The Alberta Pharmacists' Association - RxA

Pharmacists look to Alberta's 'gold standard' model in increasing their prescribing powers across Canada

Pharmacists look to Alberta's 'gold standard' model in increasing their prescribing powers across Canada The Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA) is ramping up efforts to increase the number of medical conditions pharmacists can treat, in what it says is an effort to help ease the pressures of an overburdened healthcare system.

Need one more CEU? RxA has you covered with a NEW course on GoPharmacist Learn!

Thinking of travelling? Want to help others who are travelling? Our new online course, Travel Medicine – Preparing the Traveller for Departure, can give you the information you need. Join pharmacist and travel medicine specialist Christina Bascom as she touches on the most common travel-related risks and addresses how to effectively educate travellers on minimizing those risks. Immunization schedules and boosters for the frequently recommended vaccines are discussed using CATMAT guidelines and evidence-based practice. Christina also discusses the limitations pharmacists may have or experience in providing optimal pre-travel counselling and outlines how to overcome those barriers. This course is CCCEP accredited for 1.0 CEU. Start learning today at https://rxa.ca/we-educate/online-learning/

Your Benefits, Your RxA Plan – Alberta Blue Cross! RxA members are encouraged to seize the opportunity presented by our collaboration with Prairie Wide Group/Alberta Blue Cross!

All RxA members who meet the eligibility requirements will have the option of three unique plans created with pharmacy teams in mind. These plans were designed and priced with stability and longevity in mind so that our members can focus on what really matters in their ever-changing day-to-day business operations.

Learn more about this member-exclusive offering at https://rxa.ca/member-benefits/other-insurance/

Other Insurance - RxA - Alberta Pharmacists' Association Customized insurance program for members RxA makes available to its members a customized insurance program designed especially to meet the needs of our pharmacist members. We encourage you to take advantage of the many flexible and comprehensive products. Your Benefits, Your RxA Plan – Alberta Blu...

RxA has a New Course on GoPharmacist Learn! Join Alberta lawyers Joël Michaud and Abbey Bartel for the non-accredited course, Overview of Workplace Entitlements – Employment Standards and Human Rights. Joël and Abbey provide an overview of Employment Standards entitlements relating to hours of work and rest, overtime, general holidays and holiday pay, as well as vacations and vacation pay. They also outline the types of leaves under Alberta’s Employment Standards Code such as personal and family responsibility leave, bereavement leave, injury or illness leave, and identify the potential human rights implications that can arise from such leaves. Joël and Abbey also touch on rights related to employment termination. Learn more at https://rxa.ca/we-educate/online-learning/

Congratulations to Ritu Mathew, who was awarded RxA's 2024 New Horizons scholarship! This scholarship is awarded to a candidate(s) currently enrolled in the U of A’s Certificate to Canadian Pharmacy Practice (CCPP) program and who show an understanding of the role of RxA in Alberta pharmacy practice and how they will support the profession once licensed.

Read Ritu’s winning essay at https://rxa.ca/get-informed/awards-recognition/rxas-new-horizons-scholarship/

RxA members have exclusive access to medSask Minor Ailment and Self-Care Guidelines? medSask is a drug information service at the University of Saskatchewan, College of Pharmacy and Nutrition. The medSask Minor Ailment and Self-Care prescribing guidelines include over 30 guidelines. They are updated regularly and are being used by pharmacists nationally to support and document their prescribing activities. RxA members can access this member benefit at https://rxa.ca/member-benefits/medsask-minor-ailment-and-self-care-guidelines/

This week, RxA had the pleasure of hosting a welcome reception for internationally educated pharmacy graduates participating in the CCPP Program. The event welcomed them to the Alberta pharmacy community and provided them with the opportunity to network and engage with RxA Board members, staff, UAlberta Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences faculty, and fellow pharmacists from Alberta. We extend our best wishes to the participants as they enter the final stretch of their learning journey and eagerly anticipate their transition to full practice within the Alberta pharmacy community!

Congratulations to Mofoluwake Oni, who was awarded the RxA's 2024 New Horizons scholarship! This scholarship is awarded to a candidate(s) currently enrolled in the UAlberta Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences's Certificate to Canadian Pharmacy Practice (CCPP) program and who show an understanding of the role of RxA in Alberta pharmacy practice and how they will support the profession once licensed.

Read Mofoluwake’s winning essay at https://rxa.ca/get-informed/awards-recognition/rxas-new-horizons-scholarship/

Congratulations to Justin Peters, who was awarded the 2024 Advancing the Profession scholarship sponsored by RxA and the Canadian Pharmacists Benefits Association. This scholarship is awarded to candidate(s) who demonstrate the leadership skills and professional insight to advance pharmacy practice in Alberta. Read Justin’s winning essay at https://rxa.ca/get-informed/awards-recognition/advancing-the-profession-scholarship/

Congratulations to Jonathan Chan, who was awarded the 2024 Advancing the Profession scholarship sponsored by RxA and TD Insurance. This scholarship is awarded to candidate(s) who demonstrate the leadership skills and professional insight to advance pharmacy practice in Alberta. Read Jonathan’s winning essay at https://rxa.ca/get-informed/awards-recognition/advancing-the-profession-scholarship/

What an incredible evening! It was our pleasure to host the 2024 Alberta Pharmacy Excellence (APEX) Awards and honour the remarkable recipients! We're in awe of each awardee's distinctive contributions to the field of pharmacy. 👏 Your impact on patient lives is truly inspiring! Congratulations to all the winners!

Learn more about the APEX Awards and the 2024 winners at https://rxa.ca/get-informed/awards-recognition/apex-awards/

Make sure you’re covered with RxA’s Professional Liability Insurance! RxA’s Canadian Pharmacists Benefits Association (CPBA) sponsored Professional Liability Insurance is now available for the 2024/2025 practice term. An optional supplementary policy is also available for those who have insurance through their employer and would like additional coverage.

RxA has many resources available to help members better understand the liability insurance options and what would best suit their needs. Learn more about RxA Membership and Professional Liability Insurance at https://rxa.ca/membership/member-benefits/

RxA is thrilled to announce a brand-new member offering through our unique partnership with Prairie Wide Group/Alberta Blue Cross beginning on May 1, 2024!

All RxA members who meet the eligibility requirements will have the option of three unique plans created with pharmacy teams in mind. These plans were designed and priced with stability and longevity in mind so that our members can focus on what really matters in their ever-changing day-to-day business operations.

Learn more about this member-exclusive offering at https://rxa.ca/member-benefits/other-insurance/

RxA has another new course on GoPharmacist Learn! In this online course, Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors for Cancer Treatment, Clinical Associate Professor of Pharmacy Dr. Tara Leslie focuses on what community pharmacists need to know as she describes the unique mechanism of action of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy for cancer, appreciating the revolutionary efficacy of ICIs in some previously difficult-to-treat cancers. CCCEP accredited for 0.75 CEUs

Here’s what one pharmacist said when they attended the live presentation: “Awesome presentation tackling a topic most of us were scared to even think about! And made it realistic to our everyday practice!!” Take the course today at https://rxa.ca/we-educate/online-learning/

RxA hosted its first Pharmacy Student at the Legislature Day, where UAlberta Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Pharm D students were formally introduced during the legislative session and given a tour of the Legislature. Future pharmacy practitioners were then joined by UCP and NDP MLAs, RxA Board and Leadership Cohort Members for a standing reception where future relationships and great conversations were created. Attendees dove right in on the conversation about refocusing Alberta’s health system and why pharmacists are so vital to Alberta.

We have reached the final 2024 Alberta Pharmacy Excellence (APEX) Award recipient! The M.J. Huston Pharmacist of Distinction is awarded annually to a pharmacist who demonstrates leadership through their long-time commitment to patient care, innovation, and the advancement of the profession.

The 2024 M.J. Huston Pharmacist of Distinction recipient is Anil Goorachurn! Congratulations! Learn more about Anil and the M.J. Huston Pharmacist of Distinction Award at https://rxa.ca/apex-awards-nomination-form/2024-m-j-huston-pharmacist-of-distinction/

We have thoroughly enjoyed highlighting each winner every week and look forward to celebrating together in person on April 25!

Thank you to all the winners and nominees for providing exceptional patient care to Albertans and contributing to the advancement of pharmacy practice.

RxA continues to announce the recipients of the 2024 Alberta Pharmacy Excellence (APEX) Awards! The Award of Excellence recognizes individuals who have developed and/or implemented an innovative, original pharmacy program or service which is significant to their area of practice or have had a patient encounter(s) where they have gone over and beyond for their patient and demonstrated excellence in patient care in their professional practice.

The 2024 Award of Excellence recipient is Kelsey Slater! Congratulations! Learn more about Kelsey and the Award of Excellence at https://rxa.ca/apex-awards-nomination-form/2024-award-of-excellence/

RxA is excited to announce a NEW member benefit! RxA members now have exclusive access to medSask Minor Ailment and Self-Care Guidelines. medSask is a drug information service at the University of Saskatchewan, College of Pharmacy and Nutrition. For 50 years, medSask has supported appropriate prescribing and medication safety in Saskatchewan by providing accurate, evidence-based information on medications and medication therapy to the general public, healthcare providers and other collaborators. The medSask Minor Ailment and Self-Care prescribing guidelines were initially created in 2012 and now include over 30 guidelines. They are updated regularly and are being used by pharmacists nationally to support and document their prescribing activities. RxA members can access this new benefit at https://rxa.ca/member-benefits/medsask-minor-ailment-and-self-care-guidelines/

medSask Minor Ailment and Self-Care Guidelines - RxA - Alberta Pharmacists' Association Beginning April 1, 2024, RxA members now have exclusive access to medSask Minor Ailment and Self-Care Guidelines. medSask is a drug information service at the University of Saskatchewan, College of Pharmacy and Nutrition. For 50 years, medSask has supported appropriate prescribing and medication saf...

RxA continues to announce the recipients of the 2024 Alberta Pharmacy Excellence (APEX) Awards! Join us in congratulating the winners on providing exceptional patient care to Albertans and contributing to the advancement of pharmacy practice.
The 2024 Bowl of Hygeia recipient is Carol Wei, a clinical pharmacist at Safeway Pharmacy in Airdrie. Congratulations!

Learn more about Carol and the Bowl of Hygeia Award https://rxa.ca/apex-awards-nomination-form/the-bowl-of-hygeia/

RxA members are invited to join us for the Dermatologic Assessment in Skin of Colour webinar on May 7, 2024. Dermatologist Dr. Perry Grewal and pharmacist Dr. Ravina Sanghera will discuss dermatological conditions in patients with skin colour and review both preventative and treatment strategies for managing these conditions. Learn more at https://rxa.ca/we-educate/events/

Webinars - RxA - Alberta Pharmacists' Association Upcoming Webinars RxA’s Continuing Education webinars are member-exclusive events.

RxA’s Ali Damani was and had the pleasure of visiting Didsbury Value Drug Mart, owned and operated by RxA member Brad Blatz. Brad and his exceptional team provide important health services to the community and area.

Invest in your professional future by being an RxA member! RxA equips you with innovative resources, comprehensive education and dedicated services to ensure you deliver exceptional, patient-centric care. We encourage you to renew your RxA membership, along with your CPBA Professional Liability Insurance and ENVIRx, to continue benefiting from our collective strength and support.

Learn more and join today at https://rxa.ca/membership/member-benefits/

RxA’s Ali Damani has been meeting pharmacists in rural Alberta. Ali met up with long-time RxA member Madhu, who practices at the Pharmasave Blackfalds, just north of Red Deer. Madhu utilizes his full range scope to help the community in Blackfalds and the surrounding area.

We continue to announce the 2024 Alberta Pharmacy Excellence (APEX) Award recipients. Join us in congratulating the 2024 Future of Pharmacy recipients, Dr. Sabrina Lorico, Dr. Lawrence Woo and Nisreen Chehimi. The Future of Pharmacy Award is presented to up to three pharmacists per year who exude a passion for pharmacy and offer extraordinary promise to the profession.

Learn more about the Friend of Pharmacy recipients and the other APEX awards at https://rxa.ca/get-informed/awards-recognition/apex-awards/

We're delighted to announce the recipients of the 2024 W.L. Boddy Pharmacy Team Award as part of the Alberta Pharmacy Excellence (APEX) Awards. Today, we extend our congratulations to the team at Shoppers Drug Mart Terra Losa Centre!

This achievement highlights their exceptional dedication and commitment to excellence in pharmacy practice. Learn more at https://rxa.ca/apex-awards-nomination-form/2024-w-l-boddy-pharmacy-team-award/

Don't miss out on the opportunity to join psychiatrist Dr. Robert Tanguay for an insightful live webinar! Mark your calendars for Thursday, April 18, 2024, from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm as Dr. Tanguay delves into the topic of using the dissociative anaesthetic ketamine in psychiatric disorders.

During this session, Dr. Tanguay will provide a comprehensive review of the evidence supporting the use of ketamine for psychiatric disorders. He'll explore various theories on its mechanism of action and shed light on who stands to benefit the most from ketamine therapy.

CCCEP accreditation pending. Learn more at https://rxa.ca/we-educate/events/

Webinars - RxA - Alberta Pharmacists' Association Upcoming Webinars RxA’s Continuing Education webinars are member-exclusive events.

RxA is thrilled to announce the recipients of the 2024 Alberta Pharmacy Excellence (APEX) Awards! Each week we will spotlight a winner! Join us in congratulating the winners on providing exceptional patient care to Albertans and contributing to the advancement of pharmacy practice.

Congratulations to the inaugural recipient of the Mentorship Award, Greg Bendera, Ponoka Rexall. Learn more about Greg and the Mentorship Award at https://rxa.ca/apex-awards-nomination-form/2024-mentorship-award-greg-bendera/

Calling all RxA Members! There is a new course on GoPharmacist Learn! In this new course, Cultural Competence, experienced international educator Deborah Lewiski defines cultural communication and explores two models of culture. She discusses the impact of intercultural communication and the factors that may contribute to misunderstandings in daily situations. Finally, Deborah discusses strategies to help you become culturally competent. This is a recording of a live event presentation. It is a non-accredited 1-hour presentation. Learn more at https://rxa.ca/we-educate/online-learning/

RxA was proud to host the Women in Pharmacy Leadership event in Calgary last week! We were inspired by the panel of extraordinary women whose leadership exemplifies the strength and vision of women in pharmacy. Thank you to everyone who made this event such a success!

looking for new tools to use in COPD therapy? Join pharmacists Kathy Hayward, Dr. Fairuz Siraj and physician Dr. Brandi Walker on Thursday, March 20, 2024, from 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm for a sponsored webinar to review the 2023 Canadian Thoracic Society Update on Pharmacotherapy of Stable COPD. They will present tools to use for assessment of people with COPD and tools for documentation and communication with other healthcare providers. You will learn how to assess inhaler technique and make recommendations for changes to optimize therapy to reduce flare ups and provide ongoing care in the pharmacy environment. CCCEP accreditation pending. Learn more at https://rxa.ca/we-educate/events/