PAM 2024 Interview with Candice

During Pharmacy Appreciation Month, we spoke with Candice, Pharmacy Lead/Assistant at CATP Sault Ste. Marie, to hear her perspective on how CATC’s integrated pharmacy services help support our patients on their recovery journey.

1. What motivated you to work in specialized pharmacy services for addiction treatment?

Having worked in community pharmacy at various companies, I was seeking a job that would both continue to challenge me and benefit the community.

2. What’s the best part of your job?

The best part of my job is seeing patients grow, develop and start to believe in themselves.

3. Why are integrated pharmacy services so important for patients with opioid use disorder?

I would say that integrated pharmacy services are important because we understand the program in its entirety.  We understand the importance of encouraging the patients to sample, attend appointments, dose regularly, stay honest and do their best. We are also able to provide the best care for patients when the clinic is not available that external pharmacies are able to do.

4. What makes our patients unique, and how do you meet their needs in your daily work?

I feel as though our patients are unique in their needs in that many patients require encouragement and acknowledgement of even the small strides in order to keep moving forward.  It is important to meet these needs of the patients and have them feel that we truly care about their wellbeing as some patients don’t have anyone else supporting them at this time. I also think that the most important thing is to not stigmatize the patients.  

5. If you had one message for people considering starting treatment for opioid use disorder, what would it be?

A year from now, you will wish you started today.  One step at a time, persistence and progress, not perfection.

We hope you have a fantastic Pharmacy Appreciation Month!