Where are you from?

I grew up on the slopes of Rossland, BC

Why did you start working in pharmacy?

I was looking for a change but wanted to stay in a busy, people forward environment. I was referred by a friend and ended up getting a job and have stayed in pharmacy ever since. I started my journey in pharmacy at a Shoppers Drug Mart at the beginning of the pandemic and made the switch to Rutland Medical Pharmacy to be part of a tighter knit team where in my opinion we could give better patient care.

What do you like about working at Rutland Medical Pharmacy?

I enjoy knowing I’m a part of a team that cares for their patients and community. It’s a unique setting being able to collaborate with the clinic’s physicians to give the most complete care. Additionally, the pharmacists are knowledgeable and compassionate, even if people have inquiries that are not pharmacy related, they are always happy to lend an ear or give their advice.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I love spending time in nature/creation, hiking, swimming, kickboxing, watching sunrise or sunsets. All of these are better with people of course!

Education

UBC, PharmD (2002)

Why did you become a pharmacist?

The truth is being a pharmacist was never something I had considered. I was in microbiology and was not sure if it would result in a career path I liked. I had a friend who was in the Kelowna Pharmacy program at UBC and he suggested I apply. After speaking to him it sounded like something I would like, so I went for it. Being a pharmacist has provided really amazing and rewarding opportunities. I am an extrovert and really enjoy people. I love sharing life with our customers and seeing the difference that the care we provide makes to people. 

Where are you from?

Born and raised in Williams Lake, BC. I love small towns and the opportunity they provide to get to know people and to get involved with the community. Although Rutland is growing incredibly fast, it still feels like its own community to me. The people here are so nice, friendly and welcoming. I have been married to my wife for 18 years now and have a 10 year old daughter.

What do you like about working at Rutland Medical Pharmacy?

Rutland is a wonderful community. It is very multicultural, the people are friendly and welcoming, and really appreciate what we do for them. Prior to owning Rutland Medical Pharmacy, I was an Associate-Owner of a major pharmacy chain. The change from a very corporate environment to independent Kelowna pharmacy has been night and day. I love having the ability to give the best care and advice to people, to not feel rushed, to make customers feel truly valued and not like a transaction. We can give people the time they deserve to deliver high quality detailed and safe services from our medication reviews, to vaccinations and quick prescription filling with little or no wait time. I have the most amazing and dedicated team here. They make pharmacy ownership easy for me.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I have been on the Board of the College of Pharmacists of BC for 5 years, the last 2 years as chair. That takes up a lot of spare time but it is rewarding to be involved in regulating all of the changes in pharmacy practice that allow for expanded scope for pharmacists in order to provide BC residents with better access to safe, timely, and culturally safe high level care. With everything I do, my goal is to make things better for my customers, my team, and all people in BC. Outside of that, I do play soccer and hockey, enjoy time with my family, our horses, and our chickens.

Education
UBCO Medical Biochemistry (2015)
UBC PharmD (2020)

Why did you become a pharmacist?
I was drawn to pharmacy because of my fascination with science and medicine, and how they directly influence people's lives. My choice to eventually pursue pharmacy stemmed from learning that pharmacists are on the front lines of healthcare and thus have the unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the health all people we interact with. Additionally, growing up in Kelowna, a place that values an active, health-conscious lifestyle, inspired me to pursue a career where I can promote wellness, improve quality of life, and educate others about the importance of health.

Where are you from?
I was born and raised in Kelowna, BC. I grew up in Rutland and attended elementary school, high school and University all in Kelowna. During my youth I played hockey with KMHA, lacrosse with KMLA and was a junior member at multiple golf courses in Kelowna.

What do you like about working at Rutland Medical Pharmacy?
I have lived, gone to school and worked in Rutland and thus I have a strong connection to the area. Working at Rutland Medical Pharmacy allows me the opportunity to provide high-quality, personalized care for my patients. We are able to offer a holistic and comprehensive approach to pharmacy beyond just helping people understand how to use their medications correctly, preventing interactions, and ensuring safety. Rutland Medical Pharmacy is unique because we work amongst other healthcare professionals (physicians and nurses), as a team we can problem solve efficiently and provide the best health outcomes. This provides a fulfilling experience for both us and our patients.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
In my spare time I am an avid golfer and enjoy exploring new golf courses in the Okanagan and around Canada. Beyond that, my fiancé and I enjoy paddleboarding, hiking and travelling.