Berdine Fazakas: Transforming pharmacy care — the integrative health model

By Berdine Fazakas, B.Pharm, M.S., Rph
 

I’m originally from South Africa and immigrated to Canada in 2012 with my family. My experience in pharmacy ranges from community, hospital, regulatory and drug manufacturing. After working in community pharmacy for eight years, I recognized a critical gap between conventional care and patients’ broader wellness needs. 

I decided to open Whole Health Pharmacy & Compounding to address these needs, based on the principle that a pharmacist’s role extends beyond filling prescriptions — it encompasses education, empowerment, and proactive health optimization.  

I knew from the start that I wanted the pharmacy to look and feel different than what you would traditionally see. I designed the layout so that the dispensing counter is front and center as soon as you walk in the door. I wanted people to feel welcome, heard, and truly cared for.  
 

Hormone Testing for Women

One of the cornerstone offerings at the pharmacy is hormone testing for women. After compounding and hormone training through the Professional Compounding Centers of America (PCCA), I did further training through The American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine. Using saliva-based diagnostic panels, these non-invasive tests assess key biomarkers such as estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, and cortisol levels. Unlike standard serum testing, saliva tests reflect the biologically active (“free”) hormones available to tissues, providing more accurate insights into hormonal function and circadian rhythm fluctuations.

These tests are particularly valuable for women experiencing symptoms of hormone imbalance during perimenopause and menopause. To get started, a patient will book a hormone consultation and once results are obtained, I review them with the patient and then collaborate with their physician if they need a prescription for HRT.

The outcome? A personalized treatment recommendation, which may include bioidentical hormone therapy, nutritional support, stress reduction techniques, lifestyle recommendations, and/or targeted supplementation. 
 

Dietary, Supplement, and Lifestyle Assessments

Aside from traditional pharmacy services such as medication reviews, injections and vaccinations, travel consultations, and minor ailment assessment and prescribing, I decided to also focus on other clinical offerings.  Patients can schedule an appointment to consult with a pharmacist about pain, weight loss, or general wellness questions such as sleep, stress management or gut health.

During a typical session, a pharmacist conducts a detailed intake, exploring the client’s symptoms, health, diet, and other lifestyle factors. We also look at their supplement regimen and medication history to identify redundancies, interactions, and deficiencies. We only stock high quality supplements that are third-party tested and have found that it makes a real difference.

Food Intolerance & Cell-Based Immune Testing via Cell Science Systems

Food intolerances can be elusive contributors to chronic fatigue, digestive discomfort, inflammation, weight gain, skin and respiratory issues and so many other symptoms. A lot of patients have come to us suspecting that some of their symptoms were caused by food but having no way to test for it. To address this, we partnered with Cell Science Systems (CSS), a specialist clinical laboratory that develops diagnostic tests in immunology, serology, and cell biology to support the personalized treatment and prevention of chronic disease.

CSS is internationally recognized for its ALCAT Test — a patented cell-based blood test that measures immune cell reactivity to foods, additives, and environmental chemicals. Unlike conventional IgE or IgG antibody tests, the ALCAT Test examines innate immune response by observing changes in white blood cell volume and count when exposed to specific substances. This method identifies hidden sensitivities that may lead to inflammation.

Once reports are received, patients are then guided through a structured elimination or rotation diet, with follow-up consultations to assess progress. This service has been incredibly helpful for our patients.
 

DNA lifestyle and pharmacogenomic testing

These tests analyze genetic polymorphisms that affect drug and nutrient metabolism, detoxification pathways and predisposition to conditions such as cardiovascular disease, inflammation, or stress intolerance.

Patients submit a simple cheek swab sample, which is then analyzed by a certified genomic laboratory. The resulting reports are comprehensive yet understandable, outlining how each individual’s genetic blueprint influences their response to nutrients, medications, and environmental stressors. In a world moving towards personalized medicine, it empowers people to improve their health and well-being by providing actionable medication, nutrition, exercise and lifestyle recommendations personalized to their unique genetic makeup.

Yoga Studio Integration

Far from being an unrelated sideline, the yoga space embodies the pharmacy’s mission to merge mind-body wellness with clinical care.

The decision to incorporate yoga arose organically from patient feedback — many individuals sought ways to reduce stress and improve pain and mobility. It has been very popular and classes are always fully booked.

Infrared Sauna: Heat Therapy for Healing

The infrared sauna is another unconventional yet evidence-based addition. Infrared saunas use specific light wavelengths to penetrate the skin and gently raise core temperature, providing benefits such as pain relief, muscle relaxation, improved circulation, stress reduction, and a boost for the immune system. 

It has been especially helpful for patients dealing with pain, and feedback has been very positive.

Building a Thriving Business

Transforming a conventional pharmacy into “#notyouraveragepharmacy” required vision, persistence, and strategic marketing. Many of our services are private pay. As pharmacists, our time is valuable, and patients appreciate it and are willing to pay for you to give them your undivided attention. After all, we are professionals, and we need to stop giving away everything for free.  If you don’t value your own time or expertise, other people won’t either.

For pharmacists or entrepreneurs looking to embark on a similar journey, the path forward requires both courage and clarity. The first step is identifying a core vision, and something you feel passionate about. From there, start small: introduce one service that aligns with your expertise and community needs. Partnerships are crucial. Collaborate with other local businesses and healthcare professionals who share your philosophy. This ecosystem approach amplifies credibility and cross-referrals.

Finally, remember that success takes time. Building a private-pay practice depends on trust, reputation, and visible patient outcomes. Each satisfied client becomes an ambassador for your vision.