Pharmacist is an innovator
For his work in developing chronic pain medication programs that don’t lead to misuse, overuse or abuse, Chris Pasin has won the 2017 Ben Gant Innovative Practice Award from the B.C. Pharmacy Association.
Pasin is the pharmacist-owner of Remedy’s RX stores in Oliver, Penticton and West Kelowna.
Besides running his businesses, he volunteers to help physiotherapists, mental health workers and RCMP deal with patients on pain meds.
He also leads methadone 101 courses that doctors take to earn a methadone prescription license.
Methadone is a drug used to treat pain and help patients taper off opioid dependence.
Pasin has also partnered with his family doctor, and former South Okanagan General Hosptial chief of staff, Dr. Peter Entwistle, to do medication consultation and reviews with patients.
“It’s a huge step forward in this profession,” said Pasin.
“We do medication reviews in the store as well but when you do it in a doctor’s office, then it has some real credibility.”
The award was named after Ben Gant, the 1977 winner of what was then called the Community Pharmacist Award.
The B.C. Pharmacy Association represents the more than 3,100 pharmacists and 900 pharmacies in the province.
Excellence
Guests love A Vista Villa Couples Retreat in Kelowna.
The bed and breakfast near Kelowna Golf & Country Club with four Jacuzzi suites and a pool, just earned TripAdvisor’s certificate of excellence based on loads of positive reviews on the world’s largest travel web site by guests that have stayed at A Vista Villa.
A Vista Villa has been operating for 19 years with a niche of catering to couples on honeymoon, who have just eloped or want a quiet and romantic getaway.
It also has a dining lounge and can accommodate up to 20 for a reception.
Connecting
Professionals new to Kelowna, students and recent graduates can now network with local businesspeople to get the inside track on the community and the job market.
The Connector Program was created by the Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission to pair newcomers, students and grads with new connected professionals for one-on-one help.
The program also has a component for the spouse or partner of newly-located professionals.
Check out InvestKelwona.com/Connector.