BONNYVILLE - At Tellier Pharmacy - much like any pharmacy across the Lakeland - there is a team of people who work together to ensure patients are taken care of.
Caitlin McGrath, store operator and pharmacy manager at Tellier Pharmacy, says that team environment is crucial to running a successful pharmacy. Clearly passionate about her job as a pharmacist, McGrath knew from early on that she wanted to pursue a career as a pharmacist.
She says the role of a pharmacist - and others who work at pharmacies - is somewhat unique in how they are able to help patients navigate the health care system. Of course, pharmacists often collaborate with other health care professionals - and the entire system is built on working together - but in rural areas such as communities scattered across the Lakeland, physician shortages and other health care challenges can be a reality.
So, having easy access to a pharmacy and the staff that go along with those services, is important for patients. McGrath recommends that if people don't have a pharmacist currently, that they go out and seek one.
She says that some patients are intentional and do make appointments specifically to see their pharmacist, and they see value in one-on-one conversations.
McGrath started working at Telliers as a teenager, well over a decade ago. Throughout that time, she's noticed a shift take place.
While the relationships have stayed the same, the ability for pharmacists to help patients has flourished. In rural areas, where there has sometimes been additional strain put on health care systems, pharmacists have been able to step up.
They have the ability to review medications with patients, and take part in ongoing conversations. They talk about lifestyle and other habits, and ensure everything is "safe and appropriate."
"A big part of our job is de-prescribing," says McGrath. She says it's important to ensure people aren't taking anything extra that isn't necessary.
"I think that's a real key piece in our job."
Pharmacists also have prescribing rights for some ailments, which can reduce strain on walk-in clinics and other emergent care. They can also extend prescriptions while patients wait for appointments.
Creating relationships comes somewhat naturally, she explains, since patients often visit their pharmacy on a monthly basis - or even more often.
A team effort
But, the only way pharmacists such as McGrath can keep up with the daily workload is thanks to a full staff and team members who perform a variety of jobs.
“The only way that we’re able to offer these services is with the rest of the team.”
Registered pharmacy technicians have a more broad scope and can even help with some patient education. McGrath says they are vital to making sure everything is done in the best technical aspect and really help pharmacies run smoothly.
Pharmacy students who are training to be pharmacists are also crucial, as they are learning and using their newfound knowledge under the supervision of a pharmacist.
Pharmacy assistants can be trained on the job, or complete training specific to learning their role. Of course, the pharmacy extends to the cashiers and everyone else who works within the building.
“We’re really lucky to have a full team to help to provide care.”
During the pandemic, pharmacies remained open and provided in-person care. They offered immunizations, not just for COVID-19, but for a range of things, such as influenza.
McGrath believes that during that time of stress, pharmacists were able to provide "a calming outlet" for people, a place where they knew who was behind the telephone answering their questions. She feels fortunate that the community does turn to the pharmacy when needed.
The pandemic also offered the opportunity for pharmacists to offer services that may not have been as popular in the past, such as prescription delivery. The increased demand on some services helped solidify processes.
Why pharmacy?
When asked what her favourite part of the job is, McGrath says she's always felt that if she could help just one person, she would be happy.
"I feel like every day there's always those rewarding interactions." The pharmacy provides a sense of community, along with being a health care hub, she adds.
And in the end, it's always about the patients.
Helping people is what makes it worthwhile for McGrath.
"I always knew I was meant to be a pharmacist."
And, she encourages others to explore the many career options available in a pharmacy - whether they are young students or adults considering a career change.
She also gives props to fellow pharmacists working throughout the Lakeland.
“We have so many great pharmacists and pharmacies in the Lakeland... We keep an open connection with each other.”
