Young Leader in Pharmacy Olivier Landry: "Young leaders can play a key role in improving our practice."

Snapshot

Education: 
PharmD 2023, Université de Montréal

Current role: 
4th year student and intern

What excites you about being a pharmacist? 
I’m proud of the pharmacist profession, particularly in Quebec. Pharmacists in Quebec have the opportunity to work in a stimulating and innovative environment which allows us to have an impact on our patients' lives. 

The new pharmacists’ rights allow them to be first line professionals who are ready and equipped to ease the overloaded healthcare system. Our skills and knowledge allow us to be healthcare professionals such that patients can trust us with their medical questions and pathologies.

What excites me most is not only the trust that we develop with our patients, but also our ability to assist patients in taking charge of their own health.

Was there an “aha” moment for you, when you realized the impact of the difference you’re making? 
I think the “aha” moment which made me realize the impact of the difference that I was making was when we finally sent the memorandum for the transformation of the PharmD program at the Faculty of Pharmacy of Université de Montréal. 

This project, which has been in the works for many years and put on hold on many occasions, was finally completed by four other students and me. After many hours of data collection, analysis and writing, we had the opportunity to meet with the faculty members and discuss our suggestions. It was really only then that I realized that this large and challenging project had already begun to induce changes. 

This project really allowed me to learn the extent of what good teamwork can bring when working together towards a common goal.

As a dynamic leader in the profession, what continues to drive you? 
My biggest motivation is the direct impact I have on my patients and colleagues. Since I started being involved, I have always kept in mind the wellbeing of the students, my patients and other professionals. When working for a non-profit such as I.D.É.Action, I had the opportunity to speak and educate professionals about diversity in healthcare. In addition, I had the chance to exchange with the professionals and see how conferences and activities planned for these professionals can improve their practice. Finally, when I work in community pharmacy, helping and seeing my patients' joy and relief when I help them solve problems related to the management of their health really motivates me to continue my work.

How are young leaders paving the way for changes in the pharmacy profession? 
I believe that young leaders raise new issues that have not been brought up enough in the past. Our healthcare, although being a national pride, has its own shortcomings; for example, the access and quality of healthcare for minority populations. I believe that because young leaders have a different vision relative to previous generations, they can offer a different perspective in hopes of helping our healthcare system flourish.

Young leaders can play a key role in improving our practice by providing equitable and adapted care, and can help our practice move forward by emphasizing the magnitude of our knowledge and skills.