PAM 2024 Interview with Sherif Elakkad

During Pharmacy Appreciation Month, we spoke with Sherif Elakkad, Manager at TRC Hamilton Pharmacy, to hear his 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?

I wanted to make a difference in people’s lives and provide help and support to those patients who really need it.

2. What’s the best part of your job?

It is not a typical 9 to 5 job! Since addiction affects people from all paths of life, I get to meet different people and learn from their stories and life experiences. I find my job to also be challenging as anyone who works in this field needs to have patience and empathy to be able to help patients dealing with addiction and mental health issues.

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

It is important to find a facility that offers all kinds of help in one place. Having a clinic, a pharmacy and counselling services at the same place is very convenient to patients. It’s like having a full medical facility. It also facilitates the collaboration between all members of the healthcare team working on a specific case.

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

Our patients usually have complex lifestyles and behaviour. They are more socially isolated than others. This requires that we recognize those differences and be very patient and resilient as we guide them through their treatment journey.

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

I strongly believe in a quote by Ralph Emerson: “The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be”.

We hope you have a fantastic Pharmacy Appreciation Month!