We are pleased to welcome Annette Robinson and Keith Shaw to the BCPhA Board of Directors, both of whom were elected April 15, 2017 and will serve three-year terms from Sept. 1, 2017 to Aug. 31, 2020. The Tablet spoke with Robinson and Shaw to provide readers with further background on our two newest Board members.
Annette Robinson
Pharmacy Specialist at Pharmasave Drugs
Annette Robinson graduated from the University of British Columbia in 1984 and has spent the majority of her career as a pharmacy manager in Chilliwack. She is currently Pharmacy Specialist with the pacific team at Pharmasave Drugs and involved in a number of initiatives, such as the BCPhA Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) and vaccine working groups. She is also a current member of the Discipline Committee with the College of Pharmacists of BC.
Why did you want to be on the BCPhA Board?
I have been a pharmacist for over 30 years and been involved in many volunteer activities and felt it was time that I gave back to the profession that has been so great to me. I would like to be a strong and understanding voice for our profession.
What should the BCPhA’s top priorities be over the next three years?
We need to continue to demonstrate to patients and stakeholders the true value that pharmacists bring to the health-care system. Our priorities should include advocacy on behalf of the pharmacists of B.C. to move forward with many initiatives such as pharmacogenomics, pharmacist prescribing and clinical services.
What are the most common issues affecting pharmacists today?
There have been so many changes for pharmacists and some of the issues that we see today are: decreased dispensing revenue, fear of government and third party audit recoveries, reduced staffing with increased workload and staying current with regulatory changes.
What is your greatest achievement?
I would say my family. I have been married to Bob for 32 years and we have two daughters, Samantha and Julie. They are truly the reason I do what I do.
What are your future goals?
As I enjoy my current position as Pharmacy Specialist for Pharmasave Pacific, I would like to continue working with the regional team to grow in my role and support the Pharmasave pharmacies of B.C.
Which talent would you most like to have?
My Scottish grandfather played the bagpipes and I have always wanted to be able to play them like he did.
What is your most treasured possession?
Besides my family, I would have to say that I treasure my Quarter Horse gelding, Memphis. He is quite a character and I enjoy the time that I get to spend riding, showing and taking care of him. He is a true stress reliever.
Keith Shaw
Regional Pharmacy Manager at Sobeys
Keith Shaw has been a leader in the pharmacy industry for the past decade, starting as an Associate with Shoppers Drug Mart to his current position as Regional Pharmacy Manager with Sobeys, where he oversees 20 Safeway and Thrifty Foods pharmacies across B.C. He holds both a doctor of pharmacy degree from Wayne State University in Detroit, Mich., as well as an Executive MBA from Simon Fraser University.
Why did you want to be on the BCPhA Board?
I admire the pharmacy leaders I’ve come into contact with at BCPhA. I also respect and value the work BCPhA does on behalf of the profession. I look forward to contributing to the organization and profession I have benefitted from so much in years past.
What should the BCPhA’s top priorities be over the next three years?
I believe priorities need to balance helping pharmacists and operators with change, and being able to influence the change itself. BCPhA needs to clarify the pharmacists’ value for stakeholders in an increasingly noisy and distracted market. Listening to and remaining connected to membership will ensure that the BCPhA hears those quiet signals of change and will be ready to focus new energy on opportunity.
What are the most common issues affecting pharmacists today?
Pharmacists today are most commonly affected by increased complexity in their work. New requirements of preferred networks, insurance, regulation and practice have many pharmacists struggling for clarity in their day-to-day practice. Trying to focus on patients and care while rules and guidelines are shifting can cause a well-meaning pharmacist an audit headache, missed opportunity or simply lost sleep.
What is your greatest achievement?
I would consider a great achievement of mine is building a career of continual challenge that includes a great network of engaging friends and colleagues all while respecting family time and participating in volunteer work and charity.
What are your future goals?
I am a voracious learner and enjoy building my capacity to serve the people around me and make their lives just a bit better. So my new goal is to jump into my new Board responsibilities and challenge myself to use my MBA and industry experience to fulfill the membership’s expectations and get things done. A personal goal of mine is to take my niece and nephew, newly emigrated from England, on their first B.C. camping and fishing trip.
Which talent would you most like to have?
I know that capability comes with persistent hard work; that talent is only discovered and leveraged through practice. Reality aside, if I could magically become a talented golfer, that would be fantastic.
What is your most treasured possession?
I have things I enjoy but only for the experience that they offer or enable. I treasure the tent trailer that my wife Tanja and I bought when our son Jacob was a baby. I moved from Ontario dreaming of an outdoor life in B.C. and this camper has taken us on many trips and all have created treasured memories for me to look back on.