The Pharmacists Are In

In this episode of The Pharmacists Are In, hosts Dr. John Papastergiou and Ajit Johal welcome two of the most respected voices in vaccine education and public health: Dr. Paul Offit, Professor of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Charlotte Moser, Co-Director, Vaccine Education Center at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Together, they examine the rapidly changing vaccine landscape in the United States, including the impact of recent policy changes, the dismissal and restructuring of the ACIP committee, rising measles cases, and growing challenges around public trust in vaccines. The discussion explores how misinformation campaigns have evolved, why healthcare professionals remain essential sources of trusted information, and what pharmacists can do when faced with vaccine questions and hesitancy in everyday practice. Dr. Offit and Charlotte Moser also share practical communication strategies for frontline healthcare providers, discuss the importance of empathy when addressing concerns, and offer perspectives on the future of vaccine science and public health. For pharmacists, immunizers, and healthcare professionals navigating an increasingly complex information environment, this episode delivers timely insights and practical advice from two global leaders in vaccine education. We are grateful to Immunize.io Health Association (www.immunize.io) for their support of this educational program and their commitment to advancing immunization awareness, education, and access. Since 2018, Immunize.io has worked to improve vaccination rates through community outreach, healthcare professional education, workplace and community immunization programs, and initiatives that address vaccine confidence and accessibility. Their efforts help strengthen public health both locally and globally by supporting evidence-based immunization practices and expanding protection against vaccine-preventable diseases.

In this episode, Ajit Johal and Dr. John Papastergiou shift the conversation back to one of the most pressing challenges in pharmacy practice - diabetes management. With more patients presenting in community pharmacies and limited access to primary care, pharmacists are increasingly on the front lines of supporting those living with diabetes. The discussion explores the growing role of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), the limitations of relying solely on A1C, and the importance of focusing on time in range and hypoglycemia prevention. John and Ajit also unpack common misconceptions around CGM, practical onboarding strategies, and how pharmacists can start small to integrate this powerful technology into everyday practice. From identifying high-risk patients to leveraging real-time data for better outcomes, this episode offers practical insights to help pharmacists improve care without adding unnecessary complexity. We are grateful to Dexcom Canada for their support of this educational program, helping to advance the knowledge and professional development of pharmacists. Dexcom develops continuous glucose monitoring technology that supports patients and healthcare professionals with real-time glucose data to help inform diabetes management. Their commitment to innovation continues to support the evolving role of pharmacists in diabetes care across Canada.

In this episode of The Pharmacists Are In, Ajit Johal and Dr. John Papastergiou sit down with Smita Patil, Vice President, Retail Member Relations & Professional Affairs at McKesson Canada and candidate for the Ontario Pharmacists Association (OPA) Board of Directors. Smita shares her 20+ year journey across frontline practice, operations, and government affairs, and how those experiences shape her approach to advocacy today. The conversation explores one of the most pressing challenges facing the profession - balancing scope expansion with sustainable funding. From newly funded vaccines to growing common ailments programs, the discussion dives into what it really takes to implement services at the pharmacy level. Smita emphasizes the importance of interoperability, workforce capacity, and ensuring funding and scope evolve together - not separately. The episode also highlights the role of grassroots advocacy, the importance of OPA membership, and why pharmacists must unify their voice to drive meaningful system-level change. With the OPA election underway, this is a timely and important conversation about leadership, representation, and the future of pharmacy in Ontario and across Canada. Listen in for a pragmatic, frontline-informed perspective on where the profession is heading and how pharmacists can help shape it. This episode is supported by Lampyon Health Communications, an agency at the intersection of health marketing and health education. Through strategic storytelling, education, and digital innovation, Lampyon helps bring important healthcare conversations - like this one - to life for pharmacists and the broader healthcare community.

In this episode of The Pharmacists Are In, John and Ajit sit down with Deepak Narang, a community pharmacist, pharmacy owner, and candidate for Alberta College of Pharmacy Council. The conversation begins with a milestone moment - Deepak administering Canada's first adult RSV vaccine - and expands into a deeper discussion on pharmacy practice, regulation, and leadership. They explore the realities of practicing within Canada's most advanced scope, including recent reimbursement cuts, increasing regulatory pressures, and the growing complexity of frontline care. Deepak Narang shares his platform centered on practical, workable regulation, consistent execution of standards, and the importance of bringing frontline perspectives into decision-making. The discussion also dives into workforce optimization, including expanding the role of pharmacy technicians, opportunities for further pharmacist scope expansion, and the systems needed to support sustainable practice change. This episode offers a timely look at how pharmacy can continue to evolve while ensuring patient care remains at the center. If you are interested in the future of pharmacy practice, regulation, and leadership in Canada, this is a conversation you will not want to miss.

In this episode, Ajit Johal and Dr. John Papastergiou connect with Danielle Paes, Former Chief Pharmacist Officer at the Canadian Pharmacists Association and Head of Operations Canada at The Mental Wealth Academy, live from Pharmacy U, where she delivered the keynote address, to explore how the pharmacy profession has evolved over the past 15 years - and where it is headed next. From expanded scope and funding to the growing role of pharmacists in primary care, Danielle shares insights from her keynote on the transformation of pharmacy practice and the opportunity ahead. The conversation dives into rebranding the profession, moving beyond the traditional "retail" mindset, and embracing specialization based on passion and patient need. They also tackle real-world challenges - burnout, workforce pressures, and the gap between training and practice - while highlighting the importance of mindset, leadership, and professional alignment in building a sustainable and fulfilling career. Whether you are early in your career or looking to evolve your practice, this episode offers a powerful perspective on what it means to be a pharmacist today - and what is possible next. We are grateful to RxLaw for their support of this episode, helping to advance the knowledge and professional development of pharmacists. With a team that combines legal expertise and firsthand healthcare experience, RxLaw offers practical, informed guidance that reflects the realities of clinical practice. Their commitment to supporting healthcare professionals and navigating complex regulatory environments helps strengthen the profession and promote high standards of care.