This new pharmacist is on the job in Norwood
He takes over for Diane Schevers, who is retiring
Norwood Centennial Pharmacy officially welcomed its new manager on Sept.19, hosting a day-long meet and greet (with cookies and refreshments of course) at the Colborne St. dispensary. Dr. Samier Kamar has officially taken over for Diane Schevers who is retiring.
Kamar is a doctor of pharmacy graduate from the University of Toronto. He has strong ties to the area as he was born and raised in Peterborough; his father is a respected pharmacist practicing in Peterborough and area for 26 years and is also the owner of a Peterborough pharmacy.
Kamar was eager to follow in his father’s footsteps and earned top grades in school and at Trent University with undergraduate studies in the field of biochemistry and molecular biology.
His dedication to his studies earned him an entrance scholarship at U of T for being among the top three admission candidates and he graduated with an award for top patient counselling. Outside of studying, Kamar was an avid soccer and basketball player and he maintains a strong connection with his family by spending time with his parents and his older brother enjoying various activities such as swimming and biking along the various local trails.
During his time in university, he developed a keen interest in the field of chronic disease management with a focus on diabetes and nephrology (problems with the kidneys). He has firsthand experience working in various hospitals, such as the emergency and the dialysis department at Toronto General, PRHC Centre for Complex Diabetes Care and the Kidney Care Clinic. He also gained valuable community experience in Whitby and Peterborough while working in a methadone clinic.
Kamar decided to accept the position as the pharmacy manager at Centennial Guardian Pharmacy in Norwood because he understands how important it is for young practitioners to provide service within a rural population. This is sparked from his passion for helping people focus on preventative medicine in a community setting rather than necessitating treatment in an acute care setting.
All too commonly patients receive care without understanding what is going on and Kamar believes that the more patients are informed of their health, the more charge they can have in helping to care for their own medical needs.
Kamar admits that it will be a challenge taking over the reins in Norwood; however he assures everyone that he is ready for the task. He also understands that change can be difficult, but he promises that the level of care will be maintained and hopefully exceeded. His goal is to enhance his patients’ quality of life by being more involved in their care.
With flu season now upon us the pharmacy will be a bit busier so Kamar would like to remind everyone to give them at least a day or two to prepare prescriptions re-fills, so more time can be focused on emergency prescriptions, flu shots and consults for over-the-counter treatment options. Be sure to stop by the pharmacy and welcome Kamar to the community.