Young Leader in Pharmacy Helen Marin: "Knowing the difference pharmacists can make to improve healthcare and patients' lives is what drives me."

I am excited to see how the profession evolves, I truly believe pharmacists need to continue expanding their roles in different areas because we have the knowledge, the training, the skills and the ability to improve healthcare.

Pharmacy U

9/29/2022

Snapshot:

Education

BSc. Biological Sciences, University of Montreal
BSc. Pharmacy, University of Alberta
MSc. Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Montreal
Accredited Canadian Pharmacy Residency at Alberta Health Services
PharmD for Pharmacists, University of Toronto (In progress)

Current role

Inpatient Pharmacist, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. Board Member of the Canadian Foundation for Pharmacy (CFP).

What excites you about being a pharmacist?

The ability to be part of a healthcare team and impact patients' lives. Working as a pharmacist in oncology, I am part of a team that is helping patients go through some of the hardest moments of their lives. I am excited to see how the profession evolves, I truly believe pharmacists need to continue expanding their roles in different areas because we have the knowledge, the training, the skills and the ability to improve healthcare.

When you graduated, what did you envision for your future?

When I graduated, I knew I wanted to work in a hospital, but most of all, I knew that I wanted to make an impact in people’s lives. I also knew I wanted to be in a teaching and collaborative environment. I was excited and ready to start my oncology residency with Alberta Health Services and it was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

How has your career evolved since your graduation?

I have learned a lot since I graduated. Working as a pharmacist in oncology and through Covid has made me grow as a clinician and as an individual. Since graduation I’ve had so many great opportunities that have made me who I am today as a practitioner. I completed a residency in oncology and then afterwards worked at the Cross Cancer Institute in Alberta, where I helped to develop the role of the pharmacist in breast cancer ambulatory clinics. I then moved to Toronto and broadened my skills by working in inpatient settings within the University Health Network (UHN). I also sit on the board of the Canadian Pharmacy Foundation, which I truly enjoy as I get to learn, discuss and implement initiatives on how to advocate for pharmacists across Canada with other amazing pharmacists who have become mentors to me.

How would you describe a great day at work?

A day that I am able to combine my personal, clinical and professional skills to impact patients' lives. I enjoy having the opportunity to work and learn from nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, physicians, pharmacy technicians and other pharmacists. I am a lifetime learner, which makes the field of oncology perfect for me to practise in as there are always new treatments being developed. A great day at work is a day where I can make a difference in a patient’s life.

How important is mentoring in your career?

One of the things I like about being a pharmacist is that we can teach and mentor. Mentoring is part of not only my job but also part of who I am. One of the reasons I believe mentoring is so important is that I wouldn’t be where I am today without the many mentors I have had and continue to have in my career. Mentoring has provided me with learning and career opportunities that I could have never imagined, hence my hope is to do the same for future pharmacists.

Was there an “aha” moment for you, when you realized the impact of the difference you’re making?

My “aha” moment was with a particular palliative patient during my hospital rotation when I was a pharmacy student. As a student, I was able to see this patient from admission to discharge. I witnessed how my recommendations and our daily interactions impacted their stay in a positive manner. This is when I realized that although we may not always be able to change the patient’s outcome, we can be there to provide comfort with our medication recommendations, symptom management, compassion and empathy.

If you can accomplish just one thing in your career, what would it be?

It would be to have a universal expanded scope of practice for pharmacists in Canada. I believe if we manage to do this, we would revolutionize pharmacy all over the world.

As a dynamic leader in the profession, what continues to drive you?

Knowing the difference pharmacists can make to improve healthcare and patients' lives is what drives me.

What advice would you give to new pharmacy graduates?

Be open to new and different opportunities, even if you think they might not fit what you imagined for your career. Get out of your comfort zone, diversify your experiences and get involved with your associations. You might change course in your career, you might end up in a role that you never expected. Finding what you don’t like is as important as finding what is your passion! Take every opportunity as a learning one.

Another important piece of advice I would give would be to practise self-care and self-compassion. Burnout is real and even if you think it would never happen to you it might! Healthcare can be stressful at times, therefore find ways to cope with stress. This will in the long run make you not only a better individual in general but also a better pharmacist and leader.