The Pharmacy Association of Saskatchewan is proud to celebrate exceptional service in our province, recognizing member pharmacists and others providing exemplary care to their patients and/or outstanding service in the profession. Every year PAS asks members to nominate peers who qualify for these awards. PAS members receive an email from PAS when nominations open including online nomination forms. The successful PAS Award recipients are recognized at the PAS Annual Conference. Nominations for the 2026 awards must be completed by May 31. 

PAS Ray Joubert Life Time Achievement Award

Terms of Reference Ray Joubert Life Achievement

The PAS Ray Joubert Life Achievement Award is presented annually to a pharmacist who has demonstrated leadership and advancement of the profession of pharmacy through:

1. An outstanding contribution to the profession and/or an achievement which enhanced the pharmacy profession in the province of Saskatchewan, and
2. Long term service in the pharmacy profession in the province of Saskatchewan with a distinguished record, and
3. Service to pharmacy via active participation in professional pharmacy organizations.

Nominations for 2027 will open at a later date.

PAS Pharmacist of the Year

Terms of Reference – Pharmacist of the Year Award

The PAS Pharmacy Professional of the Year award is presented to one pharmacist or one registered pharmacy technician or both in recognition of a pharmacy professional who performs outstanding service and patient care within the profession of pharmacy.

Nominations for 2027 will open at a later date. 

PAS Pharmacy Technician of the Year  

Terms of Reference – Pharmacy Technician of the Year Award

The PAS Pharmacy Technician of the Year Award is presented to one registered pharmacy technician in recognition of a professional who performs outstanding service and patient care within the field of pharmacy.

Nominations for 2027 will open at a later date.

PAS Award of Merit

Terms of Reference – Award of Merit

The PAS Award of Merit recognizes a pharmacist, pharmacy technician, individual, or organization, who through their active participation have promoted the profession of pharmacy in Saskatchewan.

Nominations for 2027 will open at a later date. 

Bowl of Hygeia

Terms of Reference – Bowl of Hygeia

The PAS Bowl of Hygeia award is presented annually to a Saskatchewan pharmacist to recognize outstanding service to the community.

Nominations for 2027 will open at a later date.

PAS Student of the Year

Terms of Reference – Student of the Year

New for 2026. The PAS Student of the Year award recognizes one pharmacy student and one pharmacy technician student in Saskatchewan who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to the profession through excellence in professionalism, collaboration, patient-centered care, and advocacy for the pharmacy profession.

Nominations for 2027 will open at a later date.

PAS Patients Choice Award 

This award is presented to a pharmacist, pharmacy technician, or pharmacy who has been nominated by a patient or non-pharmacist colleague for going the extra mile to provide high quality care and a great patient experience. Note. The 2026 nomination period is now closed.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. How can I submit my nomination?

Submissions for the 2026 PAS Awards will be opening soon.

2. Can I nominate myself?

Yes.

3. Can I nominate more than one person?

Yes, you can nominate as many individuals as you would like. You must submit a nomination package for each individual nominee.

4. Can I nominate a past nominee?

We encourage you to resubmit previous nominees who have not won an award yet. Someone who may not have won in previous years might be eligible to win this year.

5. What is considered a supporting evidence?

The online submission ask specifics questions and for specific supporting evidence for each award. There is also the opportunity to provide optional supporting evidence including letters or documents that illustrate why an individuals an award, for example:

-Letter of support from a health-care professional (such as a fellow pharmacist, physician or nurse).

-Letter of support from a patient.

-Letter of support from a nominator.

-Published documentation of achievement (such as a community paper or medical journal).

6. Who do I contact if I have questions?

If you have questions regarding the awards or nomination process, please contact info@skpharmacists.ca

2026 Award Recipients

Ray Joubert Lifetime Achievement Award – Nancy McBean (posthumously), Allan Chilton (posthumously)

Presented by PAS Board Chair, Jeff Grant and CEO Michael Fougere to Nancy’s daughters Jennifer Thomas and Karen Kostron. 

Throughout her 55 year career, Nancy was a dedicated member of the pharmacy profession. Known for her advocacy, leadership, mentorship and a skilled pharmacist. She practiced in community and hospital pharmacy settings, served as assistant registrar and was the executive director of CCCEEP. Nancy was also involved in the development of the PACT program and the facilitation of pharmacist education across Saskatchewan. She also played an important role in precepting many students from a variety of institutions. She was a dedicated PAS member from the year the association was initiated until her passing in 2025. 

Presented by PAS Board Chair, Jeff Grant and CEO, Michael Fougere to Allan’s wife Rebecca Chilton.

Allan was a highly accomplished pharmacist and business leader. He was also a visionary who constantly saw the broader possibilities for the pharmacy profession. Allan helped grow a local Swift Current pharmacy into one of the most successful and respected community pharmacy businesses in Canada. He believed that pharmacy could and should play a larger role in the health of communities and challenged those around him to think beyond dispensing and toward excellence in patient care, innovation, and leadership. Allan was an early champion of ideas and systems that supported medication adherence, patient experience, and the evolution of community pharmacy practice. Allan’s real legacy is through how he used his business success as a platform to elevate pharmacy practice, improve service to patients, and create opportunities for others.

Pharmacist of the Year – Laura Resler

Presented by PAS Board Chair, Jeff Grant and CEO, Michael Fougere. 

Laura is the pharmacy manager and store operator at Pharmasave in Weyburn, which has a Collaborative Practice Agreement with Weyburn Community and Mental Health. As a trained pharmacist with the CPA, Laura helps manage and prescribe medications for selected patients within the pilot project based on complexity and stability of their conditions. Laura has won the Visionary Leader Award (2025 Neighbourly Excellence Awards) and the PAS Professional Services Award (2025) for leadership in implementing, promoting, and providing professional services to patients in pharmacy and within the community.

Pharmacy Technician of the Year – Chelsey Hutchinson

Presented by PAS Board Chair, Jeff Grant and CEO, Michael Fougere. 

As a compounding specialist and supervisor, Chelsey has played a critical role in developing customized medication solutions for patients requiring alternative dosage forms, strengths, formulations or ingredients. Her expertise helped provide treatment options for patients experiencing medication shortages, allergies, intolerances, discontinuation, and other therapeutic challenges. By helping create patient-specific solutions, Chelsey enabled patients to continue receiving essential therapies that may not have otherwise been available.

PAS Award of Merit – Corey Thompson

Presented by PAS Board Chair, Jeff Grant and CEO, Michael Fougere. 

In 2025, Corey played a critical patient care role during the wildfire evacuation of Denare Beach, Creighton, and Flin Flon. As a leader of one of only two pharmacies in the immediate area, Corey dedicated a full month to assisting thousands of patients around the clock to ensure they knew how to access their prescriptions from across Saskatchewan no matter what community they were displaced to. Corey led efforts to coordinate medications to be dispensed at stores across the province, wherever the evacuee was staying. When communities were repatriated, he continued to care for and support devastated families as they returned home to total loss. 

Bowl of Hygeia Award – Melanie McLeod

Presented by PAS Board Chair, Jeff Grant and CEO, Michael Fougere. 

Melanie has dedicated her life to improving the lives of those with mental illness. Through her work as a clinical pharmacist specialist in psychiatry, she has become a trusted expert in psychopharmacology and an invaluable member of interdisciplinary healthcare teams. Melanie founded Vital Care Pharmacy, Canada’s first community pharmacy dedicated exclusively to mental health.

PAS Student of the Year Award – Kaleb Bechtold

Presented by PAS Board Chair, Jeff Grant and CEO, Michael Fougere. 

Kaleb is a strong student who obtained an average of over 90% during year three of the Pharm D program. He has also earned strong reviews during evaluations from preceptors in his experiential learning placements. In his EL 188 placement, Kaleb created a brochure of different types of smoking cessation strategies and has been a leader within pharmacy helping people with smoking cessation. He took the initiative to approach patients he thought would benefit from medication review and helped to complete nearly 100 medication reviews over a summer.              

2025 Award Recipients

Ray Joubert Lifetime Achievement Award – Loren Regier

Loren Regier’s most outstanding contribution is the creation and leadership of the RxFiles Academic Detailing Service, launched in 1997. This groundbreaking initiative has transformed drug therapy education in Saskatchewan and beyond by providing unbiased, evidence-based resources to prescribers and pharmacists.

Under Loren’s leadership, RxFiles has enhanced prescribing practices, improved patient safety, and fostered interprofessional collaboration. His vision and dedication have positioned Saskatchewan as a national leader in academic detailing and drug therapy education.

Pharmacy Technician of the Year – Ashlee Perrin

Ashlee is a dedicated pharmacy professional with a strong commitment to patient care. She brings extensive experience in administering vaccinations, managing blister packaging, and ensuring the safe and accurate dispensing of medications. Known for her attention to detail and compassionate approach, Ashlee consistently upholds the highest standards in pharmacy practice to support patient health and safety.

Grassroots Pharmacy Award – Rocky Lam

Rocky exemplifies a deep passion for pharmacy through his dual roles in both hospital and community settings. As a hospital pharmacist at RUH’s Dube Centre and a part-time community pharmacist, he provides exceptional, patient-centred care while bridging gaps between hospital and community practice. His commitment extends beyond daily duties—mentoring colleagues, supporting students, advancing psychiatric care, and contributing to academic research.

PAS Award of Merit – Lillian Dartha

Lillian is a highly experienced community pharmacist and Certified Diabetes Educator who has dedicated decades to serving patients across Saskatchewan. Known for her deep expertise in diabetes care and a growing specialization in weight management medications, Lillian is the trusted referral partner for nearby physicians and a key resource for both patients and colleagues. She is recognized as the go-to expert for diabetes and weight loss therapy within Saskatoon Co-op. Passionate about continuous learning, Lillian regularly attends advanced education programs and shares the latest clinical insights, ensuring her patients always receive informed, compassionate care. 

PAS Professional Services Award – Pharmasave Weyburn

Pharmasave Weyburn is a leading community pharmacy committed to innovative, accessible, and patient-centered care. As a participant in provincial pilot programs for mental health and minor ailment management, the pharmacy plays an expanded clinical role in collaboration with local healthcare providers.

Through a unique agreement with Weyburn Community Mental Health and psychiatrist Dr. Thomas Ofuafor, pharmacists are authorized to manage medications for patients with stable mental health conditions, including administering long-acting antipsychotics.

The team also provides timely treatment for acute otitis media as part of a province-wide initiative. Additional services include vaccinations, medication assessments, naloxone distribution, PACT consultations, travel health, and treatment for a wide range of minor ailments. Pharmasave Weyburn continues to lead in advancing pharmacy practice and improving health outcomes through collaborative and comprehensive care.

2024 Award Recipients

[Ray Joubert Lifetime Achievement Award] – Ray Joubert

Institutions are defined…. established… constant… They Guide us… They are a source of stability for us. They are beacons for us.  If you know anything about the history of pharmacy in this province, Ray Joubert fits this definition. It is my pleasure to say that the PAS lifetime achievement award has been renamed to be the Ray Joubert Lifetime Achievement Award.

This award is given to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the profession and whose achievements have greatly enhanced pharmacy practice in our province.

This year, we honor Ray Joubert, a towering figure in our province and beyond., who, sadly, is no longer with us. Ray’s legacy in pharmacy is one of profound impact and dedication. His distinguished record of service and active participation in pharmacy profession have set a high standard for all of us.

In recognition of his lifetime achievements, we are honoured to present this award to his family, who carry his memory and continue to inspire us. Please join me in welcoming Ray’s wife, Shelley Joubert, his son, Mark Joubert, and his daughter, Michelle Pool, to receive this award on his behalf.

[Pharmacy Professional of the Year Award] – Jackie Myers/ Donna George

Jackie Myers, a revered mentor and role model in our community. Jackie has precepted countless pharmacy students, myself included,  residents, and healthcare professional trainees, offering invaluable clinical and research insights that have fostered their professional growth. At the ID Clinic, her commitment to education is woven into her daily practice, benefiting her colleagues and future healthcare professionals alike.

Donna George, a pharmacy technician who has gone above and beyond to enhance patient care. Donna’s innovative approach to medication synchronization, or “medsync,” has made it easier and more convenient for patients to manage their prescriptions. In addition to her dispensing duties, Donna has completed her Advanced Method Technical Certification training, enabling her to vaccinate patients with seasonal influenza and COVID vaccines. Her dedication to her patients is truly commendable.

[Grassroots Pharmacy Award] – Kaitlin Thiessen

Kaitlin Thiessen, whose work has profoundly impacted her patients’ lives, especially at seniors’ facilities in her neighborhood. Kaitlin’s commitment to visiting these facilities monthly to perform blood pressure measurements and provide medication counseling exemplifies the compassionate care that lies at the heart of our profession.

[Bowl of Hygeia Award] – Michelle Cooper

Michelle Cooper, who has built a stellar reputation for her compassionate care and professional excellence. Her contributions to Legacy Pharmacies have been instrumental in providing outstanding pharmaceutical services across multiple communities in the South East corner of our province. Beyond her professional responsibilities, Michelle has generously volunteered hundreds of hours to various community initiatives, making her a true embodiment of the spirit of this award.

[Award of Merit] – Caitlin Roy

Caitlin Roy, whose innovative spirit and commitment to environmental sustainability are truly inspiring. Caitlin’s role as chair of the Living Well Committee, which promotes environmental and health initiatives within the Regina pharmacy department, has led to meaningful projects such as community clean-ups and tree planting around Pasqua Hospital. Caitlin’s passion for mentorship and research further highlights her dedication to the profession.

[Professional Services Award] – Shoppers Drug Mart 2456, led by Paul Bazin

Paul and his team have been at the forefront of embracing and leading change within our profession. Their collaboration with family physicians and specialists has built strong trust and set a new standard for pharmacy practice in Saskatchewan. Their work has not only improved care pathways and patient experiences but has also paved the way for future scope changes in our field. Paul and his team’s great efforts are leading the way for others and are truly deserving of this recognition.

2023 Award Recipients

Lifetime Achievement Award – Garth Walls.

• Pharmacist of the Year Award – Courtney Junop.

• Courtney designed Evergreen Medicine Shoppe #421, which opened  in 2022.  It was the first in Saskatchewan to contain a lab that was certified for Hazardous and Non-Hazardous Sterile Compounding as well as Level C Non-Sterile Compounding.

  The pharmacy opened in the middle of the shortage of medications for children’s pain/fever relief, and Courtney found herself compounding litres upon litres of medication.

  Courtney works very closely with integrative and functional wellness physicians, along with regular GP’s.  She has become an invaluable resource for many physicians who send her their most difficult cases. It is not uncommon for a patient to arrive with a sticky note from a physician with her name on instructed from the physician to talk to her as she will know what to do when no one else has.

Bowl of Hygiea Award – Amy Lamb.

Amy is a pharmacist, Chief Executive Officer Indigenous Pharmacy Professionals of Canada, Director of Northern Health Heritage Health Group, and Chair, YWCA Prince Albert.

She currently practices in Willowgrove Pharmacy Prince Albert, and travels to the pharmacy’s remote Indigenous partner communities, providing in person clinical care, and addressing medication barriers. Her pharmacy supplies medications to three remote indigenous communities, Hatchet Lake Denesuline First Nation, Cumberland House Cree Nation, and Red Earth Cree Nation.

She is working to build and operate a remote satellite pharmacy at Chief Miller Nawakayas Health Center located on Red Earth Cree Nation which will enable equitable access for the residents of the Red Earth Cree Nation and surrounding Indigenous communities.

New Horizons Award – Courtney Mish.

Courtney has taken a leadership role in Pharmasave Kipling.  After a short time as a staff pharmacist, she transitioned to the role of Pharmacy Manager and Managing Partner. Courtney’s first priority has always been her patients, ensuring they receive quality, effective and timely access to pharmacy care.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, in addition to providing the COVID-19 vaccine, Courtney continued to offer a full menu of pharmacy services. Alongside a team of healthcare professionals, Courtney also participates in “Memory Clinics” focused on assisting dementia patients with their medications.

She is continuously working to expand her knowledge and further her qualifications and is working to become a Certified Diabetes Educator.

Award of Merit – Derek Jorgenson.

In 2019, Derek worked to expand patient care services at the MAC to create the USask Chronic Pain Clinic (formally MAC-iOPS).

He assembled a clinical team consisting of pharmacists, medical social workers, physical therapists, and a part-time chronic pain physician to offer chronic pain management in a unique model. The UCPC team works collaboratively with the patient’s family physician, and other health care allies to support their pain management.

During the COVID-19 pandemic Derek was able to facilitate the provision of virtual care, and eventually hybrid virtual/in-person care to Saskatchewan residents. He was among the pharmacist team members of UCPC who were awarded the 2021-2022 CSHP Excellence in Pharmacy Practice – Patient Care Award.

Recently, Derek has led the creation of an interprofessional patient care program focused on chronic pain, to fill a current void.

Award of Merit – Ryan Bruck.

“Ryan Bruck has led his staff in providing Covid vaccines since the day the vaccine became available. So many individuals have made our profession proud during the pandemic and so many stores have answered the call, but none like Ryan and his team at Kenderdine.

Ryan delivered 2600 Covid vaccines in 2021 and 2600 in 2022. His dedication, coming in early and staying late, fitting people in and doing it all with jokes, smiles and when needed, great empathy, has inspired his team. His staff pharmacist has delivered 2436 vaccines – a total of almost 10,000 vaccines for the store,” Tracy Price.

A third Award of Merit was presented to Clinical Instructors at the University of Saskatchewan.

This group of pharmacists works to percept, mentor and teach students in all aspects of hospital pharmacy. They advocate for student experiences and go out of their way to create a positive learning experience. They act as mentors, teachers and motivators for the pharmacy profession, and develop learning plans, discuss goals and expectations, provide continuous formative and summative assessments, provide guidance, feedback and encourage self-assessment; tools critical for student success and the future pharmacists in Saskatchewan.

They are crucial in the development of our PharmD graduates through the University of Saskatchewan and significantly shape future pharmacists that practice within our province. They promote the profession by empowering our students to be the best they can be.

Professional Services Award was presented to Vital Care Pharmacy.

“Vital Care pharmacy has given the community a place where people with mental health issues are treated with respect and kindness.
They understand the struggles that people with mental health issues face.

They go out of their way to ensure that clients’ needs are met. Clients tell me that they feel comfortable approaching the pharmacy staff with their concerns, as they know that they will be heard.

Vital Care pharmacy maintains rapport with Mental Health professionals, which is beneficial to the clients they serve.
No other pharmacy has specialized in mental health services prior to Vital Care. lt has filled a gap in services,” Carmena Schumann, RPN, Community Mental Health Nurse -Community Recovery Services, Regina Mental Health Clinic.

Click here to see more detail on the 2023 award recipients.

Past Award Recipients

2022 Award Recipients

The following 2022 PAS Award recipients were recognized at the 2022 PAS Virtual Conference PharmaTalk on April 29, 2022.

George Furneaux – PAS 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award

“George’s long list of exemplary contributions is nothing new or unheard of to anyone in the sphere of pharmacy in the city of Regina, within the province of Saskatchewan, and across Canada.

Since graduation he has shown a great degree of professionalism in his professional practice and dedication to furthering pharmacy in Saskatchewan. He has served the province well for over 30 years in Saskatchewan as a pharmacist at a number of locations, predominantly at one of the busiest Shoppers Drug Mart Pharmacies in Western Canada.

Simply put, Saskatchewan Pharmacists would not be where they are without the contributions of a member like George, his longstanding tenure within PAS and SCPP, his activities serving as a peers lead within the Shoppers Drug Mart system, his ongoing commitment to serving the community demonstrate a valuable member that makes us all better”.

Sarah Lynds  – PAS 2022 Pharmacist of the Year

“I have worked with Sarah Lynds for a little over a decade at Battlefords Union Hospital. As a critical care nurse and as a nurse educator I have witnessed her exceptional care at the bedside with direct patient and physician education, multidisciplinary rounding in ICU, ER, and medical/ surgical wards.  Not only have I seen her involvement, but also leadership in numerous quality improvement projects such as Med. dispense, Med. Reconciliation, Patient order set implementation/creation/improvement, multidisciplinary international rounding, COVID RSI/ Resus./ isolation kits to list only a few.  

Sarah not only focuses on providing the best patient care first hand, but expands to how healthcare can work better, easier, and safer, so all healthcare members involved in patient care can provide the best.  This past year Sarah has stepped up even further.  With the added needs that COVID has presented she also stepped up to fill the role of manager of Pharmacy services for the North West. 

Sarah was first hand involved with vaccine inventory storage, management, distribution and logistics for the North West.  As the manager of a Drive thru Covid vaccine clinic and involvement with rural/mobile vaccine delivery I have personally seen her working late evenings, early mornings and many weekends  to provide education and support wherever needed. The SHA and all those who work with and around Sarah can attest we are very fortunate to have someone as hardworking, caring, and dedicated as Sarah.” – Sarah’s nominator

Delee Foley – 2022 PAS Bowl of Hygeia Award Recipient

“ Delee is the third owner of Bengough Drugs after her father George, and one other owner, going back to the early1900’s. Delee was raised in a family of makers and builders, and she has given back to her community her whole life.  In addition to owning a successful business, Delee has been involved in the Bengough Business Association, promoting local businesses and tourism in the Big Muddy area. Delee’s a member of the Bengough Community Association (BCA. Delee holds an executive membership on the Bengough Municipal Arts Council and organizes the Annual Gateway Music Festival.

 Delee is the only injection certified pharmacist in Bengough and her pharmacy serves a massive geographic area. Delee and her husband Kevin often personally deliver medication to customers in their homes, not only in Bengough, but in surrounding communities not serviced by a local pharmacist. When the pandemic hit, and before vaccines were available, Delee’s staff was hit with Covid- Under the cover of masks, barriers, and excellent sanitation measures, Delee worked with a skeleton crew to initiate vaccines in her community.

To date, Delee has administered thousands of Covid-19 vaccines in a town with a population in the mere 300’s. People in southern Saskatchewan have flocked to her, bringing many hesitant friends and family members along for advice, patient counseling, kindness, AND vaccines. While many in community pharmacy took a break after the initial rush of vaccinating over the summer, and again when flu shots came out, Delee continued offering Covid vaccines from May 2021 to the end of January 2022, often staying late or working extra to fit that last person in.

Delee has survived complete destruction and devastation of her pharmacy by fire in October 2016. She built a new store in 2017 while working out of an alternate building. With the amazing support of her community, she carried on and rebuilt patients and customers depend on her for so much in regards to their health and wellness. She is accessible, knowledgeable, kind and trustworthy. She is a respected pharmacist, business owner, mentor, wife, mother and grandmother. She is respected by her staff, her community, allied health care professionals, and her colleagues and friends.”

Shoppers Drug Mart 2456 – 2022 PAS Professional Services Award

Gavin Bush – 2022 PAS Award of Merit

” Gavin has always gone above and beyond as a pharmacist. It’s not uncommon for him to do things like dropping a prescription off at a patient’s house when he’s done work at 9pm, or going to work early on a Sunday morning to make an important specialty compound prescription that a patient had forgotten to reorder in advance. Now, Gavin goes above and beyond as an advocate for individuals living with diabetes. Gavin’s oldest daughter was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes back in 2017, shortly after she had turned 4 years old. Since then, Gavin has become an advocate for those living with type 1 diabetes and Diabetes s Canada initiatives.”

CPDPP and medSask Team Members  – 2022 PAS Award of Merit

“As a community pharmacist, the support that has been received from medSask/CPDPP over the last 2 years/during the COVID-19 pandemic has been second to none. medSask has been our go to resource every single day and without fail they have ensured that pharmacists and the public have access to up-to-date, concise and easy to use information during this extremely challenging time. Just ensuring information is up to date would be a massive challenge over the last 2 years, but medSask/CPDPP met that challenge time and time again.

CPDPP courses have ensured pharmacists are well-prepared for immunizing in volumes and populations that many community pharmacists have not faced before the pandemic. Managing and navigating the last 2 years without either of these organizations would have been nearly impossible and to acknowledge that our entire profession relied heavily on both medSask/CPDPP during this time is a well deserved recognition.

Not only did medSask/CPDPP both continually update resources and courses, but they were also available to answer our questions via phone, email and even via social media. I think there was always a collective sigh of relief in our PAS Facebook group when we would see Charity, Kelly or Danielle reply to a question or scenario.”

“We have and continue to visit the medSask website and use their resources multiple times a day. We have their resources printed and pinned and saved to assist us with dealing in the overload of information and information requests that we have dealt with during the pandemic. 

“We are extremely grateful to the amazing team of pharmacists at medSask/CPDPP and I can not think of a more deserving group of hard working, caring and kind pharmacists to receive a PAS Award of Merit.”

Drug Plan and Extended Benefits Branch (DPEBB)Team Members
2022 PAS Award of Merit

“As the Associate Director of medSask and Continuing Professional Development for Pharmacy Professionals (CPDPP) out of the College of Pharmacy and Nutrition at the University of Saskatchewan. In this role, I work closely with the DPEBB pharmacists and can speak to how deserving they are of this award. The COVID-19 vaccine roll-out was novel initiative that we had obviously never seen before.

The DPEBB pharmacists had to develop frameworks and policies for the distribution of the vaccines, but also had to manage a system where pharmacies were changing their involvement in the initiative week to week. It was a rapidly changing process that was extremely challenging. This involved high levels of stakeholder consultations and engagements in a very high-pressure environment.

In addition to the challenging process management, the staff also had to provide customer service to all pharmacies involved in the COVID-19 vaccine initiative. The pharmacists and technicians were dealing with shifting priorities and trying to implement a critical service in an already busy, stressful, workday. The DPEBB pharmacists had to manage expectations, timelines, and patient demands through their service to the pharmacists and technicians. Pharmacy staff were under unprecedented stress, concerns for their own safety, and patients who were often abandoned by other parts of the healthcare system. The pressure on the DPEBB staff would have been immense to not cause extra stress and confusion to pharmacy teams and ultimately their patients.”

“Despite the clearly very challenging days that the DPEBB team had over the past 2 years, I can only provide high praise for the work they did. They played an absolute integral role in the health and safety of Saskatchewan residents. They work behind the scenes and for that reason, I am thrilled to highlight the amazing work they did.” –  DPEBB Team Members Nominators

PAS Awards 2021 – PAS Awards 2021 Edition – Special Edition Publication