Pharmacy Technician Society of British Columbia

06/16/2026

Urgent Update for June 18th PTSBC CE Zoom Event

Re-register for the updated Thursdays CE here: https://bit.ly/4exyKEr

05/19/2026

Plans this Thursday!? Join us at 6 pm PDT for our upcoming CE Zoom Event!

Navjit, the founder of ART of Healing, will help us identify common patterns of stress, burnout, and internal responses that impact well-being in pharmacy practice.

This interactive session is not one to miss!

Register Now: http://bit.ly/4tFAHnH

04/21/2026

‼️EARLY BIRD COUNTDOWN‼️

Early bird discounted pricing for the 20th Annual PTSBC Conference ends April 30th!! Log on, become a member and register before time runs out and prices go up!

https://www.ptsbc.ca/conference/2026-conference-registration-form

04/17/2026

04/15/2026

Accredited Education Countdown!

PTSBC Con Ed Session:
Medications for Acne - April 16 at 6pm

Zoom Registration: https://bit.ly/4tcM33j

04/14/2026

⏳2 DAYS LEFT!

**Last day to register: Tomorrow, Tuesday, April 14th!**

We can’t wait to see you at this year’s CSHP-BC Spring Therapeutics Update on Wednesday, April 15th, 2026! Mark your calendar and get ready for an exciting lineup of speakers:

— Dr. Vivien Cao: New Medications in Neurology
— Mark Ho: Hot Topics to Di-alyze
— Dr. Ivy Chow: Approach to Shortening Durations of Antibiotics

For those who are not able to join us in person, we have our live streaming option and virtual recordings available after the event for all attendees.

📚CE Units: 2 CEU
📍Location:
— In Person: Italian Cultural Centre (3075 Slocan St., Vancouver, BC, V5M 3E4)
— Virtual: In real-time via Zoom OR view recordings post-event

See our event website for more details:
https://cshp-bc.com/upcoming-events/cshp-bc-spring-therapeutics-update-2026/?mc_cid=9d7eab42e5&mc_eid=46ba37719c

03/30/2026

💊 PAM Series: A Spotlight on Drug Access Navigators (DANs)

Accessing necessary medications can be a complicated and overwhelming process for many patients, particularly when treatments fall outside public healthcare coverage. This challenge is especially evident in oncology, where life saving therapies often come with significant financial barriers. In this space, Drug Access Navigators (DANs) have emerged as indispensable professionals who help bridge the gap between patients, healthcare providers, and funding systems.

A Drug Access Navigator is a healthcare professional—often a Pharmacy Technician or Pharmacy Assistant—dedicated to helping patients obtain the medications they need when cost or coverage limitations stand in the way. Their role goes far beyond administrative support. DANs serve as advocates, educators, and coordinators, guiding patients through one of the most stressful aspects of their healthcare journey.

Patient support is at the core of the DAN role. Many individuals face complex decisions and confusing paperwork when accessing medications not covered by insurance or public plans. DANs simplify this process by helping patients understand their options and navigate required systems, reducing stress and ensuring patients do not feel alone.

Funding coordination is another key responsibility. Drug Access Navigators explore all available options, including private insurance benefits, pharmaceutical assistance programs, charitable organizations, and government initiatives. Their expertise helps ensure that cost does not become a barrier to essential care.

Collaboration is central to the role. DANs work closely with oncologists, pharmacists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to align treatment plans with funding pathways and prevent delays. In oncology, where timely access can directly impact outcomes, their role is vital.

Ultimately, Drug Access Navigators improve patient care by reducing financial stress, supporting access to critical therapies, and strengthening communication across healthcare teams. Their work remains a crucial component of equitable and effective patient care.

- Lois Battcock (Vice President, CAPT)

03/30/2026

Terrific Technicians features: Tracy Waddington

Submitted by: Jasmin Dhaliwal

"Tracy’s impact on patient care and the oncology pharmacy team extends far beyond the technical responsibilities of her role. She is a trusted and steady presence within the department, known for her exceptional organization, clinical expertise, and unwavering commitment to doing things right. In the complex and fast-paced world of oncology care, her attention to detail and proactive approach help ensure that treatments are prepared safely, accurately, and on time for every patient. Her colleagues rely on her not only for her technical knowledge, but also for her ability to anticipate needs, solve problems, and keep workflows running smoothly even during the busiest days.
Collaboration is at the core of everything Tracy does. She works closely with pharmacists, nurses, and other members of the healthcare team to coordinate oncology and Home IV therapies, ensuring that patients receive the medications they need without delay. Whether she is reviewing treatment schedules, preparing and double-checking orders, managing critical medication inventory, or coordinating deliveries across care areas, Tracy consistently demonstrates a deep understanding of how every step of the medication-use process affects patient care. Her diligence and reliability provide an essential layer of safety and support that allows the entire team to function effectively.
What truly sets Tracy apart, however, is the dedication and compassion she brings to her work every day. For more than 25 years at Penticton Regional Hospital, she has served the pharmacy team and the patients of our community with humility, professionalism, and genuine care. She approaches her role with quiet excellence, always willing to help, support her colleagues, and go the extra mile to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients. Tracy’s contributions are woven into the fabric of our department, and her commitment to teamwork and patient-centered care makes her profoundly deserving of recognition during Pharmacy Appreciation Month."

For full submission, see link: https://cshp-bc.com/pharmacy-appreciation-month-2026/

03/30/2026

03/27/2026

A Dose of Teamwork features: CW Pharmacy Inventory Team

Submitted by: Shane Pawluk

"CW Pharmacy Inventory Management Group consists of our purchaser, drug access navigator, special access program technician, and receiver.

C&W Pharmacy would like to extend their sincere appreciation to our Pharmacy Inventory Management Team for their exceptional dedication and professionalism. Their commitment to maintaining a highly organized and efficient inventory system has been instrumental in supporting the safe and seamless delivery of care across our hospital. The precision and consistency this team brings reflects a deep sense of responsibility and pride in ensuring that every patient receives the medications they need without delay.
The Pharmacy Inventory Management Team’s ability to think quickly and respond effectively to urgent and evolving clinical demands does not go unnoticed both within and outside of the department. Whether navigating unexpected shortages, coordinating time sensitive orders, or adapting to rapidly changing circumstances, the team consistently demonstrates sound judgment and remarkable agility. These strengths play a critical role in supporting our clinical teams and upholding the high standards of care our hospital strives to provide.

Most importantly, this team’s efforts ensure that essential medications remain available when they are needed most. This reliability is foundational to patient safety and to the trust our clinicians place on the pharmacy department. Thank you for your unwavering commitment, your attention to detail, and the professionalism you bring to every aspect of your work. Your contributions make a meaningful difference every day, and we are truly grateful for all that you do."