Receiving a fellowship of the Canadian Association of Pharmacy in Oncology (FCAPhO) is not to be taken lightly. It represents recognition within the pharmacy profession of sustained contributions to patient care and outstanding impacts to the field of oncology practice. In addition to his role as the professional practice leader for BC Cancer Provincial Pharmacy and the provincial drug information coordinator, Dr. de Lemos is also a clinical associate professor with the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of British Columbia. 

“I feel truly honored to have received this distinction,” says Dr. de Lemos. “I am grateful that my work contributes to helping patients in a very challenging phase of their lives.” Growing up as a sickly child, Dr. de Lemos has always had an appreciation for the impact that medicine can have on a person’s life. At BC Cancer, his work is population-based, meaning that it has impacts on a large number of patients. “I usually work in collaboration with my BC Cancer colleagues in pharmacy, nursing, medicine and other disciplines. I am proud that my work with BC Cancer has given me so many opportunities in my career.”

Pharmacy staff play many important roles at BC Cancer in addition to their traditional responsibility in dispensing and monitoring lifesaving medicines. They also educate patients on appropriate use of medicines, and teach both academically and at staff in-services. They are also involved in the critical appraisal of evidence of new cancer drug treatments, economic and operational review of these treatments, development of supportive resources for their delivery, and conduct patient outcome research.  

Kudos to Dr. Mario de Lemos, a Fellow of the Canadian Association of Pharmacy in Oncology and an asset to both patients and staff alike at BC Cancer.