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Inspired by her pharmacist mom, Christine Vaccaro has clear goals for her future pharmacy career.

I am fuelled by a deep passion for community health, recognizing its pivotal role as the root cause of the challenges that are overwhelming hospitals. I’m also driven by my frustration with a flawed system that demands reform. As a result, I am dedicated to advocating for the significance of community pharmacy practice and the integral role of pharmacists in bridging the expanding gap in primary care.

What excites me the most about entrepreneurship are the endless possibilities that come along with it. As a community pharmacy owner, and with our expanded scope of practice, there is so much room in increasing the value of our professional work through creating niches, specialties and services. Your only limitation is your imagination!

The nature of entrepreneurship means that your days are never routine. Some days may be filled with excitement while others are filled with setbacks. A concept I like to remind myself of is “equanimity,” which is a Mental Calmness, composure and evenness of temper. It is important to remember that nothing is permanent. Building a successful business is a marathon, not a sprint.

The daughter of a pharmacist with MS is driven to teach others how to provide better care to these patients.

When pharmacy technician Shelley Dellamattia suggests that recent graduates “try different areas within the pharmacy, and take all the learning opportunities offered,” she practises what she preaches.

The irony is I do not yet consider myself a successful entrepreneur and that’s in large part probably what continues to drive me. I don’t view entrepreneurship as some mountain-top or destination you reach, rather a continuous journey to explore, ideate, attempt, fail, rinse and repeat.

Allan O’Dette reflects on his years of change with the organization, from 75-hour work weeks at the height of the pandemic, to improving relations with the Ontario government.