are In, Ajit Johal and Dr. John Papastergiou are joined by clinical educator Mike Boivin to explore the latest updates in type 2 diabetes management. The trio dives into the recent Diabetes Canada guideline changes and discusses how pharmacists can interpret and apply them to better support patients. From the foundational role of metformin to the evolving utility of SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists, the conversation also highlights how pharmacists can assess kidney health using ACR and eGFR — and the critical importance of lab access and scope of practice. Tune in for insights that can elevate your diabetes care services today.We are grateful to Novo Nordisk Canada (https://novonordisk.ca) for their financial support of this educational program to help enhance the knowledge and education of pharmacists.
In part two of this special series, John and Ajit welcome back Mike Boivin for a grounded, practical conversation about how pharmacists can meaningfully impact diabetes outcomes—even in the busiest pharmacy settings. They discuss how to optimize brief clinical encounters, use tools like the ABCDSS framework, identify gaps in statin and kidney protection therapy, and turn medication reviews into strategic care plans. The episode also covers lab value interpretation, referral tips, and how pharmacists can structure impactful follow-ups. Whether you're new to diabetes care or looking to sharpen your approach, this episode is full of clinical gold.We are grateful to Novo Nordisk Canada (https://novonordisk.ca) for their financial support of this educational program to help enhance the knowledge and education of pharmacists.
In this mini-episode, two ChatGPT channels engage in a dynamic conversation over two different phones, delving into the state of the Canadian pharmacy landscape. They explore the evolving role of Canadian pharmacists and how their expertise is helping to alleviate pressure on the healthcare system. With Pharmacy Appreciation Month celebrated annually throughout March in Canada, this discussion highlights the vital contributions of pharmacy professionals, recognizing their role in improving patient care and accessibility. From expanding their scope of practice to addressing challenges within the industry, this episode sheds light on the essential work pharmacists do to support communities across the country.
In this episode of The Pharmacists Are In, John Papastergiou and Ajit Johal take a deep dive into the advancements in diabetes management. They discuss the significant benefits of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems for patients with diabetes, their potential to enhance patient engagement, and how they fit into the expanding scope of pharmacist care. They also highlight the importance of pharmacists in supporting lifestyle changes and improving glycemic control through efficient use of technology, providing practical advice for pharmacists looking to implement CGM in their practices.For related resources, more episodes and pharmacy content, visit www.ThePharmacistsAreIn.com!We are grateful to Dexcom Canada (ca.provider.dexcom.com) for their financial support of this educational program to help enhance the knowledge and education of pharmacists.
In this episode of The Pharmacists Are In, John Papastergiou sits down with Ajit Johal to tackle the busy flu season, sharing insights and strategies for pharmacists managing high patient volumes. They discuss the importance of not turning patients away, even when specific vaccines are in short supply, and how to educate patients on alternative immunization options like adjuvanted and high-dose flu vaccines. Ajit highlights the evolving vaccination landscape and the need for proactive engagement with patients, especially those hesitant due to vaccine fatigue. Together, John and Ajit provide tips on efficient workflow management and promoting co-administration with COVID vaccines to enhance patient protection and streamline pharmacy operations.For related resources, more episodes and pharmacy content, visit www.ThePharmacyZone.com!We are grateful to CSL Seqirus Canada (https://www.cslseqirus.ca) for their financial support of this educational program to help enhance the knowledge and education of pharmacists.
In this episode of The Pharmacists Are In, John Papastergiou and Ajit Johal are joined by pharmacist and certified diabetes educator, Susie Jin. The discussion centers on the critical role pharmacists play in improving health outcomes for diabetes patients through vaccinations. Together, they explore how pharmacists can leverage their position to ensure high-risk groups, especially those with diabetes, are up-to-date with their vaccinations, including flu and COVID-19. Susie shares her insights on overcoming barriers to vaccination in the community and highlights strategies for integrating immunizations into diabetes care for better patient outcomes.For related resources, more episodes and pharmacy content, visit www.ThePharmacyZone.com!We are grateful to Moderna Canada (https://www.modernatx.com/en-CA) for their financial support of this educational program to help enhance the knowledge and education of pharmacists.
In this engaging episode, John and Ajit discuss the expanding scope of pharmacists in managing chronic diseases through point-of-care testing and personalized medicine. They explore the integration of pharmacogenomics in pharmacy practice and its potential to revolutionize patient care. The conversation also touches on the challenges and opportunities of implementing these advanced practices within the community pharmacy setting.For related resources, more episodes and pharmacy content, visit www.ThePharmacyZone.com!
John Papastergiou and Ajit Johal wrap up their three-part series on respiratory diseases with a deep dive into respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). This episode explores the historical context of RSV, its impact on infants and older adults, and the emerging importance of vaccination. John and Ajit share insights into the latest testing technologies and the critical role pharmacists will play in managing and preventing RSV. Discover why RSV is becoming a significant focus in healthcare and how pharmacists can prepare for the next wave of respiratory disease management.For related resources, more episodes and pharmacy content, visit www.ThePharmacyZone.com!We are grateful to Pfizer Canada (www.pfizer.ca) for their financial support of this educational program to help enhance the knowledge and education of pharmacists.
Join John Papastergiou and Ajit Johal in an insightful discussion about pneumococcal disease. In this episode, they delve into the complexities of this respiratory disease, often misunderstood by both patients and providers. John and Ajit emphasize the critical role of pharmacists in educating patients about the risks and prevention strategies, including the latest vaccination options. They introduce the "80% Challenge," a learning program aimed at increasing vaccination rates among high-risk adults. Tune in to explore how pharmacists can bridge the gap in pneumococcal vaccination and enhance patient outcomes through proactive care.For related resources, more episodes and pharmacy content, visit www.ThePharmacyZone.com!We are grateful to Pfizer Canada (www.pfizer.ca) for their financial support of this educational program to help enhance the knowledge and education of pharmacists.
In this episode of The Pharmacists Are In, John Papastergiou and Ajit Johal continue their series on respiratory diseases by focusing on COVID-19 and influenza. They reflect on the evolution of pharmacists' roles in immunization, from the early days of flu vaccinations to the current landscape dominated by COVID-19. John and Ajit discuss the challenges and successes of co-administering vaccines, the latest guidelines, and the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates. Learn how pharmacists can stay ahead of the curve, address patient concerns, and ensure a seamless immunization process in their practice.For more episodes and pharmacy content, visit www.ThePharmacyZone.com!
John and Ajit continue their discussion on the critical role of pharmacists in adult vaccination, focusing on the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. They address common misconceptions about HPV and the significance of pharmacist-led education and vaccination efforts for adults. The episode also covers strategies for improving vaccine adherence and the impact of pharmacists on public health outcomes through their direct engagement with the community.
In this episode, John Papastergiou is joined by Ajit Johal to explore the evolving role of pharmacists in vaccination services. They delve into the importance of vaccinations like HPV and flu, discussing how pharmacists are ideally positioned to enhance community health through expanded vaccination programs. The conversation highlights the challenges and successes of integrating comprehensive vaccination services in pharmacy practice, including patient education and vaccine management.Ajit Johal is a practicing community pharmacist, clinical educator, and assistant professor at the UBC Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Vancouver, British Columbia. He champions pharmacists as integral to the primary care infrastructure and has achieved advanced certification in Diabetes Care, Psychiatric Pharmacy, and Travel Medicine. He has successfully created a clinical pharmacy model by establishing and growing “niche” pharmacy practices. He provides educational programs and lectures locally, nationally, and globally on the expanded role of pharmacists in primary care. Focusing on the “implementation science” behind embracing an expanded scope of practice to improve patient outcomes in a community pharmacy practice.For more episodes and pharmacy content, visit www.ThePharmacyZone.com!
In this episode John is joined by Dr. Kelly Grindrod, who is an associate professor at the University of Waterloo’s School of Pharmacy and a clinical pharmacist in primary care. She has been working closely with public health and first responders on the roll-out of the take-home Naloxone program. She also led the development of several online resources including the https://www.Pharmacy5in5.ca educational platform.
John and Kelly discuss the scope and impact of the opioid overdose crisis and how pharmacists can drive the conversation on the use of Naloxone kits to help people with opioid use disorder.
This episode is brought to you through an unrestricted grant from Adapt Pharma, makers of Narcan Nasal Spray, the first and only nasal Naloxone available in North America for the emergency treatment of an opioid overdose. For more information, visit https://www.narcannasalspray.ca .
This episode was recorded via an online connection.
In this episode of The Pharmacists Are In, John is joined by Dr. Michael Vallis, a registered health psychologist specializing in the behavioral and psychological aspects of chronic disease. They discuss ways in which understanding and tailoring patient care in pharmacy towards these aspects can improve patient adherence, health outcomes and promote patient self-management and empowerment. They also identify ways in which pharmacists can utilize these techniques in practice without sacrificing valuable time and in collaboration with existing revenue generation opportunities.
This episode was brought to you by LifeScan, a world leader in blood glucose monitoring manufacturing. To learn more about LifeScan and their products visit www.LifeScan.com.
In this second of two episodes focused on vaccinations, John is once again joined by Sherilyn Houle, an expert on pharmacist-provided care in travel health, immunizations and anticoagulation to talk about vaccine hesitancy and the drivers behind the recent anti-vaccine movement, explaining the crucial role of pharmacists. John and Sherilyn also share their recommendations for battling myths and misconceptions around vaccinations and their experiences on how vaccination can increase customer loyalty in the community pharmacy environment.
This episode is brought to you by OPEN, the Ontario Pharmacy Evidence Network with support from the GSK Independent Medical Education Grant, which helps education experts and healthcare professionals to collaborate and innovate with the ultimate aim of identifying and closing healthcare gaps.
Visit the OPEN website (https://www.open-pharmacy-research.ca/) to learn more about their work, and the GSK IME website (https://ca.gsk.com/en-ca/healthcare-professionals/independent-medical-education/) to learn more about the initiatives they support.
In this first of two episodes focused on vaccinations, John is joined by Sherilyn Houle, an expert on pharmacist-provided care in travel health, immunizations and anticoagulation to discuss the important role of pharmacists in educating patients about vaccinations and improving adherence rates of multi-dose vaccines. They also explain specific opportunities to expand professional pharmacy services and revenue through providing travel consults and vaccinations.
This episode is brought to you by OPEN, the Ontario Pharmacy Evidence Network with support from the GSK Independent Medical Education Grant, which helps education experts and healthcare professionals to collaborate and innovate with the ultimate aim of identifying and closing healthcare gaps.
In this episode of The Pharmacists Are In, John talks with Dale Griffiths, past president of the Pharmaceutical Society of New Zealand. With over 40 years of experience, Dale is currently involved in the pharmacy schools at the universities of Otago and Auckland. Listen in as John and Dale talk about pharmacy scope expansion in New Zealand, the political debate surrounding drug reform and the shifting global medical landscape.
This podcast is brought to you by iPACT, the International Pharmacists for Anticoagulation Taskforce. Visit www.ipact.orgfor more information.
In this episode of The Pharmacists Are In, John talks with Hazem Elewa, an experience pharmacist currently running an anticoagulation clinic in the hospital setting in Qatar. John and Hazem talk about the state of both community and clinical pharmacy practice, and the campaign for a greater scope of practice in Qatar. Listen in as they also discuss how pharmacogenetic clinics are implemented in Qatar and the future of pharmacist-run pharmacogenetic testing.
This podcast is brought to you by iPACT, the International Pharmacists for Anticoagulation Taskforce. Visit www.ipact.org for more information.
In this episode of The Pharmacists Are In, John talks with Filipa Costa, an experienced community pharmacist and researcher who now acts as advisor for the Pharmaceutical Society in Portugal, about the development of pharmacists’ advanced scope of practice in Portugal and strategies to involve community pharmacists in new roles within their practice. Listen in as they discuss Canadian and Portuguese pharmacist efforts in research and the “Know Your Pulse” campaign for atrial fibrillation detection.
This podcast is brought to you by iPACT, the International Pharmacists for Anticoagulation Taskforce. Visit www.ipact.org for more information.
In this episode of The Pharmacists Are In, John talks with guest Debbie Rigby, who was recently nominated as one of the 12 agenda-setters in the Australian pharmacy sector. Debbie is an experienced hospital pharmacist with over 20 years experience in hospital pharmacies and later as a drug information specialist in the hospital environment. Listen in as they discuss the place of Australian pharmacy as one of the world leaders in expanded scope, and how Australian pharmacists are taking on new and exciting responsibilities from immunizations to medication reviews.
This podcast is brought to you by iPACT, the International Pharmacists for Anticoagulation Taskforce. Visit www.ipact.org for more information.
John, joined by guest host, consultant pharmacist in cardiovascular disease and the chair of iPACT, Sotiris Antoniou, discuss the evolution of pharmacy practice scope in the UK and how it compares to the pharmacy landscape in Canada. Listen in as they touch on pharmacists’ role in optimizing anticoagulation management, ensuring adherence, correct dosing and changes in anticoagulation therapy recommendations. Sotiris also offers his insight and expertise in atrial fibrillation screening. Tune in to a conversation on the cutting edge of cardiovascular pharmacy practice.
This podcast is brought to you by iPACT, the International Pharmacists for Anticoagulation Taskforce. Visit www.ipact.org for more information.
John, joined by guest host, fellow pharmacist and Certified Diabetes Educator, Bryan Gray, discuss how pharmacists can develop an active role in diabetes management in the face of a growing diabetes epidemic in Canada. They explain how to maximize the use of latest diabetes technologies in your practice, implement point of care testing and strategies to connect with your patient community to improve their health outcomes.
This podcast is brought to you by BD Nano 4mm Pen Needles - Trust the #1 Pen Needle in Canada. Visit https://BD.com for more details. This podcast is also brought to you by the Contour Next One Blood Glucose Meter from Ascensia Diabetes. Visit https://contournextone.ca/ for more information.