November/December 2008 - Ontario College of Pharmacists

More documents

Recommendations

Info

summer student My summer exp Laura Narducci This summer, I had the wonderful opportunity of working at the Ontario College of Pharmacists from May to August. I feel that my experience at the College has helped me bring together all the different pieces of my pharmacy education thus far, and has provided me with a clearer picture of the profession in our province. After a short time, my initial simplistic definition of the College as the licensing and regulating body of pharmacists in Ontario was slowly replaced by a much broader and comprehensive understanding of the roles and responsibilities of all those who encompass the College; the staff, the members of Council, and the pharmacist Members in Ontario. I learned a lot about the internal structure of the College; the different departments and their respective roles, and how they are all fundamentally interconnected. I had the opportunity to attend various committee meetings and a Council meeting. At these meetings I observed how OCP staff supports committee members who come together and dedicate their time and knowledge to regulate the profession and protect the public. I had the opportunity to work on a few different projects this summer for various departments. The majority of my time was dedicated to a project initiated by the Professional Practice Program. The goal of this ongoing project is to create a Practice Guide for pharmacists in Ontario. I found this work to be very educational as it involved researching the origins of numerous policies and guidelines which have been written by the College over the years, with some documents dating back to the seventies. Through this process, I got a glimpse into the past, and learned about the history of many elements in pharmacy practice today, and how they came to be and why. I learned that although it is important to have governing policies and guidelines in place to maintain standards across the province, it is also equally important for pharmacists to be able to apply their own knowledge and experience in their practice, as clear cut answers are not always within reach. With guidance from the Registration Program, I had the opportunity to learn more about the entry to practice requirements for pharmacists who have graduated outside Ontario. I have also gained a better understanding of the requirements for maintaining licensure as a pharmacist in Ontario, and how this varies across the country. Learning about these registration requirements and the reasons for their existence has given me a greater appreciation for the impact that they have on the public. My experience at the College has helped me further understand the context of why the College and pharmacists are important in our province. The OCP is important because it serves to protect the public, and ensure that all patients receive the same standard of care when they walk into a pharmacy, or receive care from a pharmacist anywhere in Ontario. Pharmacists and other health care providers are important because they take on the responsibility of providing this care to their patients, building relationships based on mutual trust and respect, and helping to improve the health and quality of life of their patients. One of the most interesting happenings over the summer would have to be the College’s submission to HPRAC on the scope of practice review for Pharmacy. While working at OCP and since starting school, I have found myself explaining this topic to peers, friends, and family, 24 pharmacyconnection • November/December 2008
erience at the OCP clarifying how pharmacists may soon have an expanded role in “medication management”. Looking back, one of the most significant observations that I made while at the College was the importance of excellent communication, good relationships and camaraderie. I saw first hand how excellent communication and good relationships not only facilitate good teamwork, but also promote and encourage more great work to develop. As I enter into my third year of pharmacy, I am excited to be able to apply these skills in my own work and interactions with my peers as we take on many educational challenges this year. In closing, I was very fortunate to have had the opportunity to meet and work with so many inspiring and experienced individuals this summer and I am very grateful to the College for making this student position possible. Make a Splash! GTA Public Health Departments have launched a new falls prevention campaign entitled, “Make a Splash!” that encourages older adults to be active and use medication wisely. Pharmacists can order free posters and brochures by calling Toronto Health Connection at 416-338-7600 or visit www.toronto.ca/health for additional falls prevention information and fact sheets. pharmacyconnection • November/December 2008 25
Page 2 and 3: ontario college of pharmacists 483
Page 4 and 5: president’s message Tracy Wiersem
Page 6 and 7: Elected Members District 15, Gregor
Page 8 and 9: council report SEPTEMBER 2008 Counc
Page 10 and 11: Task Force invited these pharmacy s
Page 12 and 13: The MedsCheck Consult Pilot Projec
Page 14 and 15: pharmacy technician regulation Phar
Page 16 and 17: health canada advisories & notices
Page 18 and 19: moving forward with technology New
Page 20 and 21: egistration Q&A Chris Schillemore,
Page 24 and 25: 26 pharmacyconnection • November/
Page 26 and 27: preceptor workshops CALL FOR PRECEP
Page 28 and 29: deciding on discipline Case 1 Falsi
Page 30 and 31: deciding on discipline fraudulent b
Page 32 and 33: CE resources Visit the College’s
Page 34: Nov./Dec. 2008 • Volume 15, Numbe

November/December 2008 - Ontario College of Pharmacists

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?