In this episode, John Papastergiou is joined by Ajit Johal to explore the evolving role of pharmacists in vaccination services. They delve into the importance of vaccinations like HPV and flu, discussing how pharmacists are ideally positioned to enhance community health through expanded vaccination programs. The conversation highlights the challenges and successes of integrating comprehensive vaccination services in pharmacy practice, including patient education and vaccine management.

Ajit Johal is a practicing community pharmacist, clinical educator, and assistant professor at the UBC Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Vancouver, British Columbia.  He champions pharmacists as integral to the primary care infrastructure and has achieved advanced certification in Diabetes Care, Psychiatric Pharmacy, and Travel Medicine.   He has successfully created a clinical pharmacy model by establishing and growing “niche” pharmacy practices. He provides educational programs and lectures locally, nationally, and globally on the expanded role of pharmacists in primary care.  Focusing on the “implementation science” behind embracing an expanded scope of practice to improve patient outcomes in a community pharmacy practice.


For related resources, more episodes and pharmacy content, visit www.ThePharmacyZone.com!


We are grateful to Merck Canada (www.merck.ca) for their financial support of this educational program to help enhance the knowledge and education of pharmacists.

The Pharmacists Are In

Expanding the Role of Pharmacists in Vaccination Services

John and Ajit continue their discussion on the critical role of pharmacists in adult vaccination, focusing on the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. They address common misconceptions about HPV and the significance of pharmacist-led education and vaccination efforts for adults. The episode also covers strategies for improving vaccine adherence and the impact of pharmacists on public health outcomes through their direct engagement with the community.


For related resources, more episodes and pharmacy content, visit www.ThePharmacyZone.com!


We are grateful to Merck Canada (www.merck.ca) for their financial support of this educational program to help enhance the knowledge and education of pharmacists.

Pharmacists at the Forefront of Adult Vaccination

In this episode of The Pharmacists Are In, John Papastergiou and Ajit Johal continue their series on respiratory diseases by focusing on COVID-19 and influenza. They reflect on the evolution of pharmacists' roles in immunization, from the early days of flu vaccinations to the current landscape dominated by COVID-19. John and Ajit discuss the challenges and successes of co-administering vaccines, the latest guidelines, and the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates. Learn how pharmacists can stay ahead of the curve, address patient concerns, and ensure a seamless immunization process in their practice.


For related resources, more episodes and pharmacy content, visit https://thepharmacyzone.com/blogs/the-pharmacists-are-in/the-impact-of-covid-19-and-influenza-on-pharmacy-practice!


We are grateful to Pfizer Canada (www.pfizer.ca) for their financial support of this educational program to help enhance the knowledge and education of pharmacists.

The Impact of COVID-19 and Influenza on Pharmacy Practice

Join John Papastergiou and Ajit Johal in an insightful discussion about pneumococcal disease. In this episode, they delve into the complexities of this respiratory disease, often misunderstood by both patients and providers. John and Ajit emphasize the critical role of pharmacists in educating patients about the risks and prevention strategies, including the latest vaccination options. They introduce the "80% Challenge," a learning program aimed at increasing vaccination rates among high-risk adults. Tune in to explore how pharmacists can bridge the gap in pneumococcal vaccination and enhance patient outcomes through proactive care.

For related resources, more episodes and pharmacy content, visit www.ThePharmacyZone.com!

We are grateful to Pfizer Canada (www.pfizer.ca) for their financial support of this educational program to help enhance the knowledge and education of pharmacists.

Understanding Pneumococcal Disease and the Role of Vaccination

John Papastergiou and Ajit Johal wrap up their three-part series on respiratory diseases with a deep dive into respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). This episode explores the historical context of RSV, its impact on infants and older adults, and the emerging importance of vaccination. John and Ajit share insights into the latest testing technologies and the critical role pharmacists will play in managing and preventing RSV. Discover why RSV is becoming a significant focus in healthcare and how pharmacists can prepare for the next wave of respiratory disease management.

For related resources, more episodes and pharmacy content, visit www.ThePharmacyZone.com!

We are grateful to Pfizer Canada (www.pfizer.ca) for their financial support of this educational program to help enhance the knowledge and education of pharmacists.

RSV: The Next Frontier in Respiratory Disease Management

In this engaging episode, John and Ajit discuss the expanding scope of pharmacists in managing chronic diseases through point-of-care testing and personalized medicine. They explore the integration of pharmacogenomics in pharmacy practice and its potential to revolutionize patient care. The conversation also touches on the challenges and opportunities of implementing these advanced practices within the community pharmacy setting.

For related resources, more episodes and pharmacy content, visit www.ThePharmacyZone.com!

Pharmacists Driving Change in Chronic Disease Management

In this episode of The Pharmacists Are In, John Papastergiou and Ajit Johal are joined by pharmacist and certified diabetes educator, Susie Jin. The discussion centers on the critical role pharmacists play in improving health outcomes for diabetes patients through vaccinations. Together, they explore how pharmacists can leverage their position to ensure high-risk groups, especially those with diabetes, are up-to-date with their vaccinations, including flu and COVID-19. Susie shares her insights on overcoming barriers to vaccination in the community and highlights strategies for integrating immunizations into diabetes care for better patient outcomes.

For related resources, more episodes and pharmacy content, visit www.ThePharmacyZone.com!

We are grateful to Moderna Canada (https://www.modernatx.com/en-CA) for their financial support of this educational program to help enhance the knowledge and education of pharmacists.

Overcoming COVID-19 Vaccination Barriers for Diabetes Patients

In this episode of The Pharmacists Are In, John Papastergiou sits down with Ajit Johal to tackle the busy flu season, sharing insights and strategies for pharmacists managing high patient volumes. They discuss the importance of not turning patients away, even when specific vaccines are in short supply, and how to educate patients on alternative immunization options like adjuvanted and high-dose flu vaccines. Ajit highlights the evolving vaccination landscape and the need for proactive engagement with patients, especially those hesitant due to vaccine fatigue. Together, John and Ajit provide tips on efficient workflow management and promoting co-administration with COVID vaccines to enhance patient protection and streamline pharmacy operations.

For related resources, more episodes and pharmacy content, visit www.ThePharmacyZone.com!

We are grateful to CSL Seqirus Canada (https://www.cslseqirus.ca) for their financial support of this educational program to help enhance the knowledge and education of pharmacists.

Navigating Flu Vaccination Options and Overcoming Vaccine Fatigue

In this episode of The Pharmacists Are In, John Papastergiou and Ajit Johal take a deep dive into the advancements in diabetes management. They discuss the significant benefits of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems for patients with diabetes, their potential to enhance patient engagement, and how they fit into the expanding scope of pharmacist care. They also highlight the importance of pharmacists in supporting lifestyle changes and improving glycemic control through efficient use of technology, providing practical advice for pharmacists looking to implement CGM in their practices.

For related resources, more episodes and pharmacy content, visit www.ThePharmacistsAreIn.com!

We are grateful to Dexcom Canada (ca.provider.dexcom.com) for their financial support of this educational program to help enhance the knowledge and education of pharmacists.

Harnessing Innovative Technology: The Pharmacist's Role in Advancing Diabetes Management

In this mini-episode, two ChatGPT channels engage in a dynamic conversation over two different phones, delving into the state of the Canadian pharmacy landscape. They explore the evolving role of Canadian pharmacists and how their expertise is helping to alleviate pressure on the healthcare system. With Pharmacy Appreciation Month celebrated annually throughout March in Canada, this discussion highlights the vital contributions of pharmacy professionals, recognizing their role in improving patient care and accessibility. From expanding their scope of practice to addressing challenges within the industry, this episode sheds light on the essential work pharmacists do to support communities across the country.

An update by ChatGPT: Pharmacists' Role in the Canadian Healthcare System

In this episode of The Pharmacists Are In, Ajit Johal and Dr. John Papastergiou are joined by clinical educator Mike Boivin to explore the latest updates in type 2 diabetes management. The trio dives into the recent Diabetes Canada guideline changes and discusses how pharmacists can interpret and apply them to better support patients. From the foundational role of metformin to the evolving utility of SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists, the conversation also highlights how pharmacists can assess kidney health using ACR and eGFR — and the critical importance of lab access and scope of practice. Tune in for insights that can elevate your diabetes care services today.

We are grateful to Novo Nordisk Canada (https://novonordisk.ca) for their financial support of this educational program to help enhance the knowledge and education of pharmacists.

Diabetes Deep Dive with Mike Boivin (Part 1): New Guidelines and Pharmacists' Role and Opportunity

In part two of this special series, John and Ajit welcome back Mike Boivin for a grounded, practical conversation about how pharmacists can meaningfully impact diabetes outcomes—even in the busiest pharmacy settings. They discuss how to optimize brief clinical encounters, use tools like the ABCDSS framework, identify gaps in statin and kidney protection therapy, and turn medication reviews into strategic care plans. The episode also covers lab value interpretation, referral tips, and how pharmacists can structure impactful follow-ups. Whether you're new to diabetes care or looking to sharpen your approach, this episode is full of clinical gold.

We are grateful to Novo Nordisk Canada (https://novonordisk.ca) for their financial support of this educational program to help enhance the knowledge and education of pharmacists.

Diabetes Deep Dive with Mike Boivin (Part 2): New Guidelines and Pharmacists' Role and Opportunity


In this episode of The Pharmacists Are In, John Papastergiou and Ajit Johal reconnect after a busy stretch to dive into the rapidly growing world of pharmacist-led travel health services. Ajit shares insights from his presentation at the ISTM Congress in New Orleans, highlighting Canada's leadership in travel medicine, international perceptions of pharmacist scope, and the high clinical and business value of pharmacy-run travel clinics.

They explore key immunization gaps revealed through travel consults, like hepatitis A, MMR, and tetanus, and offer practical advice for pharmacists looking to launch or strengthen travel health services. Whether you're just getting started or considering certification, this episode covers the opportunity, the implementation, and the future of pharmacy-based travel medicine.

For more episodes and resources, visit www.ThePharmacistsAreIn.com!

Pharmacists & Travel Health: Expanding Access, Earning Trust, and Building Your Practice

In part one of this two-part episode of The Pharmacists Are In, Dr. John Papastergiou and Ajit Johal welcome two special guests: Canadian actor and community builder Shamier Anderson, and health tech innovator Matthew Mazzuca. Together, they discuss their journeys from Hollywood and from engineering to healthcare entrepreneurship. The conversation explores resilience in the face of rejection, the importance of thinking big, and how innovation in both the arts and health technology is reshaping the future of wellness.

View with video:
https://thepharmacistsarein.com/episode/from-hollywood-to-health-tech-lessons-in-resilience-and-innovation

From Hollywood to Health Tech: Lessons in Resilience and Innovation

In part two of our conversation with Shamier Anderson and Matthew Mazzuca, John and Ajit dive deeper into the future of personalized medicine. They discuss the growth of compounding, the rise of preventative care, and the importance of bridging science and storytelling to connect with patients. From pharmacogenomic testing to lifestyle medicine, Shamir and Matthew share how innovation and creativity can empower patients, providers, and the healthcare system as a whole.

View with video:
https://thepharmacistsarein.com/episode/science-to-story-personalized-medicine-compounding-and-the-future-of-wellness

Science to Story: Personalized Medicine, Compounding, and the Future of Wellness

In this episode of The Pharmacists Are In, Dr. John Papastergiou and Ajit Johal explore the evolving role of pharmacists in addressing Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) through vaccination and education. Drawing on Ajit’s presentation at the FIP Congress and John’s community-based practice insights, they discuss global and Canadian trends, new vaccination options, and how pharmacists can lead in awareness, testing, and immunization. Tune in to hear practical strategies for incorporating RSV vaccination into busy pharmacy workflows and improving patient outcomes across age groups.

For more episodes and resources, visit www.ThePharmacistsAreIn.com!

We are grateful to Pfizer Canada (www.pfizer.ca) for their financial support of this educational program to help enhance the knowledge and education of pharmacists.

RSV Vaccination and the Expanding Role of Pharmacists

John, joined by guest host, fellow pharmacist and Certified Diabetes Educator, Bryan Gray, discuss how pharmacists can develop an active role in diabetes management in the face of a growing diabetes epidemic in Canada. They explain how to maximize the use of latest diabetes technologies in your practice, implement point of care testing and strategies to connect with your patient community to improve their health outcomes.  
	
This podcast is brought to you by BD Nano 4mm Pen Needles - Trust the #1 Pen Needle in Canada. Visit https://BD.com for more details. This podcast is also brought to you by the Contour Next One Blood Glucose Meter from Ascensia Diabetes. Visit https://contournextone.ca/ for more information.

Diabetes Screening, Monitoring and Management

John, joined by guest host, consultant pharmacist in cardiovascular disease and the chair of iPACT, Sotiris Antoniou, discuss the evolution of pharmacy practice scope in the UK and how it compares to the pharmacy landscape in Canada. Listen in as they touch on pharmacists’ role in optimizing anticoagulation management, ensuring adherence, correct dosing and changes in anticoagulation therapy recommendations. Sotiris also offers his insight and expertise in atrial fibrillation screening. Tune in to a conversation on the cutting edge of cardiovascular pharmacy practice.

This podcast is brought to you by iPACT, the International Pharmacists for Anticoagulation Taskforce. Visit  www.ipact.org for more information.

Anticoagulation, Adherence and Dosing and iPACT'S Role in AFib Screening

In this episode of The Pharmacists Are In, John talks with guest Debbie Rigby, who was recently nominated as one of the 12 agenda-setters in the Australian pharmacy sector. Debbie is an experienced hospital pharmacist with over 20 years experience in hospital pharmacies and later as a drug information specialist in the hospital environment. Listen in as they discuss the place of Australian pharmacy as one of the world leaders in expanded scope, and how Australian pharmacists are taking on new and exciting responsibilities from immunizations to medication reviews.

This podcast is brought to you by iPACT, the International Pharmacists for Anticoagulation Taskforce. Visit www.ipact.org for more information.

Pharmacy Practices in Australia

In this episode of The Pharmacists Are In, John talks with Filipa Costa, an experienced community pharmacist and researcher who now acts as advisor for the Pharmaceutical Society in Portugal, about the development of pharmacists’ advanced scope of practice in Portugal and strategies to involve community pharmacists in new roles within their practice. Listen in as they discuss Canadian and Portuguese pharmacist efforts in research and the “Know Your Pulse” campaign for atrial fibrillation detection.

This podcast is brought to you by iPACT, the International Pharmacists for Anticoagulation Taskforce. Visit www.ipact.org for more information.

Research in Community and Portuguese Pharmacy Practice

In this episode of The Pharmacists Are In, John talks with Hazem Elewa, an experience pharmacist currently running an anticoagulation clinic in the hospital setting in Qatar. John and Hazem talk about the state of both community and clinical pharmacy practice, and the campaign for a greater scope of practice in Qatar. Listen in as they also discuss how pharmacogenetic clinics are implemented in Qatar and the future of pharmacist-run pharmacogenetic testing. 

This podcast is brought to you by iPACT, the International Pharmacists for Anticoagulation Taskforce. Visit www.ipact.org for more information.

Pharmacogenetic Testing Practices in Qatar

In this episode of The Pharmacists Are In, John talks with Dale Griffiths, past president of the Pharmaceutical Society of New Zealand. With over 40 years of experience, Dale is currently involved in the pharmacy schools at the universities of Otago and Auckland. Listen in as John and Dale talk about pharmacy scope expansion in New Zealand, the political debate surrounding drug reform and the shifting global medical landscape.  

This podcast is brought to you by iPACT, the International Pharmacists for Anticoagulation Taskforce. Visit www.ipact.orgfor more information.

New Zealand pharmacy practice and the success of INR testing

In this first of two episodes focused on vaccinations, John is joined by Sherilyn Houle, an expert on pharmacist-provided care in travel health, immunizations and anticoagulation to discuss the important role of pharmacists in educating patients about vaccinations and improving adherence rates of multi-dose vaccines. They also explain specific opportunities to expand professional pharmacy services and revenue through providing travel consults and vaccinations.

This episode is brought to you by OPEN, the Ontario Pharmacy Evidence Network with support from the GSK Independent Medical Education Grant, which helps education experts and healthcare professionals to collaborate and innovate with the ultimate aim of identifying and closing healthcare gaps.

Vaccinations by Pharmacists – Responsibility and Opportunity

In this second of two episodes focused on vaccinations, John is once again joined by Sherilyn Houle, an expert on pharmacist-provided care in travel health, immunizations and anticoagulation to talk about vaccine hesitancy and the drivers behind the recent anti-vaccine movement, explaining the crucial role of pharmacists. John and Sherilyn also share their recommendations for battling myths and misconceptions around vaccinations and their experiences on how vaccination can increase customer loyalty in the community pharmacy environment.

This episode is brought to you by OPEN, the Ontario Pharmacy Evidence Network with support from the GSK Independent Medical Education Grant, which helps education experts and healthcare professionals to collaborate and innovate with the ultimate aim of identifying and closing healthcare gaps. 

Visit the OPEN website (https://www.open-pharmacy-research.ca/) to learn more about their work, and the GSK IME website (https://ca.gsk.com/en-ca/healthcare-professionals/independent-medical-education/) to learn more about the initiatives they support.

Vaccinations by Pharmacists – Battling Myths and Misconceptions and Increasing Customer Loyalty

In this episode of The Pharmacists Are In, John is joined by Dr. Michael Vallis, a registered health psychologist specializing in the behavioral and psychological aspects of chronic disease. They discuss ways in which understanding and tailoring patient care in pharmacy towards these aspects can improve patient adherence, health outcomes and promote patient self-management and empowerment. They also identify ways in which pharmacists can utilize these techniques in practice without sacrificing valuable time and in collaboration with existing revenue generation opportunities. 

This episode was brought to you by LifeScan, a world leader in blood glucose monitoring manufacturing. To learn more about LifeScan and their products visit www.LifeScan.com.

Behavioral and Psychosocial Counseling in Pharmacy Practice

In this episode John is joined by Dr. Kelly Grindrod, who is an associate professor at the University of Waterloo’s School of Pharmacy and a clinical pharmacist in primary care. She has been working closely with public health and first responders on the roll-out of the take-home Naloxone program. She also led the development of several online resources including the https://www.Pharmacy5in5.ca educational platform.

John and Kelly discuss the scope and impact of the opioid overdose crisis and how pharmacists can drive the conversation on the use of Naloxone kits to help people with opioid use disorder. 

This episode is brought to you through an unrestricted grant from Adapt Pharma, makers of Narcan Nasal Spray, the first and only nasal Naloxone available in North America for the emergency treatment of an opioid overdose. For more information, visit https://www.narcannasalspray.ca .

This episode was recorded via an online connection.

The Role of Pharmacists in Managing the Opioid Crisis

The Pharmacists Are In is the Canadian pharmacist's guide to expanding and innovating scope of care within the pharmacy profession. Hosts John Papastergiou and Ajit Johal guide you in revolutionizing your pharmacy practice through discussions on point of care testing and monitoring, counselling strategies and implementing the latest in care best practices.


HOSTS:

John Papastergiou is a frontline community pharmacist owner, assistant professor at the University of Toronto and University of Waterloo school of pharmacies and an internationally recognized author, speaker, researcher and a point of care testing evangelist. John is passionate about developing and positioning community pharmacies to become a hub for monitoring patients for chronic diseases. In 2014, John was named Canadian Pharmacist of the Year and received the Ontario Pharmacist’s Association Mentorship Award. 

Ajit Johal is a practicing community pharmacist, clinical educator, and assistant professor at the UBC Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Vancouver, British Columbia. He has achieved advanced certification in Diabetes Care, Psychiatric Pharmacy, and Travel Medicine. He has successfully created a clinical pharmacy model by establishing and growing “niche” pharmacy practices. He provides educational programs and lectures locally, nationally, and globally on the expanded role of pharmacists in primary care. 


Podcasts on this channel are produced by Lampyon Health Communications. For more information, please email info@lampyon.ca .

The Pharmacists Are In

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