Gayle’s lessons for pharmacy (and life)

Join us for the Pillar of Pharmacy Dinner on Oct. 16 in Winnipeg, to celebrate Gayle’s stellar contributions to practice, policy and patient care.

Gayle Romanetz’s dedication to advancing pharmacy shines through in every role she takes on—whether that’s driving innovation as Vice-President of Operations at Northway Pharmacy or advocating for expanded services as President of Pharmacists Manitoba. This year’s Pillar of Pharmacy award recipient reflects on her 30+ year career and shares practical advice for the next generation of pharmacists.

What prompted you to pursue a career in pharmacy in the first place?

To be honest, I did not have some grand plan to be a pharmacist. I somehow stumbled into it through a mix of curiosity, circumstance and a little luck. What did seal the deal was a family member who told me that pharmacy was hard and that I should pick something easier. Those were fighting words. That challenge pushed me to prove them wrong, and in doing so, I found a career that has become incredibly meaningful.

How have you overcome setbacks in your career?

Setbacks have been my best teacher. There were moments I questioned myself or felt stuck, and I learned that progress is rarely linear. Challenges have made me resilient and broadened my perspective. What matters most isn’t avoiding failure but choosing to keep moving, to learn and to adapt. In those times, I’ve held onto one belief: if it doesn’t feel right, go left. When something does not feel right, don’t be afraid to carve out a different path. I am grateful to the mentors who encouraged me to trust that instinct.

You’re such an advocate for the profession. How can we get more pharmacists to do the same?

One voice can spark a conversation; many voices can shape a profession. I care about advocacy not because I have all the answers, but because our voices matter. Advocacy doesn’t mean a big stage so find something that is meaningful to you. Mentor a student, join a committee and share your story. Small, consistent actions compound into real change. It will take courage to speak up, especially when things don’t go as planned and that’s where your journey can start.

How do you hope pharmacy will evolve in the future?

The future of pharmacy is not behind the counter—it’s at the heart of patient care. Pharmacists bring immense value and are underused in many healthcare settings. I want to see them fully recognized for the impact they have on health outcomes especially in primary care, health promotion, and chronic disease management. Clinical excellence, collaboration, innovation and trust have always been our strengths. It’s time policy and decision-makers recognize that and invest in us.

What key piece of advice would you give new pharmacy graduates just starting out?

My advice is simple: stay curious and stay kind to your patients, your colleagues and yourself. Your career may not unfold exactly as you expect, and that’s not failure—it’s growth. Mistakes will happen and what defines you is how you respond. Don’t be afraid to redefine success or to take an unexpected path. Pharmacy needs your ideas, your courage and your leadership. You have more influence than you think—use it well.