"There is no one that can replace Ricky Dhemi on our pharmacy team."

Pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and assistants play a critical role in patient care. For the past five years pharmacist Ricky Dhemi has been making vital contributions to patient care, first at BC Cancer - Kelowna, and has recently joined the team at BC Cancer – Prince George. Ricky is an integral part of the pharmacy team lending his knowledge in mentoring new staff and supporting the multidisciplinary team.

"I get to work alongside some extraordinary people," says Ricky. "From our physicians, nurses, clerical staff, care aides, social workers, to my fellow pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and assistants, we're all on a team and I love that I get to be part of that team. They make coming to work something I look forward to."

At BC Cancer, pharmacy professionals perform essential tasks. They are more than drug experts who manage medications. They do a lot of work in the background to ensure patients receive their treatments effectively, safely and on schedule. They help with coordinating blood work, aid in arranging appointment bookings, assess patients clinically, get medication coverage for supportive medications, access non-funded medications or special access drugs, and coordinate with a patient's community health care providers – among many other services.

Ricky and Crosby

"I can confidently say that cancer patients are some of the strongest, kindest, and most grateful people I have had the privilege meeting and working with," says Ricky. "These patients are an inspiration to me because of how courageous they are. Venturing forward into unknown territory after their cancer diagnosis and tackling all the challenges that come their way head on is something I truly admire and only engenders wanting to help them in any way I can on their journey."

"There is no one that can replace Ricky Dhemi on our pharmacy team," says Michael Darud, director of operations at BC Cancer – Kelowna. "I don't know if those around him are aware of the work he contributes as he is often quietly reaching out, looking for new projects, education opportunities or new levels of responsibility and leadership. It isn't just within the pharmacy team either as he works collaboratively with so many of our clerks, nurses and physicians. He is always looking for areas to contribute and grow."

Ricky has worked on Resource Intensity Weighting for the pharmacy, developed workflows and implemented Medication Assessment by Pharmacist to the ACU, and mentored pharmacy students, both in clinical knowledge, professionalism and character. He is an integral part of the Pain and Symptom team and has volunteered to take on any pharmacy-related project associated with the implementation of Team Based Care.

"We are so lucky to have Ricky Dhemi as part of our team," says Tania Fung, manager of clinical services at BC Cancer—Kelowna. "His enthusiasm, although quiet, is always there for patients, families, staff and projects. He cannot be stopped in his quest for more knowledge and personal ability to care for patients. He leads in professionalism and thoughtfulness in all that he does and leaves nothing unfinished."

More and more pharmacists are being utilized for more than their drug expertise and are being recognized as an integral part of a comprehensive health care team. Ricky adds, "I cannot wait to see how much more pharmacists can do to help our colleagues and patients."

March is Pharmacy Appreciation Month. To thank a pharmacist, visit bccancer.bc.ca/Thanks

If you are interested in learning about pharmacy technician positions at BC Cancer, visit jobs.phsa.ca/bccancer