Winkler Pharmacy’s Ryan says “It’s a new era in the profession and an exciting time to be a pharmacist!“
Ryan has taken additional specialized training that allows him to administer injections of medicine and vaccines. He recently completed the Advancing Practice Immunization and Injection Program and is now certified to give shots. This includes many different drugs and vaccines but just as an example, something that is very popular is the Shingles vaccination. He can also administer vaccines for prevention the Hepatitis A & B which is important for travelers. You bring your prescription into Ryan to fill these injections and then he can administer them to you in the same visit to the pharmacy.
In the fall, he will be giving the flu shot as well, but no prescription will be needed for a flu shot. Many of these injections can be simply done as a walk in without any appointment needed! “This is a new service that is very convenient for patients, without long wait times.”
Ryan is also an “ADAPT” certified Pharmacist. This means he has successfully completed the University of Waterloo’s certificate level Pharmacy program specializing in patient care skills. “ADAPT” is a highly acclaimed educational program for Pharmacists who wish to take their practice to the next level. Ryan believes that “effective communication between the patient, pharmacist, and doctor is very important. Completing the ADAPT program has enhanced my knowledge and expertise in patient drug therapy assessments, and enabled me to have more effective collaboration with patients and physicians. The end goal is improved and optimized patient care.”
For these efforts, Ryan also received a certificate of achievement in Lifelong learning in Pharmacy.
Ryan is optimistic about future of Pharmacy: “There is always something new to learn and I am also continuing to further my specializations. The current course I am completing is in regards to the ordering of certain lab tests. Then I will complete the training to be certified to prescribe some medications. This will enable me to help my patients to the best of my ability.”