Board Member Glen Doucet on what keeps him excited about pharmacy

Glen Doucet reflects on current challenges in the profession and where the Canadian Foundation for Pharmacy (CFP)  fits now and into the future.

When and why did you join CFP?

I joined CFP in March 2021 driven by a shared commitment to advancing pharmacy practice in Canada. I share CFP’s dedication to fostering pharmacy practice research in Canada and its role in celebrating leadership in Canadian pharmacy. Furthermore, CFP’s mission aligns well with that of the Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA) where I am currently the CEO, so it was a natural fit for me.

What expertise do you bring to the Board, especially with your national focus?

I have a deep understanding of the multifaceted challenges facing pharmacists and the pharmacy sector across Canada. I also have 35 years of expertise in association management, government relations and strategic communications, so I understand what is needed to both be a successful organization and, how to influence the public policy environment in Canada.

What are some of the key challenges facing the pharmacy profession today?

The pharmacy profession faces several significant issues today, including an increasing reliance on the profession to deliver primary care services, pharmacy workforce supply challenges, and even threats to professional autonomy. However, I see more opportunities than challenges ahead. Never has the profession been more important to the health of Canadians, and never has the profession been better positioned to assert its essential role in Canada’s evolving healthcare system.

What would you like CFP to do more of to help address some of these challenges?

Looking ahead, I believe there are several areas where CFP can play a crucial role. Firstly, CFP can continue to support innovative research that enhance pharmacists’ knowledge and skills, empowering them to deliver high-quality care. Secondly, CFP’s work can inform advocacy initiatives across Canada, particularly in achieving a more harmonized scope of pharmacy practice. Lastly, CFP can foster collaboration and knowledge exchange among stakeholders in the area innovation, which is essential to the future of pharmacy practice.

What keeps you excited about pharmacy?

Despite the challenges, I’m genuinely excited about the future of pharmacy. The profession is evolving rapidly, with pharmacists increasingly being recognized as essential healthcare providers. Advances in technology, expanded scopes of practice, and a growing emphasis on patient-centered care present exciting opportunities for pharmacists to make a meaningful impact on health outcomes in their communities. Additionally, the growing focus on pharmacy’s role in primary care underscores the vital role pharmacists will play in future of Canadian health care.