Rita Winn has been a tireless advocate for community pharmacy for more than 30 years.

She worked for 22 years at Lovell Drugs, where she served as General Manager and Chief Operation Officer until her recent retirement. While at Lovell Drugs, Winn was always piloting new technologies, products and programs to advance the profession. As a result, the pharmacy was an early adopter of the pilot phase of PrescribeIT and represented the Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada (NPAC) on the PrescribeIT User Working Group. Winn continues to work part time for Rx Drug Mart as a Director on the Lovell Drugs Board providing guidance and support.

She has served on numerous industry organizations, including the Canadian Pharmacists Association and Ontario Pharmacists Association. She is currently the Vice-Chair of the Board for the Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada, where she chairs the Governance and Nominating Committee. Winn is a popular conference speaker, where she has presented on topics such as pharmacy business, workflow and human resources. She also speaks regularly to community groups, including senior centres and other allied health professionals.

Her pharmacy advocacy is also evident through her participation in critical moments for the profession. During the Bill 102 negotiations, for example, Rita worked behind the scenes to create educational videos for pharmacists, while also collaborating with associations and other stakeholders on discussions with the Ministry of Health around the reporting framework and creation of professional allowances. Then, as the co-chair of the Pharmacy Coalition in Ontario, she worked to educate pharmacists about the new funding realities and engaged them in a campaign to make the public aware of changes due to the funding cuts.

Winn is also one of the editors of CFP’s Pharmacy Management in Canada textbook. She used her extensive experience in retail and pharmacy business to find expert writers, while authoring several chapters herself.

Rita Winn has been a tireless advocate for community pharmacy for more than 30 years.

She worked for 22 years at Lovell Drugs, where she served as General Manager and Chief Operation Officer until her recent retirement. While at Lovell Drugs, Winn was always piloting new technologies, products and programs to advance the profession. As a result, the pharmacy was an early adopter of the pilot phase of PrescribeIT and represented the Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada (NPAC) on the PrescribeIT User Working Group. Winn continues to work part time for Rx Drug Mart as a Director on the Lovell Drugs Board providing guidance and support.

She has served on numerous industry organizations, including the Canadian Pharmacists Association and Ontario Pharmacists Association. She is currently the Vice-Chair of the Board for the Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada, where she chairs the Governance and Nominating Committee. Winn is a popular conference speaker, where she has presented on topics such as pharmacy business, workflow and human resources. She also speaks regularly to community groups, including senior centres and other allied health professionals.

Her pharmacy advocacy is also evident through her participation in critical moments for the profession. During the Bill 102 negotiations, for example, Rita worked behind the scenes to create educational videos for pharmacists, while also collaborating with associations and other stakeholders on discussions with the Ministry of Health around the reporting framework and creation of professional allowances. Then, as the co-chair of the Pharmacy Coalition in Ontario, she worked to educate pharmacists about the new funding realities and engaged them in a campaign to make the public aware of changes due to the funding cuts.

Winn is also one of the editors of CFP’s Pharmacy Management in Canada textbook. She used her extensive experience in retail and pharmacy business to find expert writers, while authoring several chapters herself.

Sherry Peister, volunteer extraordinare, Chair of Green Shield Canada and former pharmacy owner, is this year’s recipient of the Canadian Foundation for Pharmacy's celebrated Pillar of Pharmacy Award. 

“Sherry is truly a very deserving winner of the Pillar of Pharmacy Award,” says Bill Wilson, President of CFP.“Her involvement and leadership at all levels of the profession are a testimony to her commitment and passion to advance the role of the pharmacist as an essential healthcare provider.”

Peister’s impact on the profession of pharmacy in Canada began soon after graduating from the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, in 1982. She has put in countless volunteer hours serving on committees and boards for pharmacy associations at the local, provincial and national levels. She has served as President of both the Ontario Pharmacists Association (1994-1995) and Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA) (2013-2014). While President of CPhA, she was instrumental in building the relationships required to help the association successfully transition to a new membership and governance model.  

She has been a board member for Green Shield Canada (GSC) since 1997 and became the first female Chair in 2010. She has played an integral role with the company, serving on the Finance Committee, Pharmacy and Patient Issues Committee, Allocations Committee, Strategic Planning Committee, Search Committee for CEO, Nominations and Governance Committee. Prior to becoming Chair of GSC, Peister also worked as a pharmacist, pharmacy owner and consultant. 

While the Pillar of Pharmacy recognition is Peister’s latest award, it is far from her only accolade. She is a two-time winner of the Women’s Executive Network’s (WXN) Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award, in 2016 and 2017, and most recently she received the CPhA Meritorious Service Award in 2019.

Peister has also been recognized for her work in the community. For example, she worked with Hamilton Community Foundation to develop a new corporate model of philanthropy that focuses on building capacity across the country through community foundations. 

CFP will honour Sherry Peister at its Pillar of Pharmacy Award reception and dinner in November 2019. CFP established the Pillar of Pharmacy Award in 1997 to celebrate the achievements of pharmacists who have demonstrated their dedication to advancing the profession of pharmacy.

Rita Winn has been a tireless advocate for community pharmacy for more than 30 years.

She worked for 22 years at Lovell Drugs, where she served as General Manager and Chief Operation Officer until her recent retirement. While at Lovell Drugs, Winn was always piloting new technologies, products and programs to advance the profession. As a result, the pharmacy was an early adopter of the pilot phase of PrescribeIT and represented the Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada (NPAC) on the PrescribeIT User Working Group. Winn continues to work part time for Rx Drug Mart as a Director on the Lovell Drugs Board providing guidance and support.

She has served on numerous industry organizations, including the Canadian Pharmacists Association and Ontario Pharmacists Association. She is currently the Vice-Chair of the Board for the Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada, where she chairs the Governance and Nominating Committee. Winn is a popular conference speaker, where she has presented on topics such as pharmacy business, workflow and human resources. She also speaks regularly to community groups, including senior centres and other allied health professionals.

Her pharmacy advocacy is also evident through her participation in critical moments for the profession. During the Bill 102 negotiations, for example, Rita worked behind the scenes to create educational videos for pharmacists, while also collaborating with associations and other stakeholders on discussions with the Ministry of Health around the reporting framework and creation of professional allowances. Then, as the co-chair of the Pharmacy Coalition in Ontario, she worked to educate pharmacists about the new funding realities and engaged them in a campaign to make the public aware of changes due to the funding cuts.

Winn is also one of the editors of CFP’s Pharmacy Management in Canada textbook. She used her extensive experience in retail and pharmacy business to find expert writers, while authoring several chapters herself.

Sherry Peister, volunteer extraordinare, Chair of Green Shield Canada and former pharmacy owner, is this year’s recipient of the Canadian Foundation for Pharmacy's celebrated Pillar of Pharmacy Award. 

“Sherry is truly a very deserving winner of the Pillar of Pharmacy Award,” says Bill Wilson, President of CFP.“Her involvement and leadership at all levels of the profession are a testimony to her commitment and passion to advance the role of the pharmacist as an essential healthcare provider.”

Peister’s impact on the profession of pharmacy in Canada began soon after graduating from the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, in 1982. She has put in countless volunteer hours serving on committees and boards for pharmacy associations at the local, provincial and national levels. She has served as President of both the Ontario Pharmacists Association (1994-1995) and Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA) (2013-2014). While President of CPhA, she was instrumental in building the relationships required to help the association successfully transition to a new membership and governance model.  

She has been a board member for Green Shield Canada (GSC) since 1997 and became the first female Chair in 2010. She has played an integral role with the company, serving on the Finance Committee, Pharmacy and Patient Issues Committee, Allocations Committee, Strategic Planning Committee, Search Committee for CEO, Nominations and Governance Committee. Prior to becoming Chair of GSC, Peister also worked as a pharmacist, pharmacy owner and consultant. 

While the Pillar of Pharmacy recognition is Peister’s latest award, it is far from her only accolade. She is a two-time winner of the Women’s Executive Network’s (WXN) Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award, in 2016 and 2017, and most recently she received the CPhA Meritorious Service Award in 2019.

Peister has also been recognized for her work in the community. For example, she worked with Hamilton Community Foundation to develop a new corporate model of philanthropy that focuses on building capacity across the country through community foundations. 

CFP will honour Sherry Peister at its Pillar of Pharmacy Award reception and dinner in November 2019. CFP established the Pillar of Pharmacy Award in 1997 to celebrate the achievements of pharmacists who have demonstrated their dedication to advancing the profession of pharmacy.

Ray Murphy, founder of Murphy’s Pharmacies in P.E.I., is the 2018 recipient of the prestigious Pillar of Pharmacy Award.

“Ray Murphy is very much a Pillar of Pharmacy, demonstrated by his lifelong commitment to the profession of pharmacy, to his patients and to his community,” says David Windross, president of CFP. “Ray is a passionate advocate for patient care and meeting the needs of his patients.”

Murphy’s accomplishments as a pharmacist, business owner and community leader are innumerable. Most recently, in December 2017, the Governor General of Canada appointed Murphy to the Order of Canada, this country’s highest civilian honour (this follows his appointment to the Order or Prince Edward Island in 2007). In 2016, Murphy was named Entrepreneur of the Year by the Greater Charlottetown Area of Commerce.

Within the profession of pharmacy, Murphy established Murphy’s Pharmacies in 1981. Today there are 13 locations across the province, as well as walk-in clinics, a home health care store and travel medicine clinic. His pharmacies offer a wide array of patient services, which actively incorporate authorities available under the province’s expanded scope of practice. He has received the Canadian Pharmacists Association’s (CPhA) Meritorious Service Award (2012) and the CPhA Patient Care Achievement Award (2008). He and his pharmacy team have also received multiple Commitment to Care and Service Awards from Pharmacy Practice + Business magazine.

His commitment to give back to the community is clearly evident, spanning numerous volunteer activities over the decades—from personal canvassing to chairing fundraising campaigns and serving as a board member for numerous charitable and non-profit organizations. His leadership by example includes countless community sponsorships by Murphy’s Pharmacies, culminating in the company’s ongoing support of Murphy’s Community Centre in Charlottetown.

CFP will honour Ray Murphy at its Pillar of Pharmacy Award reception and dinner this fall. CFP established the Pillar of Pharmacy Award in 1997 to celebrate the achievements of pharmacists who have demonstrated their dedication to advancing the profession of pharmacy.

Rita Winn has been a tireless advocate for community pharmacy for more than 30 years.

She worked for 22 years at Lovell Drugs, where she served as General Manager and Chief Operation Officer until her recent retirement. While at Lovell Drugs, Winn was always piloting new technologies, products and programs to advance the profession. As a result, the pharmacy was an early adopter of the pilot phase of PrescribeIT and represented the Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada (NPAC) on the PrescribeIT User Working Group. Winn continues to work part time for Rx Drug Mart as a Director on the Lovell Drugs Board providing guidance and support.

She has served on numerous industry organizations, including the Canadian Pharmacists Association and Ontario Pharmacists Association. She is currently the Vice-Chair of the Board for the Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada, where she chairs the Governance and Nominating Committee. Winn is a popular conference speaker, where she has presented on topics such as pharmacy business, workflow and human resources. She also speaks regularly to community groups, including senior centres and other allied health professionals.

Her pharmacy advocacy is also evident through her participation in critical moments for the profession. During the Bill 102 negotiations, for example, Rita worked behind the scenes to create educational videos for pharmacists, while also collaborating with associations and other stakeholders on discussions with the Ministry of Health around the reporting framework and creation of professional allowances. Then, as the co-chair of the Pharmacy Coalition in Ontario, she worked to educate pharmacists about the new funding realities and engaged them in a campaign to make the public aware of changes due to the funding cuts.

Winn is also one of the editors of CFP’s Pharmacy Management in Canada textbook. She used her extensive experience in retail and pharmacy business to find expert writers, while authoring several chapters herself.

Sherry Peister, volunteer extraordinare, Chair of Green Shield Canada and former pharmacy owner, is this year’s recipient of the Canadian Foundation for Pharmacy's celebrated Pillar of Pharmacy Award. 

“Sherry is truly a very deserving winner of the Pillar of Pharmacy Award,” says Bill Wilson, President of CFP.“Her involvement and leadership at all levels of the profession are a testimony to her commitment and passion to advance the role of the pharmacist as an essential healthcare provider.”

Peister’s impact on the profession of pharmacy in Canada began soon after graduating from the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, in 1982. She has put in countless volunteer hours serving on committees and boards for pharmacy associations at the local, provincial and national levels. She has served as President of both the Ontario Pharmacists Association (1994-1995) and Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA) (2013-2014). While President of CPhA, she was instrumental in building the relationships required to help the association successfully transition to a new membership and governance model.  

She has been a board member for Green Shield Canada (GSC) since 1997 and became the first female Chair in 2010. She has played an integral role with the company, serving on the Finance Committee, Pharmacy and Patient Issues Committee, Allocations Committee, Strategic Planning Committee, Search Committee for CEO, Nominations and Governance Committee. Prior to becoming Chair of GSC, Peister also worked as a pharmacist, pharmacy owner and consultant. 

While the Pillar of Pharmacy recognition is Peister’s latest award, it is far from her only accolade. She is a two-time winner of the Women’s Executive Network’s (WXN) Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award, in 2016 and 2017, and most recently she received the CPhA Meritorious Service Award in 2019.

Peister has also been recognized for her work in the community. For example, she worked with Hamilton Community Foundation to develop a new corporate model of philanthropy that focuses on building capacity across the country through community foundations. 

CFP will honour Sherry Peister at its Pillar of Pharmacy Award reception and dinner in November 2019. CFP established the Pillar of Pharmacy Award in 1997 to celebrate the achievements of pharmacists who have demonstrated their dedication to advancing the profession of pharmacy.

Ray Murphy, founder of Murphy’s Pharmacies in P.E.I., is the 2018 recipient of the prestigious Pillar of Pharmacy Award.

“Ray Murphy is very much a Pillar of Pharmacy, demonstrated by his lifelong commitment to the profession of pharmacy, to his patients and to his community,” says David Windross, president of CFP. “Ray is a passionate advocate for patient care and meeting the needs of his patients.”

Murphy’s accomplishments as a pharmacist, business owner and community leader are innumerable. Most recently, in December 2017, the Governor General of Canada appointed Murphy to the Order of Canada, this country’s highest civilian honour (this follows his appointment to the Order or Prince Edward Island in 2007). In 2016, Murphy was named Entrepreneur of the Year by the Greater Charlottetown Area of Commerce.

Within the profession of pharmacy, Murphy established Murphy’s Pharmacies in 1981. Today there are 13 locations across the province, as well as walk-in clinics, a home health care store and travel medicine clinic. His pharmacies offer a wide array of patient services, which actively incorporate authorities available under the province’s expanded scope of practice. He has received the Canadian Pharmacists Association’s (CPhA) Meritorious Service Award (2012) and the CPhA Patient Care Achievement Award (2008). He and his pharmacy team have also received multiple Commitment to Care and Service Awards from Pharmacy Practice + Business magazine.

His commitment to give back to the community is clearly evident, spanning numerous volunteer activities over the decades—from personal canvassing to chairing fundraising campaigns and serving as a board member for numerous charitable and non-profit organizations. His leadership by example includes countless community sponsorships by Murphy’s Pharmacies, culminating in the company’s ongoing support of Murphy’s Community Centre in Charlottetown.

CFP will honour Ray Murphy at its Pillar of Pharmacy Award reception and dinner this fall. CFP established the Pillar of Pharmacy Award in 1997 to celebrate the achievements of pharmacists who have demonstrated their dedication to advancing the profession of pharmacy.

With a career spanning more than four decades, Moleschi has consistently influenced positive change. After earning his pharmacy degree from the University of British Columbia in 1974, he started out as a community pharmacist in Kitimat, B.C. Only two months later, his employer gave him an opportunity to open and manage an 8,000-sq.-ft. pharmacy in Prince Rupert, where he developed and implemented the pharmacy’s first medication profiles for patients.

In 1977, he opened the first Co-Op pharmacy in B.C., then in 1981 he entered hospital pharmacy as the pharmacy manager at Shuswap Lake General Hospital. During a time when pharmacists stayed in the dispensary, Moleschi challenged the status quo by routinely visiting wards to share his knowledge. He also implemented a distance pharmacy service for 11 facilities spread out across 500 km.

After completing a Masters of Health Administration degree, Moleschi became Chief Operating Officer for the North Okanagan Health Region, and then in 1998 took an executive position with the Health Association of B.C. After 10 years in health administration, he returned to his clinical roots as Director of Pharmacy for the East Kootenay Health Region. During that time he worked with the College of Pharmacists of B.C. to pioneer telepharmacy services. He was recruited by the Northern Health region in 2002, where he worked to establish a medical school at the University of Northern B.C.

In 2005, Moleschi became Registrar of the College of Pharmacists of B.C. He guided the expansion of pharmacists’ scope of practice, the regulation of pharmacy technicians and updated the College’s Code of Ethics. He also took to the road as a public speaker at pharmacy conferences, to motivate pharmacists and technicians to take up their new responsibilities under expanded scopes of practice.

Moleschi moved on to the Ontario College of Pharmacists in 2011. As Registrar, he again helped guide the expansion of pharmacists’ scope of practice, and updated the College’s Professional Practice Principles and Code of Ethics. He evolved practice assessments away from the traditional checklists to include a more qualitative evaluation, which includes coaching pharmacists on how to enhance their delivery of services. Moleschi retired in 2016.

Rita Winn has been a tireless advocate for community pharmacy for more than 30 years.

She worked for 22 years at Lovell Drugs, where she served as General Manager and Chief Operation Officer until her recent retirement. While at Lovell Drugs, Winn was always piloting new technologies, products and programs to advance the profession. As a result, the pharmacy was an early adopter of the pilot phase of PrescribeIT and represented the Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada (NPAC) on the PrescribeIT User Working Group. Winn continues to work part time for Rx Drug Mart as a Director on the Lovell Drugs Board providing guidance and support.

She has served on numerous industry organizations, including the Canadian Pharmacists Association and Ontario Pharmacists Association. She is currently the Vice-Chair of the Board for the Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada, where she chairs the Governance and Nominating Committee. Winn is a popular conference speaker, where she has presented on topics such as pharmacy business, workflow and human resources. She also speaks regularly to community groups, including senior centres and other allied health professionals.

Her pharmacy advocacy is also evident through her participation in critical moments for the profession. During the Bill 102 negotiations, for example, Rita worked behind the scenes to create educational videos for pharmacists, while also collaborating with associations and other stakeholders on discussions with the Ministry of Health around the reporting framework and creation of professional allowances. Then, as the co-chair of the Pharmacy Coalition in Ontario, she worked to educate pharmacists about the new funding realities and engaged them in a campaign to make the public aware of changes due to the funding cuts.

Winn is also one of the editors of CFP’s Pharmacy Management in Canada textbook. She used her extensive experience in retail and pharmacy business to find expert writers, while authoring several chapters herself.

Sherry Peister, volunteer extraordinare, Chair of Green Shield Canada and former pharmacy owner, is this year’s recipient of the Canadian Foundation for Pharmacy's celebrated Pillar of Pharmacy Award. 

“Sherry is truly a very deserving winner of the Pillar of Pharmacy Award,” says Bill Wilson, President of CFP.“Her involvement and leadership at all levels of the profession are a testimony to her commitment and passion to advance the role of the pharmacist as an essential healthcare provider.”

Peister’s impact on the profession of pharmacy in Canada began soon after graduating from the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, in 1982. She has put in countless volunteer hours serving on committees and boards for pharmacy associations at the local, provincial and national levels. She has served as President of both the Ontario Pharmacists Association (1994-1995) and Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA) (2013-2014). While President of CPhA, she was instrumental in building the relationships required to help the association successfully transition to a new membership and governance model.  

She has been a board member for Green Shield Canada (GSC) since 1997 and became the first female Chair in 2010. She has played an integral role with the company, serving on the Finance Committee, Pharmacy and Patient Issues Committee, Allocations Committee, Strategic Planning Committee, Search Committee for CEO, Nominations and Governance Committee. Prior to becoming Chair of GSC, Peister also worked as a pharmacist, pharmacy owner and consultant. 

While the Pillar of Pharmacy recognition is Peister’s latest award, it is far from her only accolade. She is a two-time winner of the Women’s Executive Network’s (WXN) Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award, in 2016 and 2017, and most recently she received the CPhA Meritorious Service Award in 2019.

Peister has also been recognized for her work in the community. For example, she worked with Hamilton Community Foundation to develop a new corporate model of philanthropy that focuses on building capacity across the country through community foundations. 

CFP will honour Sherry Peister at its Pillar of Pharmacy Award reception and dinner in November 2019. CFP established the Pillar of Pharmacy Award in 1997 to celebrate the achievements of pharmacists who have demonstrated their dedication to advancing the profession of pharmacy.

Ray Murphy, founder of Murphy’s Pharmacies in P.E.I., is the 2018 recipient of the prestigious Pillar of Pharmacy Award.

“Ray Murphy is very much a Pillar of Pharmacy, demonstrated by his lifelong commitment to the profession of pharmacy, to his patients and to his community,” says David Windross, president of CFP. “Ray is a passionate advocate for patient care and meeting the needs of his patients.”

Murphy’s accomplishments as a pharmacist, business owner and community leader are innumerable. Most recently, in December 2017, the Governor General of Canada appointed Murphy to the Order of Canada, this country’s highest civilian honour (this follows his appointment to the Order or Prince Edward Island in 2007). In 2016, Murphy was named Entrepreneur of the Year by the Greater Charlottetown Area of Commerce.

Within the profession of pharmacy, Murphy established Murphy’s Pharmacies in 1981. Today there are 13 locations across the province, as well as walk-in clinics, a home health care store and travel medicine clinic. His pharmacies offer a wide array of patient services, which actively incorporate authorities available under the province’s expanded scope of practice. He has received the Canadian Pharmacists Association’s (CPhA) Meritorious Service Award (2012) and the CPhA Patient Care Achievement Award (2008). He and his pharmacy team have also received multiple Commitment to Care and Service Awards from Pharmacy Practice + Business magazine.

His commitment to give back to the community is clearly evident, spanning numerous volunteer activities over the decades—from personal canvassing to chairing fundraising campaigns and serving as a board member for numerous charitable and non-profit organizations. His leadership by example includes countless community sponsorships by Murphy’s Pharmacies, culminating in the company’s ongoing support of Murphy’s Community Centre in Charlottetown.

CFP will honour Ray Murphy at its Pillar of Pharmacy Award reception and dinner this fall. CFP established the Pillar of Pharmacy Award in 1997 to celebrate the achievements of pharmacists who have demonstrated their dedication to advancing the profession of pharmacy.

With a career spanning more than four decades, Moleschi has consistently influenced positive change. After earning his pharmacy degree from the University of British Columbia in 1974, he started out as a community pharmacist in Kitimat, B.C. Only two months later, his employer gave him an opportunity to open and manage an 8,000-sq.-ft. pharmacy in Prince Rupert, where he developed and implemented the pharmacy’s first medication profiles for patients.

In 1977, he opened the first Co-Op pharmacy in B.C., then in 1981 he entered hospital pharmacy as the pharmacy manager at Shuswap Lake General Hospital. During a time when pharmacists stayed in the dispensary, Moleschi challenged the status quo by routinely visiting wards to share his knowledge. He also implemented a distance pharmacy service for 11 facilities spread out across 500 km.

After completing a Masters of Health Administration degree, Moleschi became Chief Operating Officer for the North Okanagan Health Region, and then in 1998 took an executive position with the Health Association of B.C. After 10 years in health administration, he returned to his clinical roots as Director of Pharmacy for the East Kootenay Health Region. During that time he worked with the College of Pharmacists of B.C. to pioneer telepharmacy services. He was recruited by the Northern Health region in 2002, where he worked to establish a medical school at the University of Northern B.C.

In 2005, Moleschi became Registrar of the College of Pharmacists of B.C. He guided the expansion of pharmacists’ scope of practice, the regulation of pharmacy technicians and updated the College’s Code of Ethics. He also took to the road as a public speaker at pharmacy conferences, to motivate pharmacists and technicians to take up their new responsibilities under expanded scopes of practice.

Moleschi moved on to the Ontario College of Pharmacists in 2011. As Registrar, he again helped guide the expansion of pharmacists’ scope of practice, and updated the College’s Professional Practice Principles and Code of Ethics. He evolved practice assessments away from the traditional checklists to include a more qualitative evaluation, which includes coaching pharmacists on how to enhance their delivery of services. Moleschi retired in 2016.

Graduating first in her class from the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Pharmacy, Carole has realized an illustrious career spanning more than four decades and covering multiple facets of pharmacy. During her early years, Carole was a pharmacy director for a rehabilitation hospital.  She later spent nine years providing pharmacy services to long-term care and retirement homes as a clinical and consultant pharmacist. She has also held senior management positions with pharmacy chains both provincially and nationally. Carole spent the last 15 years with MPGL in an executive capacity where she has guided and directed the development of the company’s integrated pharmaceutical care model, as well as spearheaded government relations. Recently retired from her position as Senior Vice President, she continues to influence MPGL’s future as a member of its Board of Directors. A central figure in advancing the profession, Carole has contributed to many pharmacy associations and government organizations throughout her career. One of her most significant achievements was in founding the Canadian Society of Consultant Pharmacists (CSCP), where she also served as president and led the council in developing the first-ever Canadian Standards of Practice for Long-Term Care. For five years, Carole was Chair of the Ontario Pharmacists Association Long-Term Care Working Group and a member of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Pharmacy Council. In fact, she brought a balanced perspective to many organizations, including the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA), Canadian Association of Chain Drug Stores (CACDS), Rx Canada, Ontario College of Pharmacists (OCP) and Canadian Pharmacist Association (CPhA)

Rita Winn has been a tireless advocate for community pharmacy for more than 30 years.

She worked for 22 years at Lovell Drugs, where she served as General Manager and Chief Operation Officer until her recent retirement. While at Lovell Drugs, Winn was always piloting new technologies, products and programs to advance the profession. As a result, the pharmacy was an early adopter of the pilot phase of PrescribeIT and represented the Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada (NPAC) on the PrescribeIT User Working Group. Winn continues to work part time for Rx Drug Mart as a Director on the Lovell Drugs Board providing guidance and support.

She has served on numerous industry organizations, including the Canadian Pharmacists Association and Ontario Pharmacists Association. She is currently the Vice-Chair of the Board for the Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada, where she chairs the Governance and Nominating Committee. Winn is a popular conference speaker, where she has presented on topics such as pharmacy business, workflow and human resources. She also speaks regularly to community groups, including senior centres and other allied health professionals.

Her pharmacy advocacy is also evident through her participation in critical moments for the profession. During the Bill 102 negotiations, for example, Rita worked behind the scenes to create educational videos for pharmacists, while also collaborating with associations and other stakeholders on discussions with the Ministry of Health around the reporting framework and creation of professional allowances. Then, as the co-chair of the Pharmacy Coalition in Ontario, she worked to educate pharmacists about the new funding realities and engaged them in a campaign to make the public aware of changes due to the funding cuts.

Winn is also one of the editors of CFP’s Pharmacy Management in Canada textbook. She used her extensive experience in retail and pharmacy business to find expert writers, while authoring several chapters herself.

Sherry Peister, volunteer extraordinare, Chair of Green Shield Canada and former pharmacy owner, is this year’s recipient of the Canadian Foundation for Pharmacy's celebrated Pillar of Pharmacy Award. 

“Sherry is truly a very deserving winner of the Pillar of Pharmacy Award,” says Bill Wilson, President of CFP.“Her involvement and leadership at all levels of the profession are a testimony to her commitment and passion to advance the role of the pharmacist as an essential healthcare provider.”

Peister’s impact on the profession of pharmacy in Canada began soon after graduating from the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, in 1982. She has put in countless volunteer hours serving on committees and boards for pharmacy associations at the local, provincial and national levels. She has served as President of both the Ontario Pharmacists Association (1994-1995) and Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA) (2013-2014). While President of CPhA, she was instrumental in building the relationships required to help the association successfully transition to a new membership and governance model.  

She has been a board member for Green Shield Canada (GSC) since 1997 and became the first female Chair in 2010. She has played an integral role with the company, serving on the Finance Committee, Pharmacy and Patient Issues Committee, Allocations Committee, Strategic Planning Committee, Search Committee for CEO, Nominations and Governance Committee. Prior to becoming Chair of GSC, Peister also worked as a pharmacist, pharmacy owner and consultant. 

While the Pillar of Pharmacy recognition is Peister’s latest award, it is far from her only accolade. She is a two-time winner of the Women’s Executive Network’s (WXN) Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award, in 2016 and 2017, and most recently she received the CPhA Meritorious Service Award in 2019.

Peister has also been recognized for her work in the community. For example, she worked with Hamilton Community Foundation to develop a new corporate model of philanthropy that focuses on building capacity across the country through community foundations. 

CFP will honour Sherry Peister at its Pillar of Pharmacy Award reception and dinner in November 2019. CFP established the Pillar of Pharmacy Award in 1997 to celebrate the achievements of pharmacists who have demonstrated their dedication to advancing the profession of pharmacy.

Ray Murphy, founder of Murphy’s Pharmacies in P.E.I., is the 2018 recipient of the prestigious Pillar of Pharmacy Award.

“Ray Murphy is very much a Pillar of Pharmacy, demonstrated by his lifelong commitment to the profession of pharmacy, to his patients and to his community,” says David Windross, president of CFP. “Ray is a passionate advocate for patient care and meeting the needs of his patients.”

Murphy’s accomplishments as a pharmacist, business owner and community leader are innumerable. Most recently, in December 2017, the Governor General of Canada appointed Murphy to the Order of Canada, this country’s highest civilian honour (this follows his appointment to the Order or Prince Edward Island in 2007). In 2016, Murphy was named Entrepreneur of the Year by the Greater Charlottetown Area of Commerce.

Within the profession of pharmacy, Murphy established Murphy’s Pharmacies in 1981. Today there are 13 locations across the province, as well as walk-in clinics, a home health care store and travel medicine clinic. His pharmacies offer a wide array of patient services, which actively incorporate authorities available under the province’s expanded scope of practice. He has received the Canadian Pharmacists Association’s (CPhA) Meritorious Service Award (2012) and the CPhA Patient Care Achievement Award (2008). He and his pharmacy team have also received multiple Commitment to Care and Service Awards from Pharmacy Practice + Business magazine.

His commitment to give back to the community is clearly evident, spanning numerous volunteer activities over the decades—from personal canvassing to chairing fundraising campaigns and serving as a board member for numerous charitable and non-profit organizations. His leadership by example includes countless community sponsorships by Murphy’s Pharmacies, culminating in the company’s ongoing support of Murphy’s Community Centre in Charlottetown.

CFP will honour Ray Murphy at its Pillar of Pharmacy Award reception and dinner this fall. CFP established the Pillar of Pharmacy Award in 1997 to celebrate the achievements of pharmacists who have demonstrated their dedication to advancing the profession of pharmacy.

With a career spanning more than four decades, Moleschi has consistently influenced positive change. After earning his pharmacy degree from the University of British Columbia in 1974, he started out as a community pharmacist in Kitimat, B.C. Only two months later, his employer gave him an opportunity to open and manage an 8,000-sq.-ft. pharmacy in Prince Rupert, where he developed and implemented the pharmacy’s first medication profiles for patients.

In 1977, he opened the first Co-Op pharmacy in B.C., then in 1981 he entered hospital pharmacy as the pharmacy manager at Shuswap Lake General Hospital. During a time when pharmacists stayed in the dispensary, Moleschi challenged the status quo by routinely visiting wards to share his knowledge. He also implemented a distance pharmacy service for 11 facilities spread out across 500 km.

After completing a Masters of Health Administration degree, Moleschi became Chief Operating Officer for the North Okanagan Health Region, and then in 1998 took an executive position with the Health Association of B.C. After 10 years in health administration, he returned to his clinical roots as Director of Pharmacy for the East Kootenay Health Region. During that time he worked with the College of Pharmacists of B.C. to pioneer telepharmacy services. He was recruited by the Northern Health region in 2002, where he worked to establish a medical school at the University of Northern B.C.

In 2005, Moleschi became Registrar of the College of Pharmacists of B.C. He guided the expansion of pharmacists’ scope of practice, the regulation of pharmacy technicians and updated the College’s Code of Ethics. He also took to the road as a public speaker at pharmacy conferences, to motivate pharmacists and technicians to take up their new responsibilities under expanded scopes of practice.

Moleschi moved on to the Ontario College of Pharmacists in 2011. As Registrar, he again helped guide the expansion of pharmacists’ scope of practice, and updated the College’s Professional Practice Principles and Code of Ethics. He evolved practice assessments away from the traditional checklists to include a more qualitative evaluation, which includes coaching pharmacists on how to enhance their delivery of services. Moleschi retired in 2016.

Graduating first in her class from the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Pharmacy, Carole has realized an illustrious career spanning more than four decades and covering multiple facets of pharmacy. During her early years, Carole was a pharmacy director for a rehabilitation hospital.  She later spent nine years providing pharmacy services to long-term care and retirement homes as a clinical and consultant pharmacist. She has also held senior management positions with pharmacy chains both provincially and nationally. Carole spent the last 15 years with MPGL in an executive capacity where she has guided and directed the development of the company’s integrated pharmaceutical care model, as well as spearheaded government relations. Recently retired from her position as Senior Vice President, she continues to influence MPGL’s future as a member of its Board of Directors. A central figure in advancing the profession, Carole has contributed to many pharmacy associations and government organizations throughout her career. One of her most significant achievements was in founding the Canadian Society of Consultant Pharmacists (CSCP), where she also served as president and led the council in developing the first-ever Canadian Standards of Practice for Long-Term Care. For five years, Carole was Chair of the Ontario Pharmacists Association Long-Term Care Working Group and a member of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Pharmacy Council. In fact, she brought a balanced perspective to many organizations, including the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA), Canadian Association of Chain Drug Stores (CACDS), Rx Canada, Ontario College of Pharmacists (OCP) and Canadian Pharmacist Association (CPhA)

Rita Winn has been a tireless advocate for community pharmacy for more than 30 years.

She worked for 22 years at Lovell Drugs, where she served as General Manager and Chief Operation Officer until her recent retirement. While at Lovell Drugs, Winn was always piloting new technologies, products and programs to advance the profession. As a result, the pharmacy was an early adopter of the pilot phase of PrescribeIT and represented the Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada (NPAC) on the PrescribeIT User Working Group. Winn continues to work part time for Rx Drug Mart as a Director on the Lovell Drugs Board providing guidance and support.

She has served on numerous industry organizations, including the Canadian Pharmacists Association and Ontario Pharmacists Association. She is currently the Vice-Chair of the Board for the Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada, where she chairs the Governance and Nominating Committee. Winn is a popular conference speaker, where she has presented on topics such as pharmacy business, workflow and human resources. She also speaks regularly to community groups, including senior centres and other allied health professionals.

Her pharmacy advocacy is also evident through her participation in critical moments for the profession. During the Bill 102 negotiations, for example, Rita worked behind the scenes to create educational videos for pharmacists, while also collaborating with associations and other stakeholders on discussions with the Ministry of Health around the reporting framework and creation of professional allowances. Then, as the co-chair of the Pharmacy Coalition in Ontario, she worked to educate pharmacists about the new funding realities and engaged them in a campaign to make the public aware of changes due to the funding cuts.

Winn is also one of the editors of CFP’s Pharmacy Management in Canada textbook. She used her extensive experience in retail and pharmacy business to find expert writers, while authoring several chapters herself.

Sherry Peister, volunteer extraordinare, Chair of Green Shield Canada and former pharmacy owner, is this year’s recipient of the Canadian Foundation for Pharmacy's celebrated Pillar of Pharmacy Award. 

“Sherry is truly a very deserving winner of the Pillar of Pharmacy Award,” says Bill Wilson, President of CFP.“Her involvement and leadership at all levels of the profession are a testimony to her commitment and passion to advance the role of the pharmacist as an essential healthcare provider.”

Peister’s impact on the profession of pharmacy in Canada began soon after graduating from the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, in 1982. She has put in countless volunteer hours serving on committees and boards for pharmacy associations at the local, provincial and national levels. She has served as President of both the Ontario Pharmacists Association (1994-1995) and Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA) (2013-2014). While President of CPhA, she was instrumental in building the relationships required to help the association successfully transition to a new membership and governance model.  

She has been a board member for Green Shield Canada (GSC) since 1997 and became the first female Chair in 2010. She has played an integral role with the company, serving on the Finance Committee, Pharmacy and Patient Issues Committee, Allocations Committee, Strategic Planning Committee, Search Committee for CEO, Nominations and Governance Committee. Prior to becoming Chair of GSC, Peister also worked as a pharmacist, pharmacy owner and consultant. 

While the Pillar of Pharmacy recognition is Peister’s latest award, it is far from her only accolade. She is a two-time winner of the Women’s Executive Network’s (WXN) Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award, in 2016 and 2017, and most recently she received the CPhA Meritorious Service Award in 2019.

Peister has also been recognized for her work in the community. For example, she worked with Hamilton Community Foundation to develop a new corporate model of philanthropy that focuses on building capacity across the country through community foundations. 

CFP will honour Sherry Peister at its Pillar of Pharmacy Award reception and dinner in November 2019. CFP established the Pillar of Pharmacy Award in 1997 to celebrate the achievements of pharmacists who have demonstrated their dedication to advancing the profession of pharmacy.

Ray Murphy, founder of Murphy’s Pharmacies in P.E.I., is the 2018 recipient of the prestigious Pillar of Pharmacy Award.

“Ray Murphy is very much a Pillar of Pharmacy, demonstrated by his lifelong commitment to the profession of pharmacy, to his patients and to his community,” says David Windross, president of CFP. “Ray is a passionate advocate for patient care and meeting the needs of his patients.”

Murphy’s accomplishments as a pharmacist, business owner and community leader are innumerable. Most recently, in December 2017, the Governor General of Canada appointed Murphy to the Order of Canada, this country’s highest civilian honour (this follows his appointment to the Order or Prince Edward Island in 2007). In 2016, Murphy was named Entrepreneur of the Year by the Greater Charlottetown Area of Commerce.

Within the profession of pharmacy, Murphy established Murphy’s Pharmacies in 1981. Today there are 13 locations across the province, as well as walk-in clinics, a home health care store and travel medicine clinic. His pharmacies offer a wide array of patient services, which actively incorporate authorities available under the province’s expanded scope of practice. He has received the Canadian Pharmacists Association’s (CPhA) Meritorious Service Award (2012) and the CPhA Patient Care Achievement Award (2008). He and his pharmacy team have also received multiple Commitment to Care and Service Awards from Pharmacy Practice + Business magazine.

His commitment to give back to the community is clearly evident, spanning numerous volunteer activities over the decades—from personal canvassing to chairing fundraising campaigns and serving as a board member for numerous charitable and non-profit organizations. His leadership by example includes countless community sponsorships by Murphy’s Pharmacies, culminating in the company’s ongoing support of Murphy’s Community Centre in Charlottetown.

CFP will honour Ray Murphy at its Pillar of Pharmacy Award reception and dinner this fall. CFP established the Pillar of Pharmacy Award in 1997 to celebrate the achievements of pharmacists who have demonstrated their dedication to advancing the profession of pharmacy.

With a career spanning more than four decades, Moleschi has consistently influenced positive change. After earning his pharmacy degree from the University of British Columbia in 1974, he started out as a community pharmacist in Kitimat, B.C. Only two months later, his employer gave him an opportunity to open and manage an 8,000-sq.-ft. pharmacy in Prince Rupert, where he developed and implemented the pharmacy’s first medication profiles for patients.

In 1977, he opened the first Co-Op pharmacy in B.C., then in 1981 he entered hospital pharmacy as the pharmacy manager at Shuswap Lake General Hospital. During a time when pharmacists stayed in the dispensary, Moleschi challenged the status quo by routinely visiting wards to share his knowledge. He also implemented a distance pharmacy service for 11 facilities spread out across 500 km.

After completing a Masters of Health Administration degree, Moleschi became Chief Operating Officer for the North Okanagan Health Region, and then in 1998 took an executive position with the Health Association of B.C. After 10 years in health administration, he returned to his clinical roots as Director of Pharmacy for the East Kootenay Health Region. During that time he worked with the College of Pharmacists of B.C. to pioneer telepharmacy services. He was recruited by the Northern Health region in 2002, where he worked to establish a medical school at the University of Northern B.C.

In 2005, Moleschi became Registrar of the College of Pharmacists of B.C. He guided the expansion of pharmacists’ scope of practice, the regulation of pharmacy technicians and updated the College’s Code of Ethics. He also took to the road as a public speaker at pharmacy conferences, to motivate pharmacists and technicians to take up their new responsibilities under expanded scopes of practice.

Moleschi moved on to the Ontario College of Pharmacists in 2011. As Registrar, he again helped guide the expansion of pharmacists’ scope of practice, and updated the College’s Professional Practice Principles and Code of Ethics. He evolved practice assessments away from the traditional checklists to include a more qualitative evaluation, which includes coaching pharmacists on how to enhance their delivery of services. Moleschi retired in 2016.

Graduating first in her class from the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Pharmacy, Carole has realized an illustrious career spanning more than four decades and covering multiple facets of pharmacy. During her early years, Carole was a pharmacy director for a rehabilitation hospital.  She later spent nine years providing pharmacy services to long-term care and retirement homes as a clinical and consultant pharmacist. She has also held senior management positions with pharmacy chains both provincially and nationally. Carole spent the last 15 years with MPGL in an executive capacity where she has guided and directed the development of the company’s integrated pharmaceutical care model, as well as spearheaded government relations. Recently retired from her position as Senior Vice President, she continues to influence MPGL’s future as a member of its Board of Directors. A central figure in advancing the profession, Carole has contributed to many pharmacy associations and government organizations throughout her career. One of her most significant achievements was in founding the Canadian Society of Consultant Pharmacists (CSCP), where she also served as president and led the council in developing the first-ever Canadian Standards of Practice for Long-Term Care. For five years, Carole was Chair of the Ontario Pharmacists Association Long-Term Care Working Group and a member of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Pharmacy Council. In fact, she brought a balanced perspective to many organizations, including the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA), Canadian Association of Chain Drug Stores (CACDS), Rx Canada, Ontario College of Pharmacists (OCP) and Canadian Pharmacist Association (CPhA)

In addition to 33 years as a member of the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Toronto, pharmacist Dr. Jake Thiessen was instrumental in spearheading the creation of the first co-op pharmacy program in Canada at the University of Waterloo.

Related link:

2014 news article - Spotlight on Jake Thiessen

Rita Winn has been a tireless advocate for community pharmacy for more than 30 years.

She worked for 22 years at Lovell Drugs, where she served as General Manager and Chief Operation Officer until her recent retirement. While at Lovell Drugs, Winn was always piloting new technologies, products and programs to advance the profession. As a result, the pharmacy was an early adopter of the pilot phase of PrescribeIT and represented the Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada (NPAC) on the PrescribeIT User Working Group. Winn continues to work part time for Rx Drug Mart as a Director on the Lovell Drugs Board providing guidance and support.

She has served on numerous industry organizations, including the Canadian Pharmacists Association and Ontario Pharmacists Association. She is currently the Vice-Chair of the Board for the Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada, where she chairs the Governance and Nominating Committee. Winn is a popular conference speaker, where she has presented on topics such as pharmacy business, workflow and human resources. She also speaks regularly to community groups, including senior centres and other allied health professionals.

Her pharmacy advocacy is also evident through her participation in critical moments for the profession. During the Bill 102 negotiations, for example, Rita worked behind the scenes to create educational videos for pharmacists, while also collaborating with associations and other stakeholders on discussions with the Ministry of Health around the reporting framework and creation of professional allowances. Then, as the co-chair of the Pharmacy Coalition in Ontario, she worked to educate pharmacists about the new funding realities and engaged them in a campaign to make the public aware of changes due to the funding cuts.

Winn is also one of the editors of CFP’s Pharmacy Management in Canada textbook. She used her extensive experience in retail and pharmacy business to find expert writers, while authoring several chapters herself.

Sherry Peister, volunteer extraordinare, Chair of Green Shield Canada and former pharmacy owner, is this year’s recipient of the Canadian Foundation for Pharmacy's celebrated Pillar of Pharmacy Award. 

“Sherry is truly a very deserving winner of the Pillar of Pharmacy Award,” says Bill Wilson, President of CFP.“Her involvement and leadership at all levels of the profession are a testimony to her commitment and passion to advance the role of the pharmacist as an essential healthcare provider.”

Peister’s impact on the profession of pharmacy in Canada began soon after graduating from the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, in 1982. She has put in countless volunteer hours serving on committees and boards for pharmacy associations at the local, provincial and national levels. She has served as President of both the Ontario Pharmacists Association (1994-1995) and Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA) (2013-2014). While President of CPhA, she was instrumental in building the relationships required to help the association successfully transition to a new membership and governance model.  

She has been a board member for Green Shield Canada (GSC) since 1997 and became the first female Chair in 2010. She has played an integral role with the company, serving on the Finance Committee, Pharmacy and Patient Issues Committee, Allocations Committee, Strategic Planning Committee, Search Committee for CEO, Nominations and Governance Committee. Prior to becoming Chair of GSC, Peister also worked as a pharmacist, pharmacy owner and consultant. 

While the Pillar of Pharmacy recognition is Peister’s latest award, it is far from her only accolade. She is a two-time winner of the Women’s Executive Network’s (WXN) Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award, in 2016 and 2017, and most recently she received the CPhA Meritorious Service Award in 2019.

Peister has also been recognized for her work in the community. For example, she worked with Hamilton Community Foundation to develop a new corporate model of philanthropy that focuses on building capacity across the country through community foundations. 

CFP will honour Sherry Peister at its Pillar of Pharmacy Award reception and dinner in November 2019. CFP established the Pillar of Pharmacy Award in 1997 to celebrate the achievements of pharmacists who have demonstrated their dedication to advancing the profession of pharmacy.

Ray Murphy, founder of Murphy’s Pharmacies in P.E.I., is the 2018 recipient of the prestigious Pillar of Pharmacy Award.

“Ray Murphy is very much a Pillar of Pharmacy, demonstrated by his lifelong commitment to the profession of pharmacy, to his patients and to his community,” says David Windross, president of CFP. “Ray is a passionate advocate for patient care and meeting the needs of his patients.”

Murphy’s accomplishments as a pharmacist, business owner and community leader are innumerable. Most recently, in December 2017, the Governor General of Canada appointed Murphy to the Order of Canada, this country’s highest civilian honour (this follows his appointment to the Order or Prince Edward Island in 2007). In 2016, Murphy was named Entrepreneur of the Year by the Greater Charlottetown Area of Commerce.

Within the profession of pharmacy, Murphy established Murphy’s Pharmacies in 1981. Today there are 13 locations across the province, as well as walk-in clinics, a home health care store and travel medicine clinic. His pharmacies offer a wide array of patient services, which actively incorporate authorities available under the province’s expanded scope of practice. He has received the Canadian Pharmacists Association’s (CPhA) Meritorious Service Award (2012) and the CPhA Patient Care Achievement Award (2008). He and his pharmacy team have also received multiple Commitment to Care and Service Awards from Pharmacy Practice + Business magazine.

His commitment to give back to the community is clearly evident, spanning numerous volunteer activities over the decades—from personal canvassing to chairing fundraising campaigns and serving as a board member for numerous charitable and non-profit organizations. His leadership by example includes countless community sponsorships by Murphy’s Pharmacies, culminating in the company’s ongoing support of Murphy’s Community Centre in Charlottetown.

CFP will honour Ray Murphy at its Pillar of Pharmacy Award reception and dinner this fall. CFP established the Pillar of Pharmacy Award in 1997 to celebrate the achievements of pharmacists who have demonstrated their dedication to advancing the profession of pharmacy.

With a career spanning more than four decades, Moleschi has consistently influenced positive change. After earning his pharmacy degree from the University of British Columbia in 1974, he started out as a community pharmacist in Kitimat, B.C. Only two months later, his employer gave him an opportunity to open and manage an 8,000-sq.-ft. pharmacy in Prince Rupert, where he developed and implemented the pharmacy’s first medication profiles for patients.

In 1977, he opened the first Co-Op pharmacy in B.C., then in 1981 he entered hospital pharmacy as the pharmacy manager at Shuswap Lake General Hospital. During a time when pharmacists stayed in the dispensary, Moleschi challenged the status quo by routinely visiting wards to share his knowledge. He also implemented a distance pharmacy service for 11 facilities spread out across 500 km.

After completing a Masters of Health Administration degree, Moleschi became Chief Operating Officer for the North Okanagan Health Region, and then in 1998 took an executive position with the Health Association of B.C. After 10 years in health administration, he returned to his clinical roots as Director of Pharmacy for the East Kootenay Health Region. During that time he worked with the College of Pharmacists of B.C. to pioneer telepharmacy services. He was recruited by the Northern Health region in 2002, where he worked to establish a medical school at the University of Northern B.C.

In 2005, Moleschi became Registrar of the College of Pharmacists of B.C. He guided the expansion of pharmacists’ scope of practice, the regulation of pharmacy technicians and updated the College’s Code of Ethics. He also took to the road as a public speaker at pharmacy conferences, to motivate pharmacists and technicians to take up their new responsibilities under expanded scopes of practice.

Moleschi moved on to the Ontario College of Pharmacists in 2011. As Registrar, he again helped guide the expansion of pharmacists’ scope of practice, and updated the College’s Professional Practice Principles and Code of Ethics. He evolved practice assessments away from the traditional checklists to include a more qualitative evaluation, which includes coaching pharmacists on how to enhance their delivery of services. Moleschi retired in 2016.

Graduating first in her class from the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Pharmacy, Carole has realized an illustrious career spanning more than four decades and covering multiple facets of pharmacy. During her early years, Carole was a pharmacy director for a rehabilitation hospital.  She later spent nine years providing pharmacy services to long-term care and retirement homes as a clinical and consultant pharmacist. She has also held senior management positions with pharmacy chains both provincially and nationally. Carole spent the last 15 years with MPGL in an executive capacity where she has guided and directed the development of the company’s integrated pharmaceutical care model, as well as spearheaded government relations. Recently retired from her position as Senior Vice President, she continues to influence MPGL’s future as a member of its Board of Directors. A central figure in advancing the profession, Carole has contributed to many pharmacy associations and government organizations throughout her career. One of her most significant achievements was in founding the Canadian Society of Consultant Pharmacists (CSCP), where she also served as president and led the council in developing the first-ever Canadian Standards of Practice for Long-Term Care. For five years, Carole was Chair of the Ontario Pharmacists Association Long-Term Care Working Group and a member of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Pharmacy Council. In fact, she brought a balanced perspective to many organizations, including the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA), Canadian Association of Chain Drug Stores (CACDS), Rx Canada, Ontario College of Pharmacists (OCP) and Canadian Pharmacist Association (CPhA)

In addition to 33 years as a member of the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Toronto, pharmacist Dr. Jake Thiessen was instrumental in spearheading the creation of the first co-op pharmacy program in Canada at the University of Waterloo.

Related link:

2014 news article - Spotlight on Jake Thiessen

Murray Koffler has contributed his time and funding to support pharmacy business education, scientific and medical research, the arts, the prevention of drug abuse and business programs for Aboriginal Canadians. The federal government named Koffler to the Order of Canada in 1977 and promoted him to Officer of Canada in 1996. He graduated with a Phm. B. degree from the University of Toronto in 1946.

Related links:

2013 news article - Murray Koffler receives CFP's Pillar of Pharmacy

Rita Winn has been a tireless advocate for community pharmacy for more than 30 years.

She worked for 22 years at Lovell Drugs, where she served as General Manager and Chief Operation Officer until her recent retirement. While at Lovell Drugs, Winn was always piloting new technologies, products and programs to advance the profession. As a result, the pharmacy was an early adopter of the pilot phase of PrescribeIT and represented the Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada (NPAC) on the PrescribeIT User Working Group. Winn continues to work part time for Rx Drug Mart as a Director on the Lovell Drugs Board providing guidance and support.

She has served on numerous industry organizations, including the Canadian Pharmacists Association and Ontario Pharmacists Association. She is currently the Vice-Chair of the Board for the Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada, where she chairs the Governance and Nominating Committee. Winn is a popular conference speaker, where she has presented on topics such as pharmacy business, workflow and human resources. She also speaks regularly to community groups, including senior centres and other allied health professionals.

Her pharmacy advocacy is also evident through her participation in critical moments for the profession. During the Bill 102 negotiations, for example, Rita worked behind the scenes to create educational videos for pharmacists, while also collaborating with associations and other stakeholders on discussions with the Ministry of Health around the reporting framework and creation of professional allowances. Then, as the co-chair of the Pharmacy Coalition in Ontario, she worked to educate pharmacists about the new funding realities and engaged them in a campaign to make the public aware of changes due to the funding cuts.

Winn is also one of the editors of CFP’s Pharmacy Management in Canada textbook. She used her extensive experience in retail and pharmacy business to find expert writers, while authoring several chapters herself.

Sherry Peister, volunteer extraordinare, Chair of Green Shield Canada and former pharmacy owner, is this year’s recipient of the Canadian Foundation for Pharmacy's celebrated Pillar of Pharmacy Award. 

“Sherry is truly a very deserving winner of the Pillar of Pharmacy Award,” says Bill Wilson, President of CFP.“Her involvement and leadership at all levels of the profession are a testimony to her commitment and passion to advance the role of the pharmacist as an essential healthcare provider.”

Peister’s impact on the profession of pharmacy in Canada began soon after graduating from the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, in 1982. She has put in countless volunteer hours serving on committees and boards for pharmacy associations at the local, provincial and national levels. She has served as President of both the Ontario Pharmacists Association (1994-1995) and Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA) (2013-2014). While President of CPhA, she was instrumental in building the relationships required to help the association successfully transition to a new membership and governance model.  

She has been a board member for Green Shield Canada (GSC) since 1997 and became the first female Chair in 2010. She has played an integral role with the company, serving on the Finance Committee, Pharmacy and Patient Issues Committee, Allocations Committee, Strategic Planning Committee, Search Committee for CEO, Nominations and Governance Committee. Prior to becoming Chair of GSC, Peister also worked as a pharmacist, pharmacy owner and consultant. 

While the Pillar of Pharmacy recognition is Peister’s latest award, it is far from her only accolade. She is a two-time winner of the Women’s Executive Network’s (WXN) Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award, in 2016 and 2017, and most recently she received the CPhA Meritorious Service Award in 2019.

Peister has also been recognized for her work in the community. For example, she worked with Hamilton Community Foundation to develop a new corporate model of philanthropy that focuses on building capacity across the country through community foundations. 

CFP will honour Sherry Peister at its Pillar of Pharmacy Award reception and dinner in November 2019. CFP established the Pillar of Pharmacy Award in 1997 to celebrate the achievements of pharmacists who have demonstrated their dedication to advancing the profession of pharmacy.

Ray Murphy, founder of Murphy’s Pharmacies in P.E.I., is the 2018 recipient of the prestigious Pillar of Pharmacy Award.

“Ray Murphy is very much a Pillar of Pharmacy, demonstrated by his lifelong commitment to the profession of pharmacy, to his patients and to his community,” says David Windross, president of CFP. “Ray is a passionate advocate for patient care and meeting the needs of his patients.”

Murphy’s accomplishments as a pharmacist, business owner and community leader are innumerable. Most recently, in December 2017, the Governor General of Canada appointed Murphy to the Order of Canada, this country’s highest civilian honour (this follows his appointment to the Order or Prince Edward Island in 2007). In 2016, Murphy was named Entrepreneur of the Year by the Greater Charlottetown Area of Commerce.

Within the profession of pharmacy, Murphy established Murphy’s Pharmacies in 1981. Today there are 13 locations across the province, as well as walk-in clinics, a home health care store and travel medicine clinic. His pharmacies offer a wide array of patient services, which actively incorporate authorities available under the province’s expanded scope of practice. He has received the Canadian Pharmacists Association’s (CPhA) Meritorious Service Award (2012) and the CPhA Patient Care Achievement Award (2008). He and his pharmacy team have also received multiple Commitment to Care and Service Awards from Pharmacy Practice + Business magazine.

His commitment to give back to the community is clearly evident, spanning numerous volunteer activities over the decades—from personal canvassing to chairing fundraising campaigns and serving as a board member for numerous charitable and non-profit organizations. His leadership by example includes countless community sponsorships by Murphy’s Pharmacies, culminating in the company’s ongoing support of Murphy’s Community Centre in Charlottetown.

CFP will honour Ray Murphy at its Pillar of Pharmacy Award reception and dinner this fall. CFP established the Pillar of Pharmacy Award in 1997 to celebrate the achievements of pharmacists who have demonstrated their dedication to advancing the profession of pharmacy.

With a career spanning more than four decades, Moleschi has consistently influenced positive change. After earning his pharmacy degree from the University of British Columbia in 1974, he started out as a community pharmacist in Kitimat, B.C. Only two months later, his employer gave him an opportunity to open and manage an 8,000-sq.-ft. pharmacy in Prince Rupert, where he developed and implemented the pharmacy’s first medication profiles for patients.

In 1977, he opened the first Co-Op pharmacy in B.C., then in 1981 he entered hospital pharmacy as the pharmacy manager at Shuswap Lake General Hospital. During a time when pharmacists stayed in the dispensary, Moleschi challenged the status quo by routinely visiting wards to share his knowledge. He also implemented a distance pharmacy service for 11 facilities spread out across 500 km.

After completing a Masters of Health Administration degree, Moleschi became Chief Operating Officer for the North Okanagan Health Region, and then in 1998 took an executive position with the Health Association of B.C. After 10 years in health administration, he returned to his clinical roots as Director of Pharmacy for the East Kootenay Health Region. During that time he worked with the College of Pharmacists of B.C. to pioneer telepharmacy services. He was recruited by the Northern Health region in 2002, where he worked to establish a medical school at the University of Northern B.C.

In 2005, Moleschi became Registrar of the College of Pharmacists of B.C. He guided the expansion of pharmacists’ scope of practice, the regulation of pharmacy technicians and updated the College’s Code of Ethics. He also took to the road as a public speaker at pharmacy conferences, to motivate pharmacists and technicians to take up their new responsibilities under expanded scopes of practice.

Moleschi moved on to the Ontario College of Pharmacists in 2011. As Registrar, he again helped guide the expansion of pharmacists’ scope of practice, and updated the College’s Professional Practice Principles and Code of Ethics. He evolved practice assessments away from the traditional checklists to include a more qualitative evaluation, which includes coaching pharmacists on how to enhance their delivery of services. Moleschi retired in 2016.

Graduating first in her class from the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Pharmacy, Carole has realized an illustrious career spanning more than four decades and covering multiple facets of pharmacy. During her early years, Carole was a pharmacy director for a rehabilitation hospital.  She later spent nine years providing pharmacy services to long-term care and retirement homes as a clinical and consultant pharmacist. She has also held senior management positions with pharmacy chains both provincially and nationally. Carole spent the last 15 years with MPGL in an executive capacity where she has guided and directed the development of the company’s integrated pharmaceutical care model, as well as spearheaded government relations. Recently retired from her position as Senior Vice President, she continues to influence MPGL’s future as a member of its Board of Directors. A central figure in advancing the profession, Carole has contributed to many pharmacy associations and government organizations throughout her career. One of her most significant achievements was in founding the Canadian Society of Consultant Pharmacists (CSCP), where she also served as president and led the council in developing the first-ever Canadian Standards of Practice for Long-Term Care. For five years, Carole was Chair of the Ontario Pharmacists Association Long-Term Care Working Group and a member of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Pharmacy Council. In fact, she brought a balanced perspective to many organizations, including the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA), Canadian Association of Chain Drug Stores (CACDS), Rx Canada, Ontario College of Pharmacists (OCP) and Canadian Pharmacist Association (CPhA)

In addition to 33 years as a member of the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Toronto, pharmacist Dr. Jake Thiessen was instrumental in spearheading the creation of the first co-op pharmacy program in Canada at the University of Waterloo.

Related link:

2014 news article - Spotlight on Jake Thiessen

Murray Koffler has contributed his time and funding to support pharmacy business education, scientific and medical research, the arts, the prevention of drug abuse and business programs for Aboriginal Canadians. The federal government named Koffler to the Order of Canada in 1977 and promoted him to Officer of Canada in 1996. He graduated with a Phm. B. degree from the University of Toronto in 1946.

Related links:

2013 news article - Murray Koffler receives CFP's Pillar of Pharmacy

Rita Winn has been a tireless advocate for community pharmacy for more than 30 years.

She worked for 22 years at Lovell Drugs, where she served as General Manager and Chief Operation Officer until her recent retirement. While at Lovell Drugs, Winn was always piloting new technologies, products and programs to advance the profession. As a result, the pharmacy was an early adopter of the pilot phase of PrescribeIT and represented the Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada (NPAC) on the PrescribeIT User Working Group. Winn continues to work part time for Rx Drug Mart as a Director on the Lovell Drugs Board providing guidance and support.

She has served on numerous industry organizations, including the Canadian Pharmacists Association and Ontario Pharmacists Association. She is currently the Vice-Chair of the Board for the Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada, where she chairs the Governance and Nominating Committee. Winn is a popular conference speaker, where she has presented on topics such as pharmacy business, workflow and human resources. She also speaks regularly to community groups, including senior centres and other allied health professionals.

Her pharmacy advocacy is also evident through her participation in critical moments for the profession. During the Bill 102 negotiations, for example, Rita worked behind the scenes to create educational videos for pharmacists, while also collaborating with associations and other stakeholders on discussions with the Ministry of Health around the reporting framework and creation of professional allowances. Then, as the co-chair of the Pharmacy Coalition in Ontario, she worked to educate pharmacists about the new funding realities and engaged them in a campaign to make the public aware of changes due to the funding cuts.

Winn is also one of the editors of CFP’s Pharmacy Management in Canada textbook. She used her extensive experience in retail and pharmacy business to find expert writers, while authoring several chapters herself.

Sherry Peister, volunteer extraordinare, Chair of Green Shield Canada and former pharmacy owner, is this year’s recipient of the Canadian Foundation for Pharmacy's celebrated Pillar of Pharmacy Award. 

“Sherry is truly a very deserving winner of the Pillar of Pharmacy Award,” says Bill Wilson, President of CFP.“Her involvement and leadership at all levels of the profession are a testimony to her commitment and passion to advance the role of the pharmacist as an essential healthcare provider.”

Peister’s impact on the profession of pharmacy in Canada began soon after graduating from the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, in 1982. She has put in countless volunteer hours serving on committees and boards for pharmacy associations at the local, provincial and national levels. She has served as President of both the Ontario Pharmacists Association (1994-1995) and Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA) (2013-2014). While President of CPhA, she was instrumental in building the relationships required to help the association successfully transition to a new membership and governance model.  

She has been a board member for Green Shield Canada (GSC) since 1997 and became the first female Chair in 2010. She has played an integral role with the company, serving on the Finance Committee, Pharmacy and Patient Issues Committee, Allocations Committee, Strategic Planning Committee, Search Committee for CEO, Nominations and Governance Committee. Prior to becoming Chair of GSC, Peister also worked as a pharmacist, pharmacy owner and consultant. 

While the Pillar of Pharmacy recognition is Peister’s latest award, it is far from her only accolade. She is a two-time winner of the Women’s Executive Network’s (WXN) Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award, in 2016 and 2017, and most recently she received the CPhA Meritorious Service Award in 2019.

Peister has also been recognized for her work in the community. For example, she worked with Hamilton Community Foundation to develop a new corporate model of philanthropy that focuses on building capacity across the country through community foundations. 

CFP will honour Sherry Peister at its Pillar of Pharmacy Award reception and dinner in November 2019. CFP established the Pillar of Pharmacy Award in 1997 to celebrate the achievements of pharmacists who have demonstrated their dedication to advancing the profession of pharmacy.

Ray Murphy, founder of Murphy’s Pharmacies in P.E.I., is the 2018 recipient of the prestigious Pillar of Pharmacy Award.

“Ray Murphy is very much a Pillar of Pharmacy, demonstrated by his lifelong commitment to the profession of pharmacy, to his patients and to his community,” says David Windross, president of CFP. “Ray is a passionate advocate for patient care and meeting the needs of his patients.”

Murphy’s accomplishments as a pharmacist, business owner and community leader are innumerable. Most recently, in December 2017, the Governor General of Canada appointed Murphy to the Order of Canada, this country’s highest civilian honour (this follows his appointment to the Order or Prince Edward Island in 2007). In 2016, Murphy was named Entrepreneur of the Year by the Greater Charlottetown Area of Commerce.

Within the profession of pharmacy, Murphy established Murphy’s Pharmacies in 1981. Today there are 13 locations across the province, as well as walk-in clinics, a home health care store and travel medicine clinic. His pharmacies offer a wide array of patient services, which actively incorporate authorities available under the province’s expanded scope of practice. He has received the Canadian Pharmacists Association’s (CPhA) Meritorious Service Award (2012) and the CPhA Patient Care Achievement Award (2008). He and his pharmacy team have also received multiple Commitment to Care and Service Awards from Pharmacy Practice + Business magazine.

His commitment to give back to the community is clearly evident, spanning numerous volunteer activities over the decades—from personal canvassing to chairing fundraising campaigns and serving as a board member for numerous charitable and non-profit organizations. His leadership by example includes countless community sponsorships by Murphy’s Pharmacies, culminating in the company’s ongoing support of Murphy’s Community Centre in Charlottetown.

CFP will honour Ray Murphy at its Pillar of Pharmacy Award reception and dinner this fall. CFP established the Pillar of Pharmacy Award in 1997 to celebrate the achievements of pharmacists who have demonstrated their dedication to advancing the profession of pharmacy.

With a career spanning more than four decades, Moleschi has consistently influenced positive change. After earning his pharmacy degree from the University of British Columbia in 1974, he started out as a community pharmacist in Kitimat, B.C. Only two months later, his employer gave him an opportunity to open and manage an 8,000-sq.-ft. pharmacy in Prince Rupert, where he developed and implemented the pharmacy’s first medication profiles for patients.

In 1977, he opened the first Co-Op pharmacy in B.C., then in 1981 he entered hospital pharmacy as the pharmacy manager at Shuswap Lake General Hospital. During a time when pharmacists stayed in the dispensary, Moleschi challenged the status quo by routinely visiting wards to share his knowledge. He also implemented a distance pharmacy service for 11 facilities spread out across 500 km.

After completing a Masters of Health Administration degree, Moleschi became Chief Operating Officer for the North Okanagan Health Region, and then in 1998 took an executive position with the Health Association of B.C. After 10 years in health administration, he returned to his clinical roots as Director of Pharmacy for the East Kootenay Health Region. During that time he worked with the College of Pharmacists of B.C. to pioneer telepharmacy services. He was recruited by the Northern Health region in 2002, where he worked to establish a medical school at the University of Northern B.C.

In 2005, Moleschi became Registrar of the College of Pharmacists of B.C. He guided the expansion of pharmacists’ scope of practice, the regulation of pharmacy technicians and updated the College’s Code of Ethics. He also took to the road as a public speaker at pharmacy conferences, to motivate pharmacists and technicians to take up their new responsibilities under expanded scopes of practice.

Moleschi moved on to the Ontario College of Pharmacists in 2011. As Registrar, he again helped guide the expansion of pharmacists’ scope of practice, and updated the College’s Professional Practice Principles and Code of Ethics. He evolved practice assessments away from the traditional checklists to include a more qualitative evaluation, which includes coaching pharmacists on how to enhance their delivery of services. Moleschi retired in 2016.

Graduating first in her class from the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Pharmacy, Carole has realized an illustrious career spanning more than four decades and covering multiple facets of pharmacy. During her early years, Carole was a pharmacy director for a rehabilitation hospital.  She later spent nine years providing pharmacy services to long-term care and retirement homes as a clinical and consultant pharmacist. She has also held senior management positions with pharmacy chains both provincially and nationally. Carole spent the last 15 years with MPGL in an executive capacity where she has guided and directed the development of the company’s integrated pharmaceutical care model, as well as spearheaded government relations. Recently retired from her position as Senior Vice President, she continues to influence MPGL’s future as a member of its Board of Directors. A central figure in advancing the profession, Carole has contributed to many pharmacy associations and government organizations throughout her career. One of her most significant achievements was in founding the Canadian Society of Consultant Pharmacists (CSCP), where she also served as president and led the council in developing the first-ever Canadian Standards of Practice for Long-Term Care. For five years, Carole was Chair of the Ontario Pharmacists Association Long-Term Care Working Group and a member of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Pharmacy Council. In fact, she brought a balanced perspective to many organizations, including the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA), Canadian Association of Chain Drug Stores (CACDS), Rx Canada, Ontario College of Pharmacists (OCP) and Canadian Pharmacist Association (CPhA)

In addition to 33 years as a member of the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Toronto, pharmacist Dr. Jake Thiessen was instrumental in spearheading the creation of the first co-op pharmacy program in Canada at the University of Waterloo.

Related link:

2014 news article - Spotlight on Jake Thiessen

Murray Koffler has contributed his time and funding to support pharmacy business education, scientific and medical research, the arts, the prevention of drug abuse and business programs for Aboriginal Canadians. The federal government named Koffler to the Order of Canada in 1977 and promoted him to Officer of Canada in 1996. He graduated with a Phm. B. degree from the University of Toronto in 1946.

Related links:

2013 news article - Murray Koffler receives CFP's Pillar of Pharmacy

Dr. Murray Brown has spent more than 30 years dedicated to the Canadian pharmaceutical industry through various roles in academia, professional associations and industry.  Most recently as Vice President, Scientific Affairs of Pfizer Consumer Healthcare, Murray was responsible for directing a team of professionals that oversaw the company’s Quality Assurance, Regulatory and Medical Affairs, Clinical Research and Medical Information capabilities. 

Rita Winn has been a tireless advocate for community pharmacy for more than 30 years.

She worked for 22 years at Lovell Drugs, where she served as General Manager and Chief Operation Officer until her recent retirement. While at Lovell Drugs, Winn was always piloting new technologies, products and programs to advance the profession. As a result, the pharmacy was an early adopter of the pilot phase of PrescribeIT and represented the Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada (NPAC) on the PrescribeIT User Working Group. Winn continues to work part time for Rx Drug Mart as a Director on the Lovell Drugs Board providing guidance and support.

She has served on numerous industry organizations, including the Canadian Pharmacists Association and Ontario Pharmacists Association. She is currently the Vice-Chair of the Board for the Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada, where she chairs the Governance and Nominating Committee. Winn is a popular conference speaker, where she has presented on topics such as pharmacy business, workflow and human resources. She also speaks regularly to community groups, including senior centres and other allied health professionals.

Her pharmacy advocacy is also evident through her participation in critical moments for the profession. During the Bill 102 negotiations, for example, Rita worked behind the scenes to create educational videos for pharmacists, while also collaborating with associations and other stakeholders on discussions with the Ministry of Health around the reporting framework and creation of professional allowances. Then, as the co-chair of the Pharmacy Coalition in Ontario, she worked to educate pharmacists about the new funding realities and engaged them in a campaign to make the public aware of changes due to the funding cuts.

Winn is also one of the editors of CFP’s Pharmacy Management in Canada textbook. She used her extensive experience in retail and pharmacy business to find expert writers, while authoring several chapters herself.

Sherry Peister, volunteer extraordinare, Chair of Green Shield Canada and former pharmacy owner, is this year’s recipient of the Canadian Foundation for Pharmacy's celebrated Pillar of Pharmacy Award. 

“Sherry is truly a very deserving winner of the Pillar of Pharmacy Award,” says Bill Wilson, President of CFP.“Her involvement and leadership at all levels of the profession are a testimony to her commitment and passion to advance the role of the pharmacist as an essential healthcare provider.”

Peister’s impact on the profession of pharmacy in Canada began soon after graduating from the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, in 1982. She has put in countless volunteer hours serving on committees and boards for pharmacy associations at the local, provincial and national levels. She has served as President of both the Ontario Pharmacists Association (1994-1995) and Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA) (2013-2014). While President of CPhA, she was instrumental in building the relationships required to help the association successfully transition to a new membership and governance model.  

She has been a board member for Green Shield Canada (GSC) since 1997 and became the first female Chair in 2010. She has played an integral role with the company, serving on the Finance Committee, Pharmacy and Patient Issues Committee, Allocations Committee, Strategic Planning Committee, Search Committee for CEO, Nominations and Governance Committee. Prior to becoming Chair of GSC, Peister also worked as a pharmacist, pharmacy owner and consultant. 

While the Pillar of Pharmacy recognition is Peister’s latest award, it is far from her only accolade. She is a two-time winner of the Women’s Executive Network’s (WXN) Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award, in 2016 and 2017, and most recently she received the CPhA Meritorious Service Award in 2019.

Peister has also been recognized for her work in the community. For example, she worked with Hamilton Community Foundation to develop a new corporate model of philanthropy that focuses on building capacity across the country through community foundations. 

CFP will honour Sherry Peister at its Pillar of Pharmacy Award reception and dinner in November 2019. CFP established the Pillar of Pharmacy Award in 1997 to celebrate the achievements of pharmacists who have demonstrated their dedication to advancing the profession of pharmacy.

Ray Murphy, founder of Murphy’s Pharmacies in P.E.I., is the 2018 recipient of the prestigious Pillar of Pharmacy Award.

“Ray Murphy is very much a Pillar of Pharmacy, demonstrated by his lifelong commitment to the profession of pharmacy, to his patients and to his community,” says David Windross, president of CFP. “Ray is a passionate advocate for patient care and meeting the needs of his patients.”

Murphy’s accomplishments as a pharmacist, business owner and community leader are innumerable. Most recently, in December 2017, the Governor General of Canada appointed Murphy to the Order of Canada, this country’s highest civilian honour (this follows his appointment to the Order or Prince Edward Island in 2007). In 2016, Murphy was named Entrepreneur of the Year by the Greater Charlottetown Area of Commerce.

Within the profession of pharmacy, Murphy established Murphy’s Pharmacies in 1981. Today there are 13 locations across the province, as well as walk-in clinics, a home health care store and travel medicine clinic. His pharmacies offer a wide array of patient services, which actively incorporate authorities available under the province’s expanded scope of practice. He has received the Canadian Pharmacists Association’s (CPhA) Meritorious Service Award (2012) and the CPhA Patient Care Achievement Award (2008). He and his pharmacy team have also received multiple Commitment to Care and Service Awards from Pharmacy Practice + Business magazine.

His commitment to give back to the community is clearly evident, spanning numerous volunteer activities over the decades—from personal canvassing to chairing fundraising campaigns and serving as a board member for numerous charitable and non-profit organizations. His leadership by example includes countless community sponsorships by Murphy’s Pharmacies, culminating in the company’s ongoing support of Murphy’s Community Centre in Charlottetown.

CFP will honour Ray Murphy at its Pillar of Pharmacy Award reception and dinner this fall. CFP established the Pillar of Pharmacy Award in 1997 to celebrate the achievements of pharmacists who have demonstrated their dedication to advancing the profession of pharmacy.

With a career spanning more than four decades, Moleschi has consistently influenced positive change. After earning his pharmacy degree from the University of British Columbia in 1974, he started out as a community pharmacist in Kitimat, B.C. Only two months later, his employer gave him an opportunity to open and manage an 8,000-sq.-ft. pharmacy in Prince Rupert, where he developed and implemented the pharmacy’s first medication profiles for patients.

In 1977, he opened the first Co-Op pharmacy in B.C., then in 1981 he entered hospital pharmacy as the pharmacy manager at Shuswap Lake General Hospital. During a time when pharmacists stayed in the dispensary, Moleschi challenged the status quo by routinely visiting wards to share his knowledge. He also implemented a distance pharmacy service for 11 facilities spread out across 500 km.

After completing a Masters of Health Administration degree, Moleschi became Chief Operating Officer for the North Okanagan Health Region, and then in 1998 took an executive position with the Health Association of B.C. After 10 years in health administration, he returned to his clinical roots as Director of Pharmacy for the East Kootenay Health Region. During that time he worked with the College of Pharmacists of B.C. to pioneer telepharmacy services. He was recruited by the Northern Health region in 2002, where he worked to establish a medical school at the University of Northern B.C.

In 2005, Moleschi became Registrar of the College of Pharmacists of B.C. He guided the expansion of pharmacists’ scope of practice, the regulation of pharmacy technicians and updated the College’s Code of Ethics. He also took to the road as a public speaker at pharmacy conferences, to motivate pharmacists and technicians to take up their new responsibilities under expanded scopes of practice.

Moleschi moved on to the Ontario College of Pharmacists in 2011. As Registrar, he again helped guide the expansion of pharmacists’ scope of practice, and updated the College’s Professional Practice Principles and Code of Ethics. He evolved practice assessments away from the traditional checklists to include a more qualitative evaluation, which includes coaching pharmacists on how to enhance their delivery of services. Moleschi retired in 2016.

Graduating first in her class from the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Pharmacy, Carole has realized an illustrious career spanning more than four decades and covering multiple facets of pharmacy. During her early years, Carole was a pharmacy director for a rehabilitation hospital.  She later spent nine years providing pharmacy services to long-term care and retirement homes as a clinical and consultant pharmacist. She has also held senior management positions with pharmacy chains both provincially and nationally. Carole spent the last 15 years with MPGL in an executive capacity where she has guided and directed the development of the company’s integrated pharmaceutical care model, as well as spearheaded government relations. Recently retired from her position as Senior Vice President, she continues to influence MPGL’s future as a member of its Board of Directors. A central figure in advancing the profession, Carole has contributed to many pharmacy associations and government organizations throughout her career. One of her most significant achievements was in founding the Canadian Society of Consultant Pharmacists (CSCP), where she also served as president and led the council in developing the first-ever Canadian Standards of Practice for Long-Term Care. For five years, Carole was Chair of the Ontario Pharmacists Association Long-Term Care Working Group and a member of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Pharmacy Council. In fact, she brought a balanced perspective to many organizations, including the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA), Canadian Association of Chain Drug Stores (CACDS), Rx Canada, Ontario College of Pharmacists (OCP) and Canadian Pharmacist Association (CPhA)

In addition to 33 years as a member of the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Toronto, pharmacist Dr. Jake Thiessen was instrumental in spearheading the creation of the first co-op pharmacy program in Canada at the University of Waterloo.

Related link:

2014 news article - Spotlight on Jake Thiessen

Murray Koffler has contributed his time and funding to support pharmacy business education, scientific and medical research, the arts, the prevention of drug abuse and business programs for Aboriginal Canadians. The federal government named Koffler to the Order of Canada in 1977 and promoted him to Officer of Canada in 1996. He graduated with a Phm. B. degree from the University of Toronto in 1946.

Related links:

2013 news article - Murray Koffler receives CFP's Pillar of Pharmacy

Dr. Murray Brown has spent more than 30 years dedicated to the Canadian pharmaceutical industry through various roles in academia, professional associations and industry.  Most recently as Vice President, Scientific Affairs of Pfizer Consumer Healthcare, Murray was responsible for directing a team of professionals that oversaw the company’s Quality Assurance, Regulatory and Medical Affairs, Clinical Research and Medical Information capabilities. 

Rita Winn has been a tireless advocate for community pharmacy for more than 30 years.

She worked for 22 years at Lovell Drugs, where she served as General Manager and Chief Operation Officer until her recent retirement. While at Lovell Drugs, Winn was always piloting new technologies, products and programs to advance the profession. As a result, the pharmacy was an early adopter of the pilot phase of PrescribeIT and represented the Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada (NPAC) on the PrescribeIT User Working Group. Winn continues to work part time for Rx Drug Mart as a Director on the Lovell Drugs Board providing guidance and support.

She has served on numerous industry organizations, including the Canadian Pharmacists Association and Ontario Pharmacists Association. She is currently the Vice-Chair of the Board for the Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada, where she chairs the Governance and Nominating Committee. Winn is a popular conference speaker, where she has presented on topics such as pharmacy business, workflow and human resources. She also speaks regularly to community groups, including senior centres and other allied health professionals.

Her pharmacy advocacy is also evident through her participation in critical moments for the profession. During the Bill 102 negotiations, for example, Rita worked behind the scenes to create educational videos for pharmacists, while also collaborating with associations and other stakeholders on discussions with the Ministry of Health around the reporting framework and creation of professional allowances. Then, as the co-chair of the Pharmacy Coalition in Ontario, she worked to educate pharmacists about the new funding realities and engaged them in a campaign to make the public aware of changes due to the funding cuts.

Winn is also one of the editors of CFP’s Pharmacy Management in Canada textbook. She used her extensive experience in retail and pharmacy business to find expert writers, while authoring several chapters herself.

Sherry Peister, volunteer extraordinare, Chair of Green Shield Canada and former pharmacy owner, is this year’s recipient of the Canadian Foundation for Pharmacy's celebrated Pillar of Pharmacy Award. 

“Sherry is truly a very deserving winner of the Pillar of Pharmacy Award,” says Bill Wilson, President of CFP.“Her involvement and leadership at all levels of the profession are a testimony to her commitment and passion to advance the role of the pharmacist as an essential healthcare provider.”

Peister’s impact on the profession of pharmacy in Canada began soon after graduating from the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, in 1982. She has put in countless volunteer hours serving on committees and boards for pharmacy associations at the local, provincial and national levels. She has served as President of both the Ontario Pharmacists Association (1994-1995) and Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA) (2013-2014). While President of CPhA, she was instrumental in building the relationships required to help the association successfully transition to a new membership and governance model.  

She has been a board member for Green Shield Canada (GSC) since 1997 and became the first female Chair in 2010. She has played an integral role with the company, serving on the Finance Committee, Pharmacy and Patient Issues Committee, Allocations Committee, Strategic Planning Committee, Search Committee for CEO, Nominations and Governance Committee. Prior to becoming Chair of GSC, Peister also worked as a pharmacist, pharmacy owner and consultant. 

While the Pillar of Pharmacy recognition is Peister’s latest award, it is far from her only accolade. She is a two-time winner of the Women’s Executive Network’s (WXN) Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award, in 2016 and 2017, and most recently she received the CPhA Meritorious Service Award in 2019.

Peister has also been recognized for her work in the community. For example, she worked with Hamilton Community Foundation to develop a new corporate model of philanthropy that focuses on building capacity across the country through community foundations. 

CFP will honour Sherry Peister at its Pillar of Pharmacy Award reception and dinner in November 2019. CFP established the Pillar of Pharmacy Award in 1997 to celebrate the achievements of pharmacists who have demonstrated their dedication to advancing the profession of pharmacy.

Ray Murphy, founder of Murphy’s Pharmacies in P.E.I., is the 2018 recipient of the prestigious Pillar of Pharmacy Award.

“Ray Murphy is very much a Pillar of Pharmacy, demonstrated by his lifelong commitment to the profession of pharmacy, to his patients and to his community,” says David Windross, president of CFP. “Ray is a passionate advocate for patient care and meeting the needs of his patients.”

Murphy’s accomplishments as a pharmacist, business owner and community leader are innumerable. Most recently, in December 2017, the Governor General of Canada appointed Murphy to the Order of Canada, this country’s highest civilian honour (this follows his appointment to the Order or Prince Edward Island in 2007). In 2016, Murphy was named Entrepreneur of the Year by the Greater Charlottetown Area of Commerce.

Within the profession of pharmacy, Murphy established Murphy’s Pharmacies in 1981. Today there are 13 locations across the province, as well as walk-in clinics, a home health care store and travel medicine clinic. His pharmacies offer a wide array of patient services, which actively incorporate authorities available under the province’s expanded scope of practice. He has received the Canadian Pharmacists Association’s (CPhA) Meritorious Service Award (2012) and the CPhA Patient Care Achievement Award (2008). He and his pharmacy team have also received multiple Commitment to Care and Service Awards from Pharmacy Practice + Business magazine.

His commitment to give back to the community is clearly evident, spanning numerous volunteer activities over the decades—from personal canvassing to chairing fundraising campaigns and serving as a board member for numerous charitable and non-profit organizations. His leadership by example includes countless community sponsorships by Murphy’s Pharmacies, culminating in the company’s ongoing support of Murphy’s Community Centre in Charlottetown.

CFP will honour Ray Murphy at its Pillar of Pharmacy Award reception and dinner this fall. CFP established the Pillar of Pharmacy Award in 1997 to celebrate the achievements of pharmacists who have demonstrated their dedication to advancing the profession of pharmacy.

With a career spanning more than four decades, Moleschi has consistently influenced positive change. After earning his pharmacy degree from the University of British Columbia in 1974, he started out as a community pharmacist in Kitimat, B.C. Only two months later, his employer gave him an opportunity to open and manage an 8,000-sq.-ft. pharmacy in Prince Rupert, where he developed and implemented the pharmacy’s first medication profiles for patients.

In 1977, he opened the first Co-Op pharmacy in B.C., then in 1981 he entered hospital pharmacy as the pharmacy manager at Shuswap Lake General Hospital. During a time when pharmacists stayed in the dispensary, Moleschi challenged the status quo by routinely visiting wards to share his knowledge. He also implemented a distance pharmacy service for 11 facilities spread out across 500 km.

After completing a Masters of Health Administration degree, Moleschi became Chief Operating Officer for the North Okanagan Health Region, and then in 1998 took an executive position with the Health Association of B.C. After 10 years in health administration, he returned to his clinical roots as Director of Pharmacy for the East Kootenay Health Region. During that time he worked with the College of Pharmacists of B.C. to pioneer telepharmacy services. He was recruited by the Northern Health region in 2002, where he worked to establish a medical school at the University of Northern B.C.

In 2005, Moleschi became Registrar of the College of Pharmacists of B.C. He guided the expansion of pharmacists’ scope of practice, the regulation of pharmacy technicians and updated the College’s Code of Ethics. He also took to the road as a public speaker at pharmacy conferences, to motivate pharmacists and technicians to take up their new responsibilities under expanded scopes of practice.

Moleschi moved on to the Ontario College of Pharmacists in 2011. As Registrar, he again helped guide the expansion of pharmacists’ scope of practice, and updated the College’s Professional Practice Principles and Code of Ethics. He evolved practice assessments away from the traditional checklists to include a more qualitative evaluation, which includes coaching pharmacists on how to enhance their delivery of services. Moleschi retired in 2016.

Graduating first in her class from the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Pharmacy, Carole has realized an illustrious career spanning more than four decades and covering multiple facets of pharmacy. During her early years, Carole was a pharmacy director for a rehabilitation hospital.  She later spent nine years providing pharmacy services to long-term care and retirement homes as a clinical and consultant pharmacist. She has also held senior management positions with pharmacy chains both provincially and nationally. Carole spent the last 15 years with MPGL in an executive capacity where she has guided and directed the development of the company’s integrated pharmaceutical care model, as well as spearheaded government relations. Recently retired from her position as Senior Vice President, she continues to influence MPGL’s future as a member of its Board of Directors. A central figure in advancing the profession, Carole has contributed to many pharmacy associations and government organizations throughout her career. One of her most significant achievements was in founding the Canadian Society of Consultant Pharmacists (CSCP), where she also served as president and led the council in developing the first-ever Canadian Standards of Practice for Long-Term Care. For five years, Carole was Chair of the Ontario Pharmacists Association Long-Term Care Working Group and a member of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Pharmacy Council. In fact, she brought a balanced perspective to many organizations, including the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA), Canadian Association of Chain Drug Stores (CACDS), Rx Canada, Ontario College of Pharmacists (OCP) and Canadian Pharmacist Association (CPhA)

In addition to 33 years as a member of the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Toronto, pharmacist Dr. Jake Thiessen was instrumental in spearheading the creation of the first co-op pharmacy program in Canada at the University of Waterloo.

Related link:

2014 news article - Spotlight on Jake Thiessen

Murray Koffler has contributed his time and funding to support pharmacy business education, scientific and medical research, the arts, the prevention of drug abuse and business programs for Aboriginal Canadians. The federal government named Koffler to the Order of Canada in 1977 and promoted him to Officer of Canada in 1996. He graduated with a Phm. B. degree from the University of Toronto in 1946.

Related links:

2013 news article - Murray Koffler receives CFP's Pillar of Pharmacy

Dr. Murray Brown has spent more than 30 years dedicated to the Canadian pharmaceutical industry through various roles in academia, professional associations and industry.  Most recently as Vice President, Scientific Affairs of Pfizer Consumer Healthcare, Murray was responsible for directing a team of professionals that oversaw the company’s Quality Assurance, Regulatory and Medical Affairs, Clinical Research and Medical Information capabilities. 

Derek Desrosiers is one of Canada's foremost authorities on economic and professional practice issues in pharmacy. After working in community pharmacy for 13 years, including time as a pharmacy manager and owner, Derek became the Director of Professional Services at the B.C. Pharmacy Association in 1995. In 1999 he took up a similar role at uniPHARM Wholesale Drugs Ltd., then became Chief Executive Officer in 2004. For more than 20 years, Derek has been a staff member or board member of BCPhA, including six terms as President. He has also served as a Director of the Board of the Canadian Pharmacists Association, and a Director and Chairman of the Board of the Canadian Association for Pharmacy Distribution Management.

Rita Winn has been a tireless advocate for community pharmacy for more than 30 years.

She worked for 22 years at Lovell Drugs, where she served as General Manager and Chief Operation Officer until her recent retirement. While at Lovell Drugs, Winn was always piloting new technologies, products and programs to advance the profession. As a result, the pharmacy was an early adopter of the pilot phase of PrescribeIT and represented the Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada (NPAC) on the PrescribeIT User Working Group. Winn continues to work part time for Rx Drug Mart as a Director on the Lovell Drugs Board providing guidance and support.

She has served on numerous industry organizations, including the Canadian Pharmacists Association and Ontario Pharmacists Association. She is currently the Vice-Chair of the Board for the Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada, where she chairs the Governance and Nominating Committee. Winn is a popular conference speaker, where she has presented on topics such as pharmacy business, workflow and human resources. She also speaks regularly to community groups, including senior centres and other allied health professionals.

Her pharmacy advocacy is also evident through her participation in critical moments for the profession. During the Bill 102 negotiations, for example, Rita worked behind the scenes to create educational videos for pharmacists, while also collaborating with associations and other stakeholders on discussions with the Ministry of Health around the reporting framework and creation of professional allowances. Then, as the co-chair of the Pharmacy Coalition in Ontario, she worked to educate pharmacists about the new funding realities and engaged them in a campaign to make the public aware of changes due to the funding cuts.

Winn is also one of the editors of CFP’s Pharmacy Management in Canada textbook. She used her extensive experience in retail and pharmacy business to find expert writers, while authoring several chapters herself.

Sherry Peister, volunteer extraordinare, Chair of Green Shield Canada and former pharmacy owner, is this year’s recipient of the Canadian Foundation for Pharmacy's celebrated Pillar of Pharmacy Award. 

“Sherry is truly a very deserving winner of the Pillar of Pharmacy Award,” says Bill Wilson, President of CFP.“Her involvement and leadership at all levels of the profession are a testimony to her commitment and passion to advance the role of the pharmacist as an essential healthcare provider.”

Peister’s impact on the profession of pharmacy in Canada began soon after graduating from the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, in 1982. She has put in countless volunteer hours serving on committees and boards for pharmacy associations at the local, provincial and national levels. She has served as President of both the Ontario Pharmacists Association (1994-1995) and Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA) (2013-2014). While President of CPhA, she was instrumental in building the relationships required to help the association successfully transition to a new membership and governance model.  

She has been a board member for Green Shield Canada (GSC) since 1997 and became the first female Chair in 2010. She has played an integral role with the company, serving on the Finance Committee, Pharmacy and Patient Issues Committee, Allocations Committee, Strategic Planning Committee, Search Committee for CEO, Nominations and Governance Committee. Prior to becoming Chair of GSC, Peister also worked as a pharmacist, pharmacy owner and consultant. 

While the Pillar of Pharmacy recognition is Peister’s latest award, it is far from her only accolade. She is a two-time winner of the Women’s Executive Network’s (WXN) Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award, in 2016 and 2017, and most recently she received the CPhA Meritorious Service Award in 2019.

Peister has also been recognized for her work in the community. For example, she worked with Hamilton Community Foundation to develop a new corporate model of philanthropy that focuses on building capacity across the country through community foundations. 

CFP will honour Sherry Peister at its Pillar of Pharmacy Award reception and dinner in November 2019. CFP established the Pillar of Pharmacy Award in 1997 to celebrate the achievements of pharmacists who have demonstrated their dedication to advancing the profession of pharmacy.

Ray Murphy, founder of Murphy’s Pharmacies in P.E.I., is the 2018 recipient of the prestigious Pillar of Pharmacy Award.

“Ray Murphy is very much a Pillar of Pharmacy, demonstrated by his lifelong commitment to the profession of pharmacy, to his patients and to his community,” says David Windross, president of CFP. “Ray is a passionate advocate for patient care and meeting the needs of his patients.”

Murphy’s accomplishments as a pharmacist, business owner and community leader are innumerable. Most recently, in December 2017, the Governor General of Canada appointed Murphy to the Order of Canada, this country’s highest civilian honour (this follows his appointment to the Order or Prince Edward Island in 2007). In 2016, Murphy was named Entrepreneur of the Year by the Greater Charlottetown Area of Commerce.

Within the profession of pharmacy, Murphy established Murphy’s Pharmacies in 1981. Today there are 13 locations across the province, as well as walk-in clinics, a home health care store and travel medicine clinic. His pharmacies offer a wide array of patient services, which actively incorporate authorities available under the province’s expanded scope of practice. He has received the Canadian Pharmacists Association’s (CPhA) Meritorious Service Award (2012) and the CPhA Patient Care Achievement Award (2008). He and his pharmacy team have also received multiple Commitment to Care and Service Awards from Pharmacy Practice + Business magazine.

His commitment to give back to the community is clearly evident, spanning numerous volunteer activities over the decades—from personal canvassing to chairing fundraising campaigns and serving as a board member for numerous charitable and non-profit organizations. His leadership by example includes countless community sponsorships by Murphy’s Pharmacies, culminating in the company’s ongoing support of Murphy’s Community Centre in Charlottetown.

CFP will honour Ray Murphy at its Pillar of Pharmacy Award reception and dinner this fall. CFP established the Pillar of Pharmacy Award in 1997 to celebrate the achievements of pharmacists who have demonstrated their dedication to advancing the profession of pharmacy.

With a career spanning more than four decades, Moleschi has consistently influenced positive change. After earning his pharmacy degree from the University of British Columbia in 1974, he started out as a community pharmacist in Kitimat, B.C. Only two months later, his employer gave him an opportunity to open and manage an 8,000-sq.-ft. pharmacy in Prince Rupert, where he developed and implemented the pharmacy’s first medication profiles for patients.

In 1977, he opened the first Co-Op pharmacy in B.C., then in 1981 he entered hospital pharmacy as the pharmacy manager at Shuswap Lake General Hospital. During a time when pharmacists stayed in the dispensary, Moleschi challenged the status quo by routinely visiting wards to share his knowledge. He also implemented a distance pharmacy service for 11 facilities spread out across 500 km.

After completing a Masters of Health Administration degree, Moleschi became Chief Operating Officer for the North Okanagan Health Region, and then in 1998 took an executive position with the Health Association of B.C. After 10 years in health administration, he returned to his clinical roots as Director of Pharmacy for the East Kootenay Health Region. During that time he worked with the College of Pharmacists of B.C. to pioneer telepharmacy services. He was recruited by the Northern Health region in 2002, where he worked to establish a medical school at the University of Northern B.C.

In 2005, Moleschi became Registrar of the College of Pharmacists of B.C. He guided the expansion of pharmacists’ scope of practice, the regulation of pharmacy technicians and updated the College’s Code of Ethics. He also took to the road as a public speaker at pharmacy conferences, to motivate pharmacists and technicians to take up their new responsibilities under expanded scopes of practice.

Moleschi moved on to the Ontario College of Pharmacists in 2011. As Registrar, he again helped guide the expansion of pharmacists’ scope of practice, and updated the College’s Professional Practice Principles and Code of Ethics. He evolved practice assessments away from the traditional checklists to include a more qualitative evaluation, which includes coaching pharmacists on how to enhance their delivery of services. Moleschi retired in 2016.

Graduating first in her class from the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Pharmacy, Carole has realized an illustrious career spanning more than four decades and covering multiple facets of pharmacy. During her early years, Carole was a pharmacy director for a rehabilitation hospital.  She later spent nine years providing pharmacy services to long-term care and retirement homes as a clinical and consultant pharmacist. She has also held senior management positions with pharmacy chains both provincially and nationally. Carole spent the last 15 years with MPGL in an executive capacity where she has guided and directed the development of the company’s integrated pharmaceutical care model, as well as spearheaded government relations. Recently retired from her position as Senior Vice President, she continues to influence MPGL’s future as a member of its Board of Directors. A central figure in advancing the profession, Carole has contributed to many pharmacy associations and government organizations throughout her career. One of her most significant achievements was in founding the Canadian Society of Consultant Pharmacists (CSCP), where she also served as president and led the council in developing the first-ever Canadian Standards of Practice for Long-Term Care. For five years, Carole was Chair of the Ontario Pharmacists Association Long-Term Care Working Group and a member of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Pharmacy Council. In fact, she brought a balanced perspective to many organizations, including the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA), Canadian Association of Chain Drug Stores (CACDS), Rx Canada, Ontario College of Pharmacists (OCP) and Canadian Pharmacist Association (CPhA)

In addition to 33 years as a member of the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Toronto, pharmacist Dr. Jake Thiessen was instrumental in spearheading the creation of the first co-op pharmacy program in Canada at the University of Waterloo.

Related link:

2014 news article - Spotlight on Jake Thiessen

Murray Koffler has contributed his time and funding to support pharmacy business education, scientific and medical research, the arts, the prevention of drug abuse and business programs for Aboriginal Canadians. The federal government named Koffler to the Order of Canada in 1977 and promoted him to Officer of Canada in 1996. He graduated with a Phm. B. degree from the University of Toronto in 1946.

Related links:

2013 news article - Murray Koffler receives CFP's Pillar of Pharmacy

Dr. Murray Brown has spent more than 30 years dedicated to the Canadian pharmaceutical industry through various roles in academia, professional associations and industry.  Most recently as Vice President, Scientific Affairs of Pfizer Consumer Healthcare, Murray was responsible for directing a team of professionals that oversaw the company’s Quality Assurance, Regulatory and Medical Affairs, Clinical Research and Medical Information capabilities. 

Derek Desrosiers is one of Canada's foremost authorities on economic and professional practice issues in pharmacy. After working in community pharmacy for 13 years, including time as a pharmacy manager and owner, Derek became the Director of Professional Services at the B.C. Pharmacy Association in 1995. In 1999 he took up a similar role at uniPHARM Wholesale Drugs Ltd., then became Chief Executive Officer in 2004. For more than 20 years, Derek has been a staff member or board member of BCPhA, including six terms as President. He has also served as a Director of the Board of the Canadian Pharmacists Association, and a Director and Chairman of the Board of the Canadian Association for Pharmacy Distribution Management.

Since graduating from the College of Pharmacy, University of Saskatchewan in 1973, Bev Allen has been involved in almost every aspect of pharmacy practice. Initially gaining experience in the backbone of pharmacy, Bev owned and operated a community pharmacy for the first 15 years of his career. During this period he also began his now continuous involvement with pharmacy students by participating in the preceptor program, and his desire to serve pharmacy through the profession’s decision-making bodies. He holds the position of Assistant Professor of Pharmacy and Coordinator of the Structured Practice Experiences Program (SPEP) at the College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan (since 1994 and 2000 respectively). 

Rita Winn has been a tireless advocate for community pharmacy for more than 30 years.

She worked for 22 years at Lovell Drugs, where she served as General Manager and Chief Operation Officer until her recent retirement. While at Lovell Drugs, Winn was always piloting new technologies, products and programs to advance the profession. As a result, the pharmacy was an early adopter of the pilot phase of PrescribeIT and represented the Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada (NPAC) on the PrescribeIT User Working Group. Winn continues to work part time for Rx Drug Mart as a Director on the Lovell Drugs Board providing guidance and support.

She has served on numerous industry organizations, including the Canadian Pharmacists Association and Ontario Pharmacists Association. She is currently the Vice-Chair of the Board for the Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada, where she chairs the Governance and Nominating Committee. Winn is a popular conference speaker, where she has presented on topics such as pharmacy business, workflow and human resources. She also speaks regularly to community groups, including senior centres and other allied health professionals.

Her pharmacy advocacy is also evident through her participation in critical moments for the profession. During the Bill 102 negotiations, for example, Rita worked behind the scenes to create educational videos for pharmacists, while also collaborating with associations and other stakeholders on discussions with the Ministry of Health around the reporting framework and creation of professional allowances. Then, as the co-chair of the Pharmacy Coalition in Ontario, she worked to educate pharmacists about the new funding realities and engaged them in a campaign to make the public aware of changes due to the funding cuts.

Winn is also one of the editors of CFP’s Pharmacy Management in Canada textbook. She used her extensive experience in retail and pharmacy business to find expert writers, while authoring several chapters herself.

Sherry Peister, volunteer extraordinare, Chair of Green Shield Canada and former pharmacy owner, is this year’s recipient of the Canadian Foundation for Pharmacy's celebrated Pillar of Pharmacy Award. 

“Sherry is truly a very deserving winner of the Pillar of Pharmacy Award,” says Bill Wilson, President of CFP.“Her involvement and leadership at all levels of the profession are a testimony to her commitment and passion to advance the role of the pharmacist as an essential healthcare provider.”

Peister’s impact on the profession of pharmacy in Canada began soon after graduating from the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, in 1982. She has put in countless volunteer hours serving on committees and boards for pharmacy associations at the local, provincial and national levels. She has served as President of both the Ontario Pharmacists Association (1994-1995) and Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA) (2013-2014). While President of CPhA, she was instrumental in building the relationships required to help the association successfully transition to a new membership and governance model.  

She has been a board member for Green Shield Canada (GSC) since 1997 and became the first female Chair in 2010. She has played an integral role with the company, serving on the Finance Committee, Pharmacy and Patient Issues Committee, Allocations Committee, Strategic Planning Committee, Search Committee for CEO, Nominations and Governance Committee. Prior to becoming Chair of GSC, Peister also worked as a pharmacist, pharmacy owner and consultant. 

While the Pillar of Pharmacy recognition is Peister’s latest award, it is far from her only accolade. She is a two-time winner of the Women’s Executive Network’s (WXN) Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award, in 2016 and 2017, and most recently she received the CPhA Meritorious Service Award in 2019.

Peister has also been recognized for her work in the community. For example, she worked with Hamilton Community Foundation to develop a new corporate model of philanthropy that focuses on building capacity across the country through community foundations. 

CFP will honour Sherry Peister at its Pillar of Pharmacy Award reception and dinner in November 2019. CFP established the Pillar of Pharmacy Award in 1997 to celebrate the achievements of pharmacists who have demonstrated their dedication to advancing the profession of pharmacy.

Ray Murphy, founder of Murphy’s Pharmacies in P.E.I., is the 2018 recipient of the prestigious Pillar of Pharmacy Award.

“Ray Murphy is very much a Pillar of Pharmacy, demonstrated by his lifelong commitment to the profession of pharmacy, to his patients and to his community,” says David Windross, president of CFP. “Ray is a passionate advocate for patient care and meeting the needs of his patients.”

Murphy’s accomplishments as a pharmacist, business owner and community leader are innumerable. Most recently, in December 2017, the Governor General of Canada appointed Murphy to the Order of Canada, this country’s highest civilian honour (this follows his appointment to the Order or Prince Edward Island in 2007). In 2016, Murphy was named Entrepreneur of the Year by the Greater Charlottetown Area of Commerce.

Within the profession of pharmacy, Murphy established Murphy’s Pharmacies in 1981. Today there are 13 locations across the province, as well as walk-in clinics, a home health care store and travel medicine clinic. His pharmacies offer a wide array of patient services, which actively incorporate authorities available under the province’s expanded scope of practice. He has received the Canadian Pharmacists Association’s (CPhA) Meritorious Service Award (2012) and the CPhA Patient Care Achievement Award (2008). He and his pharmacy team have also received multiple Commitment to Care and Service Awards from Pharmacy Practice + Business magazine.

His commitment to give back to the community is clearly evident, spanning numerous volunteer activities over the decades—from personal canvassing to chairing fundraising campaigns and serving as a board member for numerous charitable and non-profit organizations. His leadership by example includes countless community sponsorships by Murphy’s Pharmacies, culminating in the company’s ongoing support of Murphy’s Community Centre in Charlottetown.

CFP will honour Ray Murphy at its Pillar of Pharmacy Award reception and dinner this fall. CFP established the Pillar of Pharmacy Award in 1997 to celebrate the achievements of pharmacists who have demonstrated their dedication to advancing the profession of pharmacy.

With a career spanning more than four decades, Moleschi has consistently influenced positive change. After earning his pharmacy degree from the University of British Columbia in 1974, he started out as a community pharmacist in Kitimat, B.C. Only two months later, his employer gave him an opportunity to open and manage an 8,000-sq.-ft. pharmacy in Prince Rupert, where he developed and implemented the pharmacy’s first medication profiles for patients.

In 1977, he opened the first Co-Op pharmacy in B.C., then in 1981 he entered hospital pharmacy as the pharmacy manager at Shuswap Lake General Hospital. During a time when pharmacists stayed in the dispensary, Moleschi challenged the status quo by routinely visiting wards to share his knowledge. He also implemented a distance pharmacy service for 11 facilities spread out across 500 km.

After completing a Masters of Health Administration degree, Moleschi became Chief Operating Officer for the North Okanagan Health Region, and then in 1998 took an executive position with the Health Association of B.C. After 10 years in health administration, he returned to his clinical roots as Director of Pharmacy for the East Kootenay Health Region. During that time he worked with the College of Pharmacists of B.C. to pioneer telepharmacy services. He was recruited by the Northern Health region in 2002, where he worked to establish a medical school at the University of Northern B.C.

In 2005, Moleschi became Registrar of the College of Pharmacists of B.C. He guided the expansion of pharmacists’ scope of practice, the regulation of pharmacy technicians and updated the College’s Code of Ethics. He also took to the road as a public speaker at pharmacy conferences, to motivate pharmacists and technicians to take up their new responsibilities under expanded scopes of practice.

Moleschi moved on to the Ontario College of Pharmacists in 2011. As Registrar, he again helped guide the expansion of pharmacists’ scope of practice, and updated the College’s Professional Practice Principles and Code of Ethics. He evolved practice assessments away from the traditional checklists to include a more qualitative evaluation, which includes coaching pharmacists on how to enhance their delivery of services. Moleschi retired in 2016.

Graduating first in her class from the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Pharmacy, Carole has realized an illustrious career spanning more than four decades and covering multiple facets of pharmacy. During her early years, Carole was a pharmacy director for a rehabilitation hospital.  She later spent nine years providing pharmacy services to long-term care and retirement homes as a clinical and consultant pharmacist. She has also held senior management positions with pharmacy chains both provincially and nationally. Carole spent the last 15 years with MPGL in an executive capacity where she has guided and directed the development of the company’s integrated pharmaceutical care model, as well as spearheaded government relations. Recently retired from her position as Senior Vice President, she continues to influence MPGL’s future as a member of its Board of Directors. A central figure in advancing the profession, Carole has contributed to many pharmacy associations and government organizations throughout her career. One of her most significant achievements was in founding the Canadian Society of Consultant Pharmacists (CSCP), where she also served as president and led the council in developing the first-ever Canadian Standards of Practice for Long-Term Care. For five years, Carole was Chair of the Ontario Pharmacists Association Long-Term Care Working Group and a member of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Pharmacy Council. In fact, she brought a balanced perspective to many organizations, including the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA), Canadian Association of Chain Drug Stores (CACDS), Rx Canada, Ontario College of Pharmacists (OCP) and Canadian Pharmacist Association (CPhA)

In addition to 33 years as a member of the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Toronto, pharmacist Dr. Jake Thiessen was instrumental in spearheading the creation of the first co-op pharmacy program in Canada at the University of Waterloo.

Related link:

2014 news article - Spotlight on Jake Thiessen

Murray Koffler has contributed his time and funding to support pharmacy business education, scientific and medical research, the arts, the prevention of drug abuse and business programs for Aboriginal Canadians. The federal government named Koffler to the Order of Canada in 1977 and promoted him to Officer of Canada in 1996. He graduated with a Phm. B. degree from the University of Toronto in 1946.

Related links:

2013 news article - Murray Koffler receives CFP's Pillar of Pharmacy

Dr. Murray Brown has spent more than 30 years dedicated to the Canadian pharmaceutical industry through various roles in academia, professional associations and industry.  Most recently as Vice President, Scientific Affairs of Pfizer Consumer Healthcare, Murray was responsible for directing a team of professionals that oversaw the company’s Quality Assurance, Regulatory and Medical Affairs, Clinical Research and Medical Information capabilities. 

Derek Desrosiers is one of Canada's foremost authorities on economic and professional practice issues in pharmacy. After working in community pharmacy for 13 years, including time as a pharmacy manager and owner, Derek became the Director of Professional Services at the B.C. Pharmacy Association in 1995. In 1999 he took up a similar role at uniPHARM Wholesale Drugs Ltd., then became Chief Executive Officer in 2004. For more than 20 years, Derek has been a staff member or board member of BCPhA, including six terms as President. He has also served as a Director of the Board of the Canadian Pharmacists Association, and a Director and Chairman of the Board of the Canadian Association for Pharmacy Distribution Management.

Since graduating from the College of Pharmacy, University of Saskatchewan in 1973, Bev Allen has been involved in almost every aspect of pharmacy practice. Initially gaining experience in the backbone of pharmacy, Bev owned and operated a community pharmacy for the first 15 years of his career. During this period he also began his now continuous involvement with pharmacy students by participating in the preceptor program, and his desire to serve pharmacy through the profession’s decision-making bodies. He holds the position of Assistant Professor of Pharmacy and Coordinator of the Structured Practice Experiences Program (SPEP) at the College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan (since 1994 and 2000 respectively). 

For more than 40 years, Dr. Wayne Hindmarsh has been guiding the development of pharmacy students across the country. As Dean of the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Toronto for more than 11 years, Hindmarsh oversaw the significant transformation of Canada’s largest faculty of pharmacy. 

Rita Winn has been a tireless advocate for community pharmacy for more than 30 years.

She worked for 22 years at Lovell Drugs, where she served as General Manager and Chief Operation Officer until her recent retirement. While at Lovell Drugs, Winn was always piloting new technologies, products and programs to advance the profession. As a result, the pharmacy was an early adopter of the pilot phase of PrescribeIT and represented the Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada (NPAC) on the PrescribeIT User Working Group. Winn continues to work part time for Rx Drug Mart as a Director on the Lovell Drugs Board providing guidance and support.

She has served on numerous industry organizations, including the Canadian Pharmacists Association and Ontario Pharmacists Association. She is currently the Vice-Chair of the Board for the Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada, where she chairs the Governance and Nominating Committee. Winn is a popular conference speaker, where she has presented on topics such as pharmacy business, workflow and human resources. She also speaks regularly to community groups, including senior centres and other allied health professionals.

Her pharmacy advocacy is also evident through her participation in critical moments for the profession. During the Bill 102 negotiations, for example, Rita worked behind the scenes to create educational videos for pharmacists, while also collaborating with associations and other stakeholders on discussions with the Ministry of Health around the reporting framework and creation of professional allowances. Then, as the co-chair of the Pharmacy Coalition in Ontario, she worked to educate pharmacists about the new funding realities and engaged them in a campaign to make the public aware of changes due to the funding cuts.

Winn is also one of the editors of CFP’s Pharmacy Management in Canada textbook. She used her extensive experience in retail and pharmacy business to find expert writers, while authoring several chapters herself.

Sherry Peister, volunteer extraordinare, Chair of Green Shield Canada and former pharmacy owner, is this year’s recipient of the Canadian Foundation for Pharmacy's celebrated Pillar of Pharmacy Award. 

“Sherry is truly a very deserving winner of the Pillar of Pharmacy Award,” says Bill Wilson, President of CFP.“Her involvement and leadership at all levels of the profession are a testimony to her commitment and passion to advance the role of the pharmacist as an essential healthcare provider.”

Peister’s impact on the profession of pharmacy in Canada began soon after graduating from the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, in 1982. She has put in countless volunteer hours serving on committees and boards for pharmacy associations at the local, provincial and national levels. She has served as President of both the Ontario Pharmacists Association (1994-1995) and Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA) (2013-2014). While President of CPhA, she was instrumental in building the relationships required to help the association successfully transition to a new membership and governance model.  

She has been a board member for Green Shield Canada (GSC) since 1997 and became the first female Chair in 2010. She has played an integral role with the company, serving on the Finance Committee, Pharmacy and Patient Issues Committee, Allocations Committee, Strategic Planning Committee, Search Committee for CEO, Nominations and Governance Committee. Prior to becoming Chair of GSC, Peister also worked as a pharmacist, pharmacy owner and consultant. 

While the Pillar of Pharmacy recognition is Peister’s latest award, it is far from her only accolade. She is a two-time winner of the Women’s Executive Network’s (WXN) Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award, in 2016 and 2017, and most recently she received the CPhA Meritorious Service Award in 2019.

Peister has also been recognized for her work in the community. For example, she worked with Hamilton Community Foundation to develop a new corporate model of philanthropy that focuses on building capacity across the country through community foundations. 

CFP will honour Sherry Peister at its Pillar of Pharmacy Award reception and dinner in November 2019. CFP established the Pillar of Pharmacy Award in 1997 to celebrate the achievements of pharmacists who have demonstrated their dedication to advancing the profession of pharmacy.

Ray Murphy, founder of Murphy’s Pharmacies in P.E.I., is the 2018 recipient of the prestigious Pillar of Pharmacy Award.

“Ray Murphy is very much a Pillar of Pharmacy, demonstrated by his lifelong commitment to the profession of pharmacy, to his patients and to his community,” says David Windross, president of CFP. “Ray is a passionate advocate for patient care and meeting the needs of his patients.”

Murphy’s accomplishments as a pharmacist, business owner and community leader are innumerable. Most recently, in December 2017, the Governor General of Canada appointed Murphy to the Order of Canada, this country’s highest civilian honour (this follows his appointment to the Order or Prince Edward Island in 2007). In 2016, Murphy was named Entrepreneur of the Year by the Greater Charlottetown Area of Commerce.

Within the profession of pharmacy, Murphy established Murphy’s Pharmacies in 1981. Today there are 13 locations across the province, as well as walk-in clinics, a home health care store and travel medicine clinic. His pharmacies offer a wide array of patient services, which actively incorporate authorities available under the province’s expanded scope of practice. He has received the Canadian Pharmacists Association’s (CPhA) Meritorious Service Award (2012) and the CPhA Patient Care Achievement Award (2008). He and his pharmacy team have also received multiple Commitment to Care and Service Awards from Pharmacy Practice + Business magazine.

His commitment to give back to the community is clearly evident, spanning numerous volunteer activities over the decades—from personal canvassing to chairing fundraising campaigns and serving as a board member for numerous charitable and non-profit organizations. His leadership by example includes countless community sponsorships by Murphy’s Pharmacies, culminating in the company’s ongoing support of Murphy’s Community Centre in Charlottetown.

CFP will honour Ray Murphy at its Pillar of Pharmacy Award reception and dinner this fall. CFP established the Pillar of Pharmacy Award in 1997 to celebrate the achievements of pharmacists who have demonstrated their dedication to advancing the profession of pharmacy.

With a career spanning more than four decades, Moleschi has consistently influenced positive change. After earning his pharmacy degree from the University of British Columbia in 1974, he started out as a community pharmacist in Kitimat, B.C. Only two months later, his employer gave him an opportunity to open and manage an 8,000-sq.-ft. pharmacy in Prince Rupert, where he developed and implemented the pharmacy’s first medication profiles for patients.

In 1977, he opened the first Co-Op pharmacy in B.C., then in 1981 he entered hospital pharmacy as the pharmacy manager at Shuswap Lake General Hospital. During a time when pharmacists stayed in the dispensary, Moleschi challenged the status quo by routinely visiting wards to share his knowledge. He also implemented a distance pharmacy service for 11 facilities spread out across 500 km.

After completing a Masters of Health Administration degree, Moleschi became Chief Operating Officer for the North Okanagan Health Region, and then in 1998 took an executive position with the Health Association of B.C. After 10 years in health administration, he returned to his clinical roots as Director of Pharmacy for the East Kootenay Health Region. During that time he worked with the College of Pharmacists of B.C. to pioneer telepharmacy services. He was recruited by the Northern Health region in 2002, where he worked to establish a medical school at the University of Northern B.C.

In 2005, Moleschi became Registrar of the College of Pharmacists of B.C. He guided the expansion of pharmacists’ scope of practice, the regulation of pharmacy technicians and updated the College’s Code of Ethics. He also took to the road as a public speaker at pharmacy conferences, to motivate pharmacists and technicians to take up their new responsibilities under expanded scopes of practice.

Moleschi moved on to the Ontario College of Pharmacists in 2011. As Registrar, he again helped guide the expansion of pharmacists’ scope of practice, and updated the College’s Professional Practice Principles and Code of Ethics. He evolved practice assessments away from the traditional checklists to include a more qualitative evaluation, which includes coaching pharmacists on how to enhance their delivery of services. Moleschi retired in 2016.

Graduating first in her class from the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Pharmacy, Carole has realized an illustrious career spanning more than four decades and covering multiple facets of pharmacy. During her early years, Carole was a pharmacy director for a rehabilitation hospital.  She later spent nine years providing pharmacy services to long-term care and retirement homes as a clinical and consultant pharmacist. She has also held senior management positions with pharmacy chains both provincially and nationally. Carole spent the last 15 years with MPGL in an executive capacity where she has guided and directed the development of the company’s integrated pharmaceutical care model, as well as spearheaded government relations. Recently retired from her position as Senior Vice President, she continues to influence MPGL’s future as a member of its Board of Directors. A central figure in advancing the profession, Carole has contributed to many pharmacy associations and government organizations throughout her career. One of her most significant achievements was in founding the Canadian Society of Consultant Pharmacists (CSCP), where she also served as president and led the council in developing the first-ever Canadian Standards of Practice for Long-Term Care. For five years, Carole was Chair of the Ontario Pharmacists Association Long-Term Care Working Group and a member of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Pharmacy Council. In fact, she brought a balanced perspective to many organizations, including the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA), Canadian Association of Chain Drug Stores (CACDS), Rx Canada, Ontario College of Pharmacists (OCP) and Canadian Pharmacist Association (CPhA)

In addition to 33 years as a member of the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Toronto, pharmacist Dr. Jake Thiessen was instrumental in spearheading the creation of the first co-op pharmacy program in Canada at the University of Waterloo.

Related link:

2014 news article - Spotlight on Jake Thiessen

Murray Koffler has contributed his time and funding to support pharmacy business education, scientific and medical research, the arts, the prevention of drug abuse and business programs for Aboriginal Canadians. The federal government named Koffler to the Order of Canada in 1977 and promoted him to Officer of Canada in 1996. He graduated with a Phm. B. degree from the University of Toronto in 1946.

Related links:

2013 news article - Murray Koffler receives CFP's Pillar of Pharmacy

Dr. Murray Brown has spent more than 30 years dedicated to the Canadian pharmaceutical industry through various roles in academia, professional associations and industry.  Most recently as Vice President, Scientific Affairs of Pfizer Consumer Healthcare, Murray was responsible for directing a team of professionals that oversaw the company’s Quality Assurance, Regulatory and Medical Affairs, Clinical Research and Medical Information capabilities. 

Derek Desrosiers is one of Canada's foremost authorities on economic and professional practice issues in pharmacy. After working in community pharmacy for 13 years, including time as a pharmacy manager and owner, Derek became the Director of Professional Services at the B.C. Pharmacy Association in 1995. In 1999 he took up a similar role at uniPHARM Wholesale Drugs Ltd., then became Chief Executive Officer in 2004. For more than 20 years, Derek has been a staff member or board member of BCPhA, including six terms as President. He has also served as a Director of the Board of the Canadian Pharmacists Association, and a Director and Chairman of the Board of the Canadian Association for Pharmacy Distribution Management.

Since graduating from the College of Pharmacy, University of Saskatchewan in 1973, Bev Allen has been involved in almost every aspect of pharmacy practice. Initially gaining experience in the backbone of pharmacy, Bev owned and operated a community pharmacy for the first 15 years of his career. During this period he also began his now continuous involvement with pharmacy students by participating in the preceptor program, and his desire to serve pharmacy through the profession’s decision-making bodies. He holds the position of Assistant Professor of Pharmacy and Coordinator of the Structured Practice Experiences Program (SPEP) at the College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan (since 1994 and 2000 respectively). 

For more than 40 years, Dr. Wayne Hindmarsh has been guiding the development of pharmacy students across the country. As Dean of the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Toronto for more than 11 years, Hindmarsh oversaw the significant transformation of Canada’s largest faculty of pharmacy. 

When named the 2008 recipient of the Pillar of Pharmacy Award, Aubrey Browne had served the profession of pharmacy for more than four decades. His untiring advocacy has earned him numerous recognitions within the profession as well as in the political arena; for example, he served as a healthcare advisor to two prime ministers.

Rita Winn has been a tireless advocate for community pharmacy for more than 30 years.

She worked for 22 years at Lovell Drugs, where she served as General Manager and Chief Operation Officer until her recent retirement. While at Lovell Drugs, Winn was always piloting new technologies, products and programs to advance the profession. As a result, the pharmacy was an early adopter of the pilot phase of PrescribeIT and represented the Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada (NPAC) on the PrescribeIT User Working Group. Winn continues to work part time for Rx Drug Mart as a Director on the Lovell Drugs Board providing guidance and support.

She has served on numerous industry organizations, including the Canadian Pharmacists Association and Ontario Pharmacists Association. She is currently the Vice-Chair of the Board for the Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada, where she chairs the Governance and Nominating Committee. Winn is a popular conference speaker, where she has presented on topics such as pharmacy business, workflow and human resources. She also speaks regularly to community groups, including senior centres and other allied health professionals.

Her pharmacy advocacy is also evident through her participation in critical moments for the profession. During the Bill 102 negotiations, for example, Rita worked behind the scenes to create educational videos for pharmacists, while also collaborating with associations and other stakeholders on discussions with the Ministry of Health around the reporting framework and creation of professional allowances. Then, as the co-chair of the Pharmacy Coalition in Ontario, she worked to educate pharmacists about the new funding realities and engaged them in a campaign to make the public aware of changes due to the funding cuts.

Winn is also one of the editors of CFP’s Pharmacy Management in Canada textbook. She used her extensive experience in retail and pharmacy business to find expert writers, while authoring several chapters herself.

Sherry Peister, volunteer extraordinare, Chair of Green Shield Canada and former pharmacy owner, is this year’s recipient of the Canadian Foundation for Pharmacy's celebrated Pillar of Pharmacy Award. 

“Sherry is truly a very deserving winner of the Pillar of Pharmacy Award,” says Bill Wilson, President of CFP.“Her involvement and leadership at all levels of the profession are a testimony to her commitment and passion to advance the role of the pharmacist as an essential healthcare provider.”

Peister’s impact on the profession of pharmacy in Canada began soon after graduating from the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, in 1982. She has put in countless volunteer hours serving on committees and boards for pharmacy associations at the local, provincial and national levels. She has served as President of both the Ontario Pharmacists Association (1994-1995) and Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA) (2013-2014). While President of CPhA, she was instrumental in building the relationships required to help the association successfully transition to a new membership and governance model.  

She has been a board member for Green Shield Canada (GSC) since 1997 and became the first female Chair in 2010. She has played an integral role with the company, serving on the Finance Committee, Pharmacy and Patient Issues Committee, Allocations Committee, Strategic Planning Committee, Search Committee for CEO, Nominations and Governance Committee. Prior to becoming Chair of GSC, Peister also worked as a pharmacist, pharmacy owner and consultant. 

While the Pillar of Pharmacy recognition is Peister’s latest award, it is far from her only accolade. She is a two-time winner of the Women’s Executive Network’s (WXN) Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award, in 2016 and 2017, and most recently she received the CPhA Meritorious Service Award in 2019.

Peister has also been recognized for her work in the community. For example, she worked with Hamilton Community Foundation to develop a new corporate model of philanthropy that focuses on building capacity across the country through community foundations. 

CFP will honour Sherry Peister at its Pillar of Pharmacy Award reception and dinner in November 2019. CFP established the Pillar of Pharmacy Award in 1997 to celebrate the achievements of pharmacists who have demonstrated their dedication to advancing the profession of pharmacy.

Ray Murphy, founder of Murphy’s Pharmacies in P.E.I., is the 2018 recipient of the prestigious Pillar of Pharmacy Award.

“Ray Murphy is very much a Pillar of Pharmacy, demonstrated by his lifelong commitment to the profession of pharmacy, to his patients and to his community,” says David Windross, president of CFP. “Ray is a passionate advocate for patient care and meeting the needs of his patients.”

Murphy’s accomplishments as a pharmacist, business owner and community leader are innumerable. Most recently, in December 2017, the Governor General of Canada appointed Murphy to the Order of Canada, this country’s highest civilian honour (this follows his appointment to the Order or Prince Edward Island in 2007). In 2016, Murphy was named Entrepreneur of the Year by the Greater Charlottetown Area of Commerce.

Within the profession of pharmacy, Murphy established Murphy’s Pharmacies in 1981. Today there are 13 locations across the province, as well as walk-in clinics, a home health care store and travel medicine clinic. His pharmacies offer a wide array of patient services, which actively incorporate authorities available under the province’s expanded scope of practice. He has received the Canadian Pharmacists Association’s (CPhA) Meritorious Service Award (2012) and the CPhA Patient Care Achievement Award (2008). He and his pharmacy team have also received multiple Commitment to Care and Service Awards from Pharmacy Practice + Business magazine.

His commitment to give back to the community is clearly evident, spanning numerous volunteer activities over the decades—from personal canvassing to chairing fundraising campaigns and serving as a board member for numerous charitable and non-profit organizations. His leadership by example includes countless community sponsorships by Murphy’s Pharmacies, culminating in the company’s ongoing support of Murphy’s Community Centre in Charlottetown.

CFP will honour Ray Murphy at its Pillar of Pharmacy Award reception and dinner this fall. CFP established the Pillar of Pharmacy Award in 1997 to celebrate the achievements of pharmacists who have demonstrated their dedication to advancing the profession of pharmacy.

With a career spanning more than four decades, Moleschi has consistently influenced positive change. After earning his pharmacy degree from the University of British Columbia in 1974, he started out as a community pharmacist in Kitimat, B.C. Only two months later, his employer gave him an opportunity to open and manage an 8,000-sq.-ft. pharmacy in Prince Rupert, where he developed and implemented the pharmacy’s first medication profiles for patients.

In 1977, he opened the first Co-Op pharmacy in B.C., then in 1981 he entered hospital pharmacy as the pharmacy manager at Shuswap Lake General Hospital. During a time when pharmacists stayed in the dispensary, Moleschi challenged the status quo by routinely visiting wards to share his knowledge. He also implemented a distance pharmacy service for 11 facilities spread out across 500 km.

After completing a Masters of Health Administration degree, Moleschi became Chief Operating Officer for the North Okanagan Health Region, and then in 1998 took an executive position with the Health Association of B.C. After 10 years in health administration, he returned to his clinical roots as Director of Pharmacy for the East Kootenay Health Region. During that time he worked with the College of Pharmacists of B.C. to pioneer telepharmacy services. He was recruited by the Northern Health region in 2002, where he worked to establish a medical school at the University of Northern B.C.

In 2005, Moleschi became Registrar of the College of Pharmacists of B.C. He guided the expansion of pharmacists’ scope of practice, the regulation of pharmacy technicians and updated the College’s Code of Ethics. He also took to the road as a public speaker at pharmacy conferences, to motivate pharmacists and technicians to take up their new responsibilities under expanded scopes of practice.

Moleschi moved on to the Ontario College of Pharmacists in 2011. As Registrar, he again helped guide the expansion of pharmacists’ scope of practice, and updated the College’s Professional Practice Principles and Code of Ethics. He evolved practice assessments away from the traditional checklists to include a more qualitative evaluation, which includes coaching pharmacists on how to enhance their delivery of services. Moleschi retired in 2016.

Graduating first in her class from the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Pharmacy, Carole has realized an illustrious career spanning more than four decades and covering multiple facets of pharmacy. During her early years, Carole was a pharmacy director for a rehabilitation hospital.  She later spent nine years providing pharmacy services to long-term care and retirement homes as a clinical and consultant pharmacist. She has also held senior management positions with pharmacy chains both provincially and nationally. Carole spent the last 15 years with MPGL in an executive capacity where she has guided and directed the development of the company’s integrated pharmaceutical care model, as well as spearheaded government relations. Recently retired from her position as Senior Vice President, she continues to influence MPGL’s future as a member of its Board of Directors. A central figure in advancing the profession, Carole has contributed to many pharmacy associations and government organizations throughout her career. One of her most significant achievements was in founding the Canadian Society of Consultant Pharmacists (CSCP), where she also served as president and led the council in developing the first-ever Canadian Standards of Practice for Long-Term Care. For five years, Carole was Chair of the Ontario Pharmacists Association Long-Term Care Working Group and a member of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Pharmacy Council. In fact, she brought a balanced perspective to many organizations, including the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA), Canadian Association of Chain Drug Stores (CACDS), Rx Canada, Ontario College of Pharmacists (OCP) and Canadian Pharmacist Association (CPhA)

In addition to 33 years as a member of the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Toronto, pharmacist Dr. Jake Thiessen was instrumental in spearheading the creation of the first co-op pharmacy program in Canada at the University of Waterloo.

Related link:

2014 news article - Spotlight on Jake Thiessen

Murray Koffler has contributed his time and funding to support pharmacy business education, scientific and medical research, the arts, the prevention of drug abuse and business programs for Aboriginal Canadians. The federal government named Koffler to the Order of Canada in 1977 and promoted him to Officer of Canada in 1996. He graduated with a Phm. B. degree from the University of Toronto in 1946.

Related links:

2013 news article - Murray Koffler receives CFP's Pillar of Pharmacy

Dr. Murray Brown has spent more than 30 years dedicated to the Canadian pharmaceutical industry through various roles in academia, professional associations and industry.  Most recently as Vice President, Scientific Affairs of Pfizer Consumer Healthcare, Murray was responsible for directing a team of professionals that oversaw the company’s Quality Assurance, Regulatory and Medical Affairs, Clinical Research and Medical Information capabilities. 

Derek Desrosiers is one of Canada's foremost authorities on economic and professional practice issues in pharmacy. After working in community pharmacy for 13 years, including time as a pharmacy manager and owner, Derek became the Director of Professional Services at the B.C. Pharmacy Association in 1995. In 1999 he took up a similar role at uniPHARM Wholesale Drugs Ltd., then became Chief Executive Officer in 2004. For more than 20 years, Derek has been a staff member or board member of BCPhA, including six terms as President. He has also served as a Director of the Board of the Canadian Pharmacists Association, and a Director and Chairman of the Board of the Canadian Association for Pharmacy Distribution Management.

Since graduating from the College of Pharmacy, University of Saskatchewan in 1973, Bev Allen has been involved in almost every aspect of pharmacy practice. Initially gaining experience in the backbone of pharmacy, Bev owned and operated a community pharmacy for the first 15 years of his career. During this period he also began his now continuous involvement with pharmacy students by participating in the preceptor program, and his desire to serve pharmacy through the profession’s decision-making bodies. He holds the position of Assistant Professor of Pharmacy and Coordinator of the Structured Practice Experiences Program (SPEP) at the College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan (since 1994 and 2000 respectively). 

For more than 40 years, Dr. Wayne Hindmarsh has been guiding the development of pharmacy students across the country. As Dean of the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Toronto for more than 11 years, Hindmarsh oversaw the significant transformation of Canada’s largest faculty of pharmacy. 

When named the 2008 recipient of the Pillar of Pharmacy Award, Aubrey Browne had served the profession of pharmacy for more than four decades. His untiring advocacy has earned him numerous recognitions within the profession as well as in the political arena; for example, he served as a healthcare advisor to two prime ministers.

Ray Joubert has defined the role of Registrar-Treasurer with the Saskatchewan College of Pharmacists through his kindness, generosity of spirit and integrity; these traits have also won him friends from coast to coast to coast. He has nobly served the pharmacy profession through his participation as a director, chair, and member of provincial and national organizations within the profession; he has also lent his experience and knowledge of regulatory affairs to other health professions. And since 1985, he has helped influence and shape the career success of future generations of pharmacists at the University of Saskatchewan. As guest lecturer he shares his extensive knowledge and experience … always challenges the students with his unique brand of ethical, legal and moral questions. 

Rita Winn has been a tireless advocate for community pharmacy for more than 30 years.

She worked for 22 years at Lovell Drugs, where she served as General Manager and Chief Operation Officer until her recent retirement. While at Lovell Drugs, Winn was always piloting new technologies, products and programs to advance the profession. As a result, the pharmacy was an early adopter of the pilot phase of PrescribeIT and represented the Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada (NPAC) on the PrescribeIT User Working Group. Winn continues to work part time for Rx Drug Mart as a Director on the Lovell Drugs Board providing guidance and support.

She has served on numerous industry organizations, including the Canadian Pharmacists Association and Ontario Pharmacists Association. She is currently the Vice-Chair of the Board for the Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada, where she chairs the Governance and Nominating Committee. Winn is a popular conference speaker, where she has presented on topics such as pharmacy business, workflow and human resources. She also speaks regularly to community groups, including senior centres and other allied health professionals.

Her pharmacy advocacy is also evident through her participation in critical moments for the profession. During the Bill 102 negotiations, for example, Rita worked behind the scenes to create educational videos for pharmacists, while also collaborating with associations and other stakeholders on discussions with the Ministry of Health around the reporting framework and creation of professional allowances. Then, as the co-chair of the Pharmacy Coalition in Ontario, she worked to educate pharmacists about the new funding realities and engaged them in a campaign to make the public aware of changes due to the funding cuts.

Winn is also one of the editors of CFP’s Pharmacy Management in Canada textbook. She used her extensive experience in retail and pharmacy business to find expert writers, while authoring several chapters herself.

Sherry Peister, volunteer extraordinare, Chair of Green Shield Canada and former pharmacy owner, is this year’s recipient of the Canadian Foundation for Pharmacy's celebrated Pillar of Pharmacy Award. 

“Sherry is truly a very deserving winner of the Pillar of Pharmacy Award,” says Bill Wilson, President of CFP.“Her involvement and leadership at all levels of the profession are a testimony to her commitment and passion to advance the role of the pharmacist as an essential healthcare provider.”

Peister’s impact on the profession of pharmacy in Canada began soon after graduating from the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, in 1982. She has put in countless volunteer hours serving on committees and boards for pharmacy associations at the local, provincial and national levels. She has served as President of both the Ontario Pharmacists Association (1994-1995) and Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA) (2013-2014). While President of CPhA, she was instrumental in building the relationships required to help the association successfully transition to a new membership and governance model.  

She has been a board member for Green Shield Canada (GSC) since 1997 and became the first female Chair in 2010. She has played an integral role with the company, serving on the Finance Committee, Pharmacy and Patient Issues Committee, Allocations Committee, Strategic Planning Committee, Search Committee for CEO, Nominations and Governance Committee. Prior to becoming Chair of GSC, Peister also worked as a pharmacist, pharmacy owner and consultant. 

While the Pillar of Pharmacy recognition is Peister’s latest award, it is far from her only accolade. She is a two-time winner of the Women’s Executive Network’s (WXN) Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award, in 2016 and 2017, and most recently she received the CPhA Meritorious Service Award in 2019.

Peister has also been recognized for her work in the community. For example, she worked with Hamilton Community Foundation to develop a new corporate model of philanthropy that focuses on building capacity across the country through community foundations. 

CFP will honour Sherry Peister at its Pillar of Pharmacy Award reception and dinner in November 2019. CFP established the Pillar of Pharmacy Award in 1997 to celebrate the achievements of pharmacists who have demonstrated their dedication to advancing the profession of pharmacy.

Ray Murphy, founder of Murphy’s Pharmacies in P.E.I., is the 2018 recipient of the prestigious Pillar of Pharmacy Award.

“Ray Murphy is very much a Pillar of Pharmacy, demonstrated by his lifelong commitment to the profession of pharmacy, to his patients and to his community,” says David Windross, president of CFP. “Ray is a passionate advocate for patient care and meeting the needs of his patients.”

Murphy’s accomplishments as a pharmacist, business owner and community leader are innumerable. Most recently, in December 2017, the Governor General of Canada appointed Murphy to the Order of Canada, this country’s highest civilian honour (this follows his appointment to the Order or Prince Edward Island in 2007). In 2016, Murphy was named Entrepreneur of the Year by the Greater Charlottetown Area of Commerce.

Within the profession of pharmacy, Murphy established Murphy’s Pharmacies in 1981. Today there are 13 locations across the province, as well as walk-in clinics, a home health care store and travel medicine clinic. His pharmacies offer a wide array of patient services, which actively incorporate authorities available under the province’s expanded scope of practice. He has received the Canadian Pharmacists Association’s (CPhA) Meritorious Service Award (2012) and the CPhA Patient Care Achievement Award (2008). He and his pharmacy team have also received multiple Commitment to Care and Service Awards from Pharmacy Practice + Business magazine.

His commitment to give back to the community is clearly evident, spanning numerous volunteer activities over the decades—from personal canvassing to chairing fundraising campaigns and serving as a board member for numerous charitable and non-profit organizations. His leadership by example includes countless community sponsorships by Murphy’s Pharmacies, culminating in the company’s ongoing support of Murphy’s Community Centre in Charlottetown.

CFP will honour Ray Murphy at its Pillar of Pharmacy Award reception and dinner this fall. CFP established the Pillar of Pharmacy Award in 1997 to celebrate the achievements of pharmacists who have demonstrated their dedication to advancing the profession of pharmacy.

With a career spanning more than four decades, Moleschi has consistently influenced positive change. After earning his pharmacy degree from the University of British Columbia in 1974, he started out as a community pharmacist in Kitimat, B.C. Only two months later, his employer gave him an opportunity to open and manage an 8,000-sq.-ft. pharmacy in Prince Rupert, where he developed and implemented the pharmacy’s first medication profiles for patients.

In 1977, he opened the first Co-Op pharmacy in B.C., then in 1981 he entered hospital pharmacy as the pharmacy manager at Shuswap Lake General Hospital. During a time when pharmacists stayed in the dispensary, Moleschi challenged the status quo by routinely visiting wards to share his knowledge. He also implemented a distance pharmacy service for 11 facilities spread out across 500 km.

After completing a Masters of Health Administration degree, Moleschi became Chief Operating Officer for the North Okanagan Health Region, and then in 1998 took an executive position with the Health Association of B.C. After 10 years in health administration, he returned to his clinical roots as Director of Pharmacy for the East Kootenay Health Region. During that time he worked with the College of Pharmacists of B.C. to pioneer telepharmacy services. He was recruited by the Northern Health region in 2002, where he worked to establish a medical school at the University of Northern B.C.

In 2005, Moleschi became Registrar of the College of Pharmacists of B.C. He guided the expansion of pharmacists’ scope of practice, the regulation of pharmacy technicians and updated the College’s Code of Ethics. He also took to the road as a public speaker at pharmacy conferences, to motivate pharmacists and technicians to take up their new responsibilities under expanded scopes of practice.

Moleschi moved on to the Ontario College of Pharmacists in 2011. As Registrar, he again helped guide the expansion of pharmacists’ scope of practice, and updated the College’s Professional Practice Principles and Code of Ethics. He evolved practice assessments away from the traditional checklists to include a more qualitative evaluation, which includes coaching pharmacists on how to enhance their delivery of services. Moleschi retired in 2016.

Graduating first in her class from the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Pharmacy, Carole has realized an illustrious career spanning more than four decades and covering multiple facets of pharmacy. During her early years, Carole was a pharmacy director for a rehabilitation hospital.  She later spent nine years providing pharmacy services to long-term care and retirement homes as a clinical and consultant pharmacist. She has also held senior management positions with pharmacy chains both provincially and nationally. Carole spent the last 15 years with MPGL in an executive capacity where she has guided and directed the development of the company’s integrated pharmaceutical care model, as well as spearheaded government relations. Recently retired from her position as Senior Vice President, she continues to influence MPGL’s future as a member of its Board of Directors. A central figure in advancing the profession, Carole has contributed to many pharmacy associations and government organizations throughout her career. One of her most significant achievements was in founding the Canadian Society of Consultant Pharmacists (CSCP), where she also served as president and led the council in developing the first-ever Canadian Standards of Practice for Long-Term Care. For five years, Carole was Chair of the Ontario Pharmacists Association Long-Term Care Working Group and a member of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Pharmacy Council. In fact, she brought a balanced perspective to many organizations, including the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA), Canadian Association of Chain Drug Stores (CACDS), Rx Canada, Ontario College of Pharmacists (OCP) and Canadian Pharmacist Association (CPhA)

In addition to 33 years as a member of the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Toronto, pharmacist Dr. Jake Thiessen was instrumental in spearheading the creation of the first co-op pharmacy program in Canada at the University of Waterloo.

Related link:

2014 news article - Spotlight on Jake Thiessen

Murray Koffler has contributed his time and funding to support pharmacy business education, scientific and medical research, the arts, the prevention of drug abuse and business programs for Aboriginal Canadians. The federal government named Koffler to the Order of Canada in 1977 and promoted him to Officer of Canada in 1996. He graduated with a Phm. B. degree from the University of Toronto in 1946.

Related links:

2013 news article - Murray Koffler receives CFP's Pillar of Pharmacy

Dr. Murray Brown has spent more than 30 years dedicated to the Canadian pharmaceutical industry through various roles in academia, professional associations and industry.  Most recently as Vice President, Scientific Affairs of Pfizer Consumer Healthcare, Murray was responsible for directing a team of professionals that oversaw the company’s Quality Assurance, Regulatory and Medical Affairs, Clinical Research and Medical Information capabilities. 

Derek Desrosiers is one of Canada's foremost authorities on economic and professional practice issues in pharmacy. After working in community pharmacy for 13 years, including time as a pharmacy manager and owner, Derek became the Director of Professional Services at the B.C. Pharmacy Association in 1995. In 1999 he took up a similar role at uniPHARM Wholesale Drugs Ltd., then became Chief Executive Officer in 2004. For more than 20 years, Derek has been a staff member or board member of BCPhA, including six terms as President. He has also served as a Director of the Board of the Canadian Pharmacists Association, and a Director and Chairman of the Board of the Canadian Association for Pharmacy Distribution Management.

Since graduating from the College of Pharmacy, University of Saskatchewan in 1973, Bev Allen has been involved in almost every aspect of pharmacy practice. Initially gaining experience in the backbone of pharmacy, Bev owned and operated a community pharmacy for the first 15 years of his career. During this period he also began his now continuous involvement with pharmacy students by participating in the preceptor program, and his desire to serve pharmacy through the profession’s decision-making bodies. He holds the position of Assistant Professor of Pharmacy and Coordinator of the Structured Practice Experiences Program (SPEP) at the College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan (since 1994 and 2000 respectively). 

For more than 40 years, Dr. Wayne Hindmarsh has been guiding the development of pharmacy students across the country. As Dean of the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Toronto for more than 11 years, Hindmarsh oversaw the significant transformation of Canada’s largest faculty of pharmacy. 

When named the 2008 recipient of the Pillar of Pharmacy Award, Aubrey Browne had served the profession of pharmacy for more than four decades. His untiring advocacy has earned him numerous recognitions within the profession as well as in the political arena; for example, he served as a healthcare advisor to two prime ministers.

Ray Joubert has defined the role of Registrar-Treasurer with the Saskatchewan College of Pharmacists through his kindness, generosity of spirit and integrity; these traits have also won him friends from coast to coast to coast. He has nobly served the pharmacy profession through his participation as a director, chair, and member of provincial and national organizations within the profession; he has also lent his experience and knowledge of regulatory affairs to other health professions. And since 1985, he has helped influence and shape the career success of future generations of pharmacists at the University of Saskatchewan. As guest lecturer he shares his extensive knowledge and experience … always challenges the students with his unique brand of ethical, legal and moral questions. 

Rita Winn has been a tireless advocate for community pharmacy for more than 30 years.

She worked for 22 years at Lovell Drugs, where she served as General Manager and Chief Operation Officer until her recent retirement. While at Lovell Drugs, Winn was always piloting new technologies, products and programs to advance the profession. As a result, the pharmacy was an early adopter of the pilot phase of PrescribeIT and represented the Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada (NPAC) on the PrescribeIT User Working Group. Winn continues to work part time for Rx Drug Mart as a Director on the Lovell Drugs Board providing guidance and support.

She has served on numerous industry organizations, including the Canadian Pharmacists Association and Ontario Pharmacists Association. She is currently the Vice-Chair of the Board for the Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada, where she chairs the Governance and Nominating Committee. Winn is a popular conference speaker, where she has presented on topics such as pharmacy business, workflow and human resources. She also speaks regularly to community groups, including senior centres and other allied health professionals.

Her pharmacy advocacy is also evident through her participation in critical moments for the profession. During the Bill 102 negotiations, for example, Rita worked behind the scenes to create educational videos for pharmacists, while also collaborating with associations and other stakeholders on discussions with the Ministry of Health around the reporting framework and creation of professional allowances. Then, as the co-chair of the Pharmacy Coalition in Ontario, she worked to educate pharmacists about the new funding realities and engaged them in a campaign to make the public aware of changes due to the funding cuts.

Winn is also one of the editors of CFP’s Pharmacy Management in Canada textbook. She used her extensive experience in retail and pharmacy business to find expert writers, while authoring several chapters herself.

Sherry Peister, volunteer extraordinare, Chair of Green Shield Canada and former pharmacy owner, is this year’s recipient of the Canadian Foundation for Pharmacy's celebrated Pillar of Pharmacy Award. 

“Sherry is truly a very deserving winner of the Pillar of Pharmacy Award,” says Bill Wilson, President of CFP.“Her involvement and leadership at all levels of the profession are a testimony to her commitment and passion to advance the role of the pharmacist as an essential healthcare provider.”

Peister’s impact on the profession of pharmacy in Canada began soon after graduating from the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, in 1982. She has put in countless volunteer hours serving on committees and boards for pharmacy associations at the local, provincial and national levels. She has served as President of both the Ontario Pharmacists Association (1994-1995) and Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA) (2013-2014). While President of CPhA, she was instrumental in building the relationships required to help the association successfully transition to a new membership and governance model.  

She has been a board member for Green Shield Canada (GSC) since 1997 and became the first female Chair in 2010. She has played an integral role with the company, serving on the Finance Committee, Pharmacy and Patient Issues Committee, Allocations Committee, Strategic Planning Committee, Search Committee for CEO, Nominations and Governance Committee. Prior to becoming Chair of GSC, Peister also worked as a pharmacist, pharmacy owner and consultant. 

While the Pillar of Pharmacy recognition is Peister’s latest award, it is far from her only accolade. She is a two-time winner of the Women’s Executive Network’s (WXN) Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award, in 2016 and 2017, and most recently she received the CPhA Meritorious Service Award in 2019.

Peister has also been recognized for her work in the community. For example, she worked with Hamilton Community Foundation to develop a new corporate model of philanthropy that focuses on building capacity across the country through community foundations. 

CFP will honour Sherry Peister at its Pillar of Pharmacy Award reception and dinner in November 2019. CFP established the Pillar of Pharmacy Award in 1997 to celebrate the achievements of pharmacists who have demonstrated their dedication to advancing the profession of pharmacy.

Ray Murphy, founder of Murphy’s Pharmacies in P.E.I., is the 2018 recipient of the prestigious Pillar of Pharmacy Award.

“Ray Murphy is very much a Pillar of Pharmacy, demonstrated by his lifelong commitment to the profession of pharmacy, to his patients and to his community,” says David Windross, president of CFP. “Ray is a passionate advocate for patient care and meeting the needs of his patients.”

Murphy’s accomplishments as a pharmacist, business owner and community leader are innumerable. Most recently, in December 2017, the Governor General of Canada appointed Murphy to the Order of Canada, this country’s highest civilian honour (this follows his appointment to the Order or Prince Edward Island in 2007). In 2016, Murphy was named Entrepreneur of the Year by the Greater Charlottetown Area of Commerce.

Within the profession of pharmacy, Murphy established Murphy’s Pharmacies in 1981. Today there are 13 locations across the province, as well as walk-in clinics, a home health care store and travel medicine clinic. His pharmacies offer a wide array of patient services, which actively incorporate authorities available under the province’s expanded scope of practice. He has received the Canadian Pharmacists Association’s (CPhA) Meritorious Service Award (2012) and the CPhA Patient Care Achievement Award (2008). He and his pharmacy team have also received multiple Commitment to Care and Service Awards from Pharmacy Practice + Business magazine.

His commitment to give back to the community is clearly evident, spanning numerous volunteer activities over the decades—from personal canvassing to chairing fundraising campaigns and serving as a board member for numerous charitable and non-profit organizations. His leadership by example includes countless community sponsorships by Murphy’s Pharmacies, culminating in the company’s ongoing support of Murphy’s Community Centre in Charlottetown.

CFP will honour Ray Murphy at its Pillar of Pharmacy Award reception and dinner this fall. CFP established the Pillar of Pharmacy Award in 1997 to celebrate the achievements of pharmacists who have demonstrated their dedication to advancing the profession of pharmacy.

With a career spanning more than four decades, Moleschi has consistently influenced positive change. After earning his pharmacy degree from the University of British Columbia in 1974, he started out as a community pharmacist in Kitimat, B.C. Only two months later, his employer gave him an opportunity to open and manage an 8,000-sq.-ft. pharmacy in Prince Rupert, where he developed and implemented the pharmacy’s first medication profiles for patients.

In 1977, he opened the first Co-Op pharmacy in B.C., then in 1981 he entered hospital pharmacy as the pharmacy manager at Shuswap Lake General Hospital. During a time when pharmacists stayed in the dispensary, Moleschi challenged the status quo by routinely visiting wards to share his knowledge. He also implemented a distance pharmacy service for 11 facilities spread out across 500 km.

After completing a Masters of Health Administration degree, Moleschi became Chief Operating Officer for the North Okanagan Health Region, and then in 1998 took an executive position with the Health Association of B.C. After 10 years in health administration, he returned to his clinical roots as Director of Pharmacy for the East Kootenay Health Region. During that time he worked with the College of Pharmacists of B.C. to pioneer telepharmacy services. He was recruited by the Northern Health region in 2002, where he worked to establish a medical school at the University of Northern B.C.

In 2005, Moleschi became Registrar of the College of Pharmacists of B.C. He guided the expansion of pharmacists’ scope of practice, the regulation of pharmacy technicians and updated the College’s Code of Ethics. He also took to the road as a public speaker at pharmacy conferences, to motivate pharmacists and technicians to take up their new responsibilities under expanded scopes of practice.

Moleschi moved on to the Ontario College of Pharmacists in 2011. As Registrar, he again helped guide the expansion of pharmacists’ scope of practice, and updated the College’s Professional Practice Principles and Code of Ethics. He evolved practice assessments away from the traditional checklists to include a more qualitative evaluation, which includes coaching pharmacists on how to enhance their delivery of services. Moleschi retired in 2016.

Graduating first in her class from the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Pharmacy, Carole has realized an illustrious career spanning more than four decades and covering multiple facets of pharmacy. During her early years, Carole was a pharmacy director for a rehabilitation hospital.  She later spent nine years providing pharmacy services to long-term care and retirement homes as a clinical and consultant pharmacist. She has also held senior management positions with pharmacy chains both provincially and nationally. Carole spent the last 15 years with MPGL in an executive capacity where she has guided and directed the development of the company’s integrated pharmaceutical care model, as well as spearheaded government relations. Recently retired from her position as Senior Vice President, she continues to influence MPGL’s future as a member of its Board of Directors. A central figure in advancing the profession, Carole has contributed to many pharmacy associations and government organizations throughout her career. One of her most significant achievements was in founding the Canadian Society of Consultant Pharmacists (CSCP), where she also served as president and led the council in developing the first-ever Canadian Standards of Practice for Long-Term Care. For five years, Carole was Chair of the Ontario Pharmacists Association Long-Term Care Working Group and a member of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Pharmacy Council. In fact, she brought a balanced perspective to many organizations, including the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA), Canadian Association of Chain Drug Stores (CACDS), Rx Canada, Ontario College of Pharmacists (OCP) and Canadian Pharmacist Association (CPhA)

In addition to 33 years as a member of the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Toronto, pharmacist Dr. Jake Thiessen was instrumental in spearheading the creation of the first co-op pharmacy program in Canada at the University of Waterloo.

Related link:

2014 news article - Spotlight on Jake Thiessen

Murray Koffler has contributed his time and funding to support pharmacy business education, scientific and medical research, the arts, the prevention of drug abuse and business programs for Aboriginal Canadians. The federal government named Koffler to the Order of Canada in 1977 and promoted him to Officer of Canada in 1996. He graduated with a Phm. B. degree from the University of Toronto in 1946.

Related links:

2013 news article - Murray Koffler receives CFP's Pillar of Pharmacy

Dr. Murray Brown has spent more than 30 years dedicated to the Canadian pharmaceutical industry through various roles in academia, professional associations and industry.  Most recently as Vice President, Scientific Affairs of Pfizer Consumer Healthcare, Murray was responsible for directing a team of professionals that oversaw the company’s Quality Assurance, Regulatory and Medical Affairs, Clinical Research and Medical Information capabilities. 

Derek Desrosiers is one of Canada's foremost authorities on economic and professional practice issues in pharmacy. After working in community pharmacy for 13 years, including time as a pharmacy manager and owner, Derek became the Director of Professional Services at the B.C. Pharmacy Association in 1995. In 1999 he took up a similar role at uniPHARM Wholesale Drugs Ltd., then became Chief Executive Officer in 2004. For more than 20 years, Derek has been a staff member or board member of BCPhA, including six terms as President. He has also served as a Director of the Board of the Canadian Pharmacists Association, and a Director and Chairman of the Board of the Canadian Association for Pharmacy Distribution Management.

Since graduating from the College of Pharmacy, University of Saskatchewan in 1973, Bev Allen has been involved in almost every aspect of pharmacy practice. Initially gaining experience in the backbone of pharmacy, Bev owned and operated a community pharmacy for the first 15 years of his career. During this period he also began his now continuous involvement with pharmacy students by participating in the preceptor program, and his desire to serve pharmacy through the profession’s decision-making bodies. He holds the position of Assistant Professor of Pharmacy and Coordinator of the Structured Practice Experiences Program (SPEP) at the College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan (since 1994 and 2000 respectively). 

For more than 40 years, Dr. Wayne Hindmarsh has been guiding the development of pharmacy students across the country. As Dean of the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Toronto for more than 11 years, Hindmarsh oversaw the significant transformation of Canada’s largest faculty of pharmacy. 

When named the 2008 recipient of the Pillar of Pharmacy Award, Aubrey Browne had served the profession of pharmacy for more than four decades. His untiring advocacy has earned him numerous recognitions within the profession as well as in the political arena; for example, he served as a healthcare advisor to two prime ministers.

Ray Joubert has defined the role of Registrar-Treasurer with the Saskatchewan College of Pharmacists through his kindness, generosity of spirit and integrity; these traits have also won him friends from coast to coast to coast. He has nobly served the pharmacy profession through his participation as a director, chair, and member of provincial and national organizations within the profession; he has also lent his experience and knowledge of regulatory affairs to other health professions. And since 1985, he has helped influence and shape the career success of future generations of pharmacists at the University of Saskatchewan. As guest lecturer he shares his extensive knowledge and experience … always challenges the students with his unique brand of ethical, legal and moral questions. 

Rita Winn has been a tireless advocate for community pharmacy for more than 30 years.

She worked for 22 years at Lovell Drugs, where she served as General Manager and Chief Operation Officer until her recent retirement. While at Lovell Drugs, Winn was always piloting new technologies, products and programs to advance the profession. As a result, the pharmacy was an early adopter of the pilot phase of PrescribeIT and represented the Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada (NPAC) on the PrescribeIT User Working Group. Winn continues to work part time for Rx Drug Mart as a Director on the Lovell Drugs Board providing guidance and support.

She has served on numerous industry organizations, including the Canadian Pharmacists Association and Ontario Pharmacists Association. She is currently the Vice-Chair of the Board for the Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada, where she chairs the Governance and Nominating Committee. Winn is a popular conference speaker, where she has presented on topics such as pharmacy business, workflow and human resources. She also speaks regularly to community groups, including senior centres and other allied health professionals.

Her pharmacy advocacy is also evident through her participation in critical moments for the profession. During the Bill 102 negotiations, for example, Rita worked behind the scenes to create educational videos for pharmacists, while also collaborating with associations and other stakeholders on discussions with the Ministry of Health around the reporting framework and creation of professional allowances. Then, as the co-chair of the Pharmacy Coalition in Ontario, she worked to educate pharmacists about the new funding realities and engaged them in a campaign to make the public aware of changes due to the funding cuts.

Winn is also one of the editors of CFP’s Pharmacy Management in Canada textbook. She used her extensive experience in retail and pharmacy business to find expert writers, while authoring several chapters herself.

Sherry Peister, volunteer extraordinare, Chair of Green Shield Canada and former pharmacy owner, is this year’s recipient of the Canadian Foundation for Pharmacy's celebrated Pillar of Pharmacy Award. 

“Sherry is truly a very deserving winner of the Pillar of Pharmacy Award,” says Bill Wilson, President of CFP.“Her involvement and leadership at all levels of the profession are a testimony to her commitment and passion to advance the role of the pharmacist as an essential healthcare provider.”

Peister’s impact on the profession of pharmacy in Canada began soon after graduating from the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, in 1982. She has put in countless volunteer hours serving on committees and boards for pharmacy associations at the local, provincial and national levels. She has served as President of both the Ontario Pharmacists Association (1994-1995) and Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA) (2013-2014). While President of CPhA, she was instrumental in building the relationships required to help the association successfully transition to a new membership and governance model.  

She has been a board member for Green Shield Canada (GSC) since 1997 and became the first female Chair in 2010. She has played an integral role with the company, serving on the Finance Committee, Pharmacy and Patient Issues Committee, Allocations Committee, Strategic Planning Committee, Search Committee for CEO, Nominations and Governance Committee. Prior to becoming Chair of GSC, Peister also worked as a pharmacist, pharmacy owner and consultant. 

While the Pillar of Pharmacy recognition is Peister’s latest award, it is far from her only accolade. She is a two-time winner of the Women’s Executive Network’s (WXN) Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award, in 2016 and 2017, and most recently she received the CPhA Meritorious Service Award in 2019.

Peister has also been recognized for her work in the community. For example, she worked with Hamilton Community Foundation to develop a new corporate model of philanthropy that focuses on building capacity across the country through community foundations. 

CFP will honour Sherry Peister at its Pillar of Pharmacy Award reception and dinner in November 2019. CFP established the Pillar of Pharmacy Award in 1997 to celebrate the achievements of pharmacists who have demonstrated their dedication to advancing the profession of pharmacy.

Ray Murphy, founder of Murphy’s Pharmacies in P.E.I., is the 2018 recipient of the prestigious Pillar of Pharmacy Award.

“Ray Murphy is very much a Pillar of Pharmacy, demonstrated by his lifelong commitment to the profession of pharmacy, to his patients and to his community,” says David Windross, president of CFP. “Ray is a passionate advocate for patient care and meeting the needs of his patients.”

Murphy’s accomplishments as a pharmacist, business owner and community leader are innumerable. Most recently, in December 2017, the Governor General of Canada appointed Murphy to the Order of Canada, this country’s highest civilian honour (this follows his appointment to the Order or Prince Edward Island in 2007). In 2016, Murphy was named Entrepreneur of the Year by the Greater Charlottetown Area of Commerce.

Within the profession of pharmacy, Murphy established Murphy’s Pharmacies in 1981. Today there are 13 locations across the province, as well as walk-in clinics, a home health care store and travel medicine clinic. His pharmacies offer a wide array of patient services, which actively incorporate authorities available under the province’s expanded scope of practice. He has received the Canadian Pharmacists Association’s (CPhA) Meritorious Service Award (2012) and the CPhA Patient Care Achievement Award (2008). He and his pharmacy team have also received multiple Commitment to Care and Service Awards from Pharmacy Practice + Business magazine.

His commitment to give back to the community is clearly evident, spanning numerous volunteer activities over the decades—from personal canvassing to chairing fundraising campaigns and serving as a board member for numerous charitable and non-profit organizations. His leadership by example includes countless community sponsorships by Murphy’s Pharmacies, culminating in the company’s ongoing support of Murphy’s Community Centre in Charlottetown.

CFP will honour Ray Murphy at its Pillar of Pharmacy Award reception and dinner this fall. CFP established the Pillar of Pharmacy Award in 1997 to celebrate the achievements of pharmacists who have demonstrated their dedication to advancing the profession of pharmacy.

With a career spanning more than four decades, Moleschi has consistently influenced positive change. After earning his pharmacy degree from the University of British Columbia in 1974, he started out as a community pharmacist in Kitimat, B.C. Only two months later, his employer gave him an opportunity to open and manage an 8,000-sq.-ft. pharmacy in Prince Rupert, where he developed and implemented the pharmacy’s first medication profiles for patients.

In 1977, he opened the first Co-Op pharmacy in B.C., then in 1981 he entered hospital pharmacy as the pharmacy manager at Shuswap Lake General Hospital. During a time when pharmacists stayed in the dispensary, Moleschi challenged the status quo by routinely visiting wards to share his knowledge. He also implemented a distance pharmacy service for 11 facilities spread out across 500 km.

After completing a Masters of Health Administration degree, Moleschi became Chief Operating Officer for the North Okanagan Health Region, and then in 1998 took an executive position with the Health Association of B.C. After 10 years in health administration, he returned to his clinical roots as Director of Pharmacy for the East Kootenay Health Region. During that time he worked with the College of Pharmacists of B.C. to pioneer telepharmacy services. He was recruited by the Northern Health region in 2002, where he worked to establish a medical school at the University of Northern B.C.

In 2005, Moleschi became Registrar of the College of Pharmacists of B.C. He guided the expansion of pharmacists’ scope of practice, the regulation of pharmacy technicians and updated the College’s Code of Ethics. He also took to the road as a public speaker at pharmacy conferences, to motivate pharmacists and technicians to take up their new responsibilities under expanded scopes of practice.

Moleschi moved on to the Ontario College of Pharmacists in 2011. As Registrar, he again helped guide the expansion of pharmacists’ scope of practice, and updated the College’s Professional Practice Principles and Code of Ethics. He evolved practice assessments away from the traditional checklists to include a more qualitative evaluation, which includes coaching pharmacists on how to enhance their delivery of services. Moleschi retired in 2016.

Graduating first in her class from the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Pharmacy, Carole has realized an illustrious career spanning more than four decades and covering multiple facets of pharmacy. During her early years, Carole was a pharmacy director for a rehabilitation hospital.  She later spent nine years providing pharmacy services to long-term care and retirement homes as a clinical and consultant pharmacist. She has also held senior management positions with pharmacy chains both provincially and nationally. Carole spent the last 15 years with MPGL in an executive capacity where she has guided and directed the development of the company’s integrated pharmaceutical care model, as well as spearheaded government relations. Recently retired from her position as Senior Vice President, she continues to influence MPGL’s future as a member of its Board of Directors. A central figure in advancing the profession, Carole has contributed to many pharmacy associations and government organizations throughout her career. One of her most significant achievements was in founding the Canadian Society of Consultant Pharmacists (CSCP), where she also served as president and led the council in developing the first-ever Canadian Standards of Practice for Long-Term Care. For five years, Carole was Chair of the Ontario Pharmacists Association Long-Term Care Working Group and a member of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Pharmacy Council. In fact, she brought a balanced perspective to many organizations, including the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA), Canadian Association of Chain Drug Stores (CACDS), Rx Canada, Ontario College of Pharmacists (OCP) and Canadian Pharmacist Association (CPhA)

In addition to 33 years as a member of the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Toronto, pharmacist Dr. Jake Thiessen was instrumental in spearheading the creation of the first co-op pharmacy program in Canada at the University of Waterloo.

Related link:

2014 news article - Spotlight on Jake Thiessen

Murray Koffler has contributed his time and funding to support pharmacy business education, scientific and medical research, the arts, the prevention of drug abuse and business programs for Aboriginal Canadians. The federal government named Koffler to the Order of Canada in 1977 and promoted him to Officer of Canada in 1996. He graduated with a Phm. B. degree from the University of Toronto in 1946.

Related links:

2013 news article - Murray Koffler receives CFP's Pillar of Pharmacy

Dr. Murray Brown has spent more than 30 years dedicated to the Canadian pharmaceutical industry through various roles in academia, professional associations and industry.  Most recently as Vice President, Scientific Affairs of Pfizer Consumer Healthcare, Murray was responsible for directing a team of professionals that oversaw the company’s Quality Assurance, Regulatory and Medical Affairs, Clinical Research and Medical Information capabilities. 

Derek Desrosiers is one of Canada's foremost authorities on economic and professional practice issues in pharmacy. After working in community pharmacy for 13 years, including time as a pharmacy manager and owner, Derek became the Director of Professional Services at the B.C. Pharmacy Association in 1995. In 1999 he took up a similar role at uniPHARM Wholesale Drugs Ltd., then became Chief Executive Officer in 2004. For more than 20 years, Derek has been a staff member or board member of BCPhA, including six terms as President. He has also served as a Director of the Board of the Canadian Pharmacists Association, and a Director and Chairman of the Board of the Canadian Association for Pharmacy Distribution Management.

Since graduating from the College of Pharmacy, University of Saskatchewan in 1973, Bev Allen has been involved in almost every aspect of pharmacy practice. Initially gaining experience in the backbone of pharmacy, Bev owned and operated a community pharmacy for the first 15 years of his career. During this period he also began his now continuous involvement with pharmacy students by participating in the preceptor program, and his desire to serve pharmacy through the profession’s decision-making bodies. He holds the position of Assistant Professor of Pharmacy and Coordinator of the Structured Practice Experiences Program (SPEP) at the College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan (since 1994 and 2000 respectively). 

For more than 40 years, Dr. Wayne Hindmarsh has been guiding the development of pharmacy students across the country. As Dean of the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Toronto for more than 11 years, Hindmarsh oversaw the significant transformation of Canada’s largest faculty of pharmacy. 

When named the 2008 recipient of the Pillar of Pharmacy Award, Aubrey Browne had served the profession of pharmacy for more than four decades. His untiring advocacy has earned him numerous recognitions within the profession as well as in the political arena; for example, he served as a healthcare advisor to two prime ministers.

Ray Joubert has defined the role of Registrar-Treasurer with the Saskatchewan College of Pharmacists through his kindness, generosity of spirit and integrity; these traits have also won him friends from coast to coast to coast. He has nobly served the pharmacy profession through his participation as a director, chair, and member of provincial and national organizations within the profession; he has also lent his experience and knowledge of regulatory affairs to other health professions. And since 1985, he has helped influence and shape the career success of future generations of pharmacists at the University of Saskatchewan. As guest lecturer he shares his extensive knowledge and experience … always challenges the students with his unique brand of ethical, legal and moral questions. 

Rita Winn has been a tireless advocate for community pharmacy for more than 30 years.

She worked for 22 years at Lovell Drugs, where she served as General Manager and Chief Operation Officer until her recent retirement. While at Lovell Drugs, Winn was always piloting new technologies, products and programs to advance the profession. As a result, the pharmacy was an early adopter of the pilot phase of PrescribeIT and represented the Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada (NPAC) on the PrescribeIT User Working Group. Winn continues to work part time for Rx Drug Mart as a Director on the Lovell Drugs Board providing guidance and support.

She has served on numerous industry organizations, including the Canadian Pharmacists Association and Ontario Pharmacists Association. She is currently the Vice-Chair of the Board for the Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada, where she chairs the Governance and Nominating Committee. Winn is a popular conference speaker, where she has presented on topics such as pharmacy business, workflow and human resources. She also speaks regularly to community groups, including senior centres and other allied health professionals.

Her pharmacy advocacy is also evident through her participation in critical moments for the profession. During the Bill 102 negotiations, for example, Rita worked behind the scenes to create educational videos for pharmacists, while also collaborating with associations and other stakeholders on discussions with the Ministry of Health around the reporting framework and creation of professional allowances. Then, as the co-chair of the Pharmacy Coalition in Ontario, she worked to educate pharmacists about the new funding realities and engaged them in a campaign to make the public aware of changes due to the funding cuts.

Winn is also one of the editors of CFP’s Pharmacy Management in Canada textbook. She used her extensive experience in retail and pharmacy business to find expert writers, while authoring several chapters herself.

Sherry Peister, volunteer extraordinare, Chair of Green Shield Canada and former pharmacy owner, is this year’s recipient of the Canadian Foundation for Pharmacy's celebrated Pillar of Pharmacy Award. 

“Sherry is truly a very deserving winner of the Pillar of Pharmacy Award,” says Bill Wilson, President of CFP.“Her involvement and leadership at all levels of the profession are a testimony to her commitment and passion to advance the role of the pharmacist as an essential healthcare provider.”

Peister’s impact on the profession of pharmacy in Canada began soon after graduating from the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, in 1982. She has put in countless volunteer hours serving on committees and boards for pharmacy associations at the local, provincial and national levels. She has served as President of both the Ontario Pharmacists Association (1994-1995) and Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA) (2013-2014). While President of CPhA, she was instrumental in building the relationships required to help the association successfully transition to a new membership and governance model.  

She has been a board member for Green Shield Canada (GSC) since 1997 and became the first female Chair in 2010. She has played an integral role with the company, serving on the Finance Committee, Pharmacy and Patient Issues Committee, Allocations Committee, Strategic Planning Committee, Search Committee for CEO, Nominations and Governance Committee. Prior to becoming Chair of GSC, Peister also worked as a pharmacist, pharmacy owner and consultant. 

While the Pillar of Pharmacy recognition is Peister’s latest award, it is far from her only accolade. She is a two-time winner of the Women’s Executive Network’s (WXN) Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award, in 2016 and 2017, and most recently she received the CPhA Meritorious Service Award in 2019.

Peister has also been recognized for her work in the community. For example, she worked with Hamilton Community Foundation to develop a new corporate model of philanthropy that focuses on building capacity across the country through community foundations. 

CFP will honour Sherry Peister at its Pillar of Pharmacy Award reception and dinner in November 2019. CFP established the Pillar of Pharmacy Award in 1997 to celebrate the achievements of pharmacists who have demonstrated their dedication to advancing the profession of pharmacy.

Ray Murphy, founder of Murphy’s Pharmacies in P.E.I., is the 2018 recipient of the prestigious Pillar of Pharmacy Award.

“Ray Murphy is very much a Pillar of Pharmacy, demonstrated by his lifelong commitment to the profession of pharmacy, to his patients and to his community,” says David Windross, president of CFP. “Ray is a passionate advocate for patient care and meeting the needs of his patients.”

Murphy’s accomplishments as a pharmacist, business owner and community leader are innumerable. Most recently, in December 2017, the Governor General of Canada appointed Murphy to the Order of Canada, this country’s highest civilian honour (this follows his appointment to the Order or Prince Edward Island in 2007). In 2016, Murphy was named Entrepreneur of the Year by the Greater Charlottetown Area of Commerce.

Within the profession of pharmacy, Murphy established Murphy’s Pharmacies in 1981. Today there are 13 locations across the province, as well as walk-in clinics, a home health care store and travel medicine clinic. His pharmacies offer a wide array of patient services, which actively incorporate authorities available under the province’s expanded scope of practice. He has received the Canadian Pharmacists Association’s (CPhA) Meritorious Service Award (2012) and the CPhA Patient Care Achievement Award (2008). He and his pharmacy team have also received multiple Commitment to Care and Service Awards from Pharmacy Practice + Business magazine.

His commitment to give back to the community is clearly evident, spanning numerous volunteer activities over the decades—from personal canvassing to chairing fundraising campaigns and serving as a board member for numerous charitable and non-profit organizations. His leadership by example includes countless community sponsorships by Murphy’s Pharmacies, culminating in the company’s ongoing support of Murphy’s Community Centre in Charlottetown.

CFP will honour Ray Murphy at its Pillar of Pharmacy Award reception and dinner this fall. CFP established the Pillar of Pharmacy Award in 1997 to celebrate the achievements of pharmacists who have demonstrated their dedication to advancing the profession of pharmacy.

With a career spanning more than four decades, Moleschi has consistently influenced positive change. After earning his pharmacy degree from the University of British Columbia in 1974, he started out as a community pharmacist in Kitimat, B.C. Only two months later, his employer gave him an opportunity to open and manage an 8,000-sq.-ft. pharmacy in Prince Rupert, where he developed and implemented the pharmacy’s first medication profiles for patients.

In 1977, he opened the first Co-Op pharmacy in B.C., then in 1981 he entered hospital pharmacy as the pharmacy manager at Shuswap Lake General Hospital. During a time when pharmacists stayed in the dispensary, Moleschi challenged the status quo by routinely visiting wards to share his knowledge. He also implemented a distance pharmacy service for 11 facilities spread out across 500 km.

After completing a Masters of Health Administration degree, Moleschi became Chief Operating Officer for the North Okanagan Health Region, and then in 1998 took an executive position with the Health Association of B.C. After 10 years in health administration, he returned to his clinical roots as Director of Pharmacy for the East Kootenay Health Region. During that time he worked with the College of Pharmacists of B.C. to pioneer telepharmacy services. He was recruited by the Northern Health region in 2002, where he worked to establish a medical school at the University of Northern B.C.

In 2005, Moleschi became Registrar of the College of Pharmacists of B.C. He guided the expansion of pharmacists’ scope of practice, the regulation of pharmacy technicians and updated the College’s Code of Ethics. He also took to the road as a public speaker at pharmacy conferences, to motivate pharmacists and technicians to take up their new responsibilities under expanded scopes of practice.

Moleschi moved on to the Ontario College of Pharmacists in 2011. As Registrar, he again helped guide the expansion of pharmacists’ scope of practice, and updated the College’s Professional Practice Principles and Code of Ethics. He evolved practice assessments away from the traditional checklists to include a more qualitative evaluation, which includes coaching pharmacists on how to enhance their delivery of services. Moleschi retired in 2016.

Graduating first in her class from the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Pharmacy, Carole has realized an illustrious career spanning more than four decades and covering multiple facets of pharmacy. During her early years, Carole was a pharmacy director for a rehabilitation hospital.  She later spent nine years providing pharmacy services to long-term care and retirement homes as a clinical and consultant pharmacist. She has also held senior management positions with pharmacy chains both provincially and nationally. Carole spent the last 15 years with MPGL in an executive capacity where she has guided and directed the development of the company’s integrated pharmaceutical care model, as well as spearheaded government relations. Recently retired from her position as Senior Vice President, she continues to influence MPGL’s future as a member of its Board of Directors. A central figure in advancing the profession, Carole has contributed to many pharmacy associations and government organizations throughout her career. One of her most significant achievements was in founding the Canadian Society of Consultant Pharmacists (CSCP), where she also served as president and led the council in developing the first-ever Canadian Standards of Practice for Long-Term Care. For five years, Carole was Chair of the Ontario Pharmacists Association Long-Term Care Working Group and a member of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Pharmacy Council. In fact, she brought a balanced perspective to many organizations, including the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA), Canadian Association of Chain Drug Stores (CACDS), Rx Canada, Ontario College of Pharmacists (OCP) and Canadian Pharmacist Association (CPhA)

In addition to 33 years as a member of the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Toronto, pharmacist Dr. Jake Thiessen was instrumental in spearheading the creation of the first co-op pharmacy program in Canada at the University of Waterloo.

Related link:

2014 news article - Spotlight on Jake Thiessen

Murray Koffler has contributed his time and funding to support pharmacy business education, scientific and medical research, the arts, the prevention of drug abuse and business programs for Aboriginal Canadians. The federal government named Koffler to the Order of Canada in 1977 and promoted him to Officer of Canada in 1996. He graduated with a Phm. B. degree from the University of Toronto in 1946.

Related links:

2013 news article - Murray Koffler receives CFP's Pillar of Pharmacy

Dr. Murray Brown has spent more than 30 years dedicated to the Canadian pharmaceutical industry through various roles in academia, professional associations and industry.  Most recently as Vice President, Scientific Affairs of Pfizer Consumer Healthcare, Murray was responsible for directing a team of professionals that oversaw the company’s Quality Assurance, Regulatory and Medical Affairs, Clinical Research and Medical Information capabilities. 

Derek Desrosiers is one of Canada's foremost authorities on economic and professional practice issues in pharmacy. After working in community pharmacy for 13 years, including time as a pharmacy manager and owner, Derek became the Director of Professional Services at the B.C. Pharmacy Association in 1995. In 1999 he took up a similar role at uniPHARM Wholesale Drugs Ltd., then became Chief Executive Officer in 2004. For more than 20 years, Derek has been a staff member or board member of BCPhA, including six terms as President. He has also served as a Director of the Board of the Canadian Pharmacists Association, and a Director and Chairman of the Board of the Canadian Association for Pharmacy Distribution Management.

Since graduating from the College of Pharmacy, University of Saskatchewan in 1973, Bev Allen has been involved in almost every aspect of pharmacy practice. Initially gaining experience in the backbone of pharmacy, Bev owned and operated a community pharmacy for the first 15 years of his career. During this period he also began his now continuous involvement with pharmacy students by participating in the preceptor program, and his desire to serve pharmacy through the profession’s decision-making bodies. He holds the position of Assistant Professor of Pharmacy and Coordinator of the Structured Practice Experiences Program (SPEP) at the College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan (since 1994 and 2000 respectively). 

For more than 40 years, Dr. Wayne Hindmarsh has been guiding the development of pharmacy students across the country. As Dean of the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Toronto for more than 11 years, Hindmarsh oversaw the significant transformation of Canada’s largest faculty of pharmacy. 

When named the 2008 recipient of the Pillar of Pharmacy Award, Aubrey Browne had served the profession of pharmacy for more than four decades. His untiring advocacy has earned him numerous recognitions within the profession as well as in the political arena; for example, he served as a healthcare advisor to two prime ministers.

Ray Joubert has defined the role of Registrar-Treasurer with the Saskatchewan College of Pharmacists through his kindness, generosity of spirit and integrity; these traits have also won him friends from coast to coast to coast. He has nobly served the pharmacy profession through his participation as a director, chair, and member of provincial and national organizations within the profession; he has also lent his experience and knowledge of regulatory affairs to other health professions. And since 1985, he has helped influence and shape the career success of future generations of pharmacists at the University of Saskatchewan. As guest lecturer he shares his extensive knowledge and experience … always challenges the students with his unique brand of ethical, legal and moral questions. 

Rita Winn has been a tireless advocate for community pharmacy for more than 30 years.

She worked for 22 years at Lovell Drugs, where she served as General Manager and Chief Operation Officer until her recent retirement. While at Lovell Drugs, Winn was always piloting new technologies, products and programs to advance the profession. As a result, the pharmacy was an early adopter of the pilot phase of PrescribeIT and represented the Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada (NPAC) on the PrescribeIT User Working Group. Winn continues to work part time for Rx Drug Mart as a Director on the Lovell Drugs Board providing guidance and support.

She has served on numerous industry organizations, including the Canadian Pharmacists Association and Ontario Pharmacists Association. She is currently the Vice-Chair of the Board for the Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada, where she chairs the Governance and Nominating Committee. Winn is a popular conference speaker, where she has presented on topics such as pharmacy business, workflow and human resources. She also speaks regularly to community groups, including senior centres and other allied health professionals.

Her pharmacy advocacy is also evident through her participation in critical moments for the profession. During the Bill 102 negotiations, for example, Rita worked behind the scenes to create educational videos for pharmacists, while also collaborating with associations and other stakeholders on discussions with the Ministry of Health around the reporting framework and creation of professional allowances. Then, as the co-chair of the Pharmacy Coalition in Ontario, she worked to educate pharmacists about the new funding realities and engaged them in a campaign to make the public aware of changes due to the funding cuts.

Winn is also one of the editors of CFP’s Pharmacy Management in Canada textbook. She used her extensive experience in retail and pharmacy business to find expert writers, while authoring several chapters herself.

Sherry Peister, volunteer extraordinare, Chair of Green Shield Canada and former pharmacy owner, is this year’s recipient of the Canadian Foundation for Pharmacy's celebrated Pillar of Pharmacy Award. 

“Sherry is truly a very deserving winner of the Pillar of Pharmacy Award,” says Bill Wilson, President of CFP.“Her involvement and leadership at all levels of the profession are a testimony to her commitment and passion to advance the role of the pharmacist as an essential healthcare provider.”

Peister’s impact on the profession of pharmacy in Canada began soon after graduating from the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, in 1982. She has put in countless volunteer hours serving on committees and boards for pharmacy associations at the local, provincial and national levels. She has served as President of both the Ontario Pharmacists Association (1994-1995) and Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA) (2013-2014). While President of CPhA, she was instrumental in building the relationships required to help the association successfully transition to a new membership and governance model.  

She has been a board member for Green Shield Canada (GSC) since 1997 and became the first female Chair in 2010. She has played an integral role with the company, serving on the Finance Committee, Pharmacy and Patient Issues Committee, Allocations Committee, Strategic Planning Committee, Search Committee for CEO, Nominations and Governance Committee. Prior to becoming Chair of GSC, Peister also worked as a pharmacist, pharmacy owner and consultant. 

While the Pillar of Pharmacy recognition is Peister’s latest award, it is far from her only accolade. She is a two-time winner of the Women’s Executive Network’s (WXN) Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award, in 2016 and 2017, and most recently she received the CPhA Meritorious Service Award in 2019.

Peister has also been recognized for her work in the community. For example, she worked with Hamilton Community Foundation to develop a new corporate model of philanthropy that focuses on building capacity across the country through community foundations. 

CFP will honour Sherry Peister at its Pillar of Pharmacy Award reception and dinner in November 2019. CFP established the Pillar of Pharmacy Award in 1997 to celebrate the achievements of pharmacists who have demonstrated their dedication to advancing the profession of pharmacy.

Ray Murphy, founder of Murphy’s Pharmacies in P.E.I., is the 2018 recipient of the prestigious Pillar of Pharmacy Award.

“Ray Murphy is very much a Pillar of Pharmacy, demonstrated by his lifelong commitment to the profession of pharmacy, to his patients and to his community,” says David Windross, president of CFP. “Ray is a passionate advocate for patient care and meeting the needs of his patients.”

Murphy’s accomplishments as a pharmacist, business owner and community leader are innumerable. Most recently, in December 2017, the Governor General of Canada appointed Murphy to the Order of Canada, this country’s highest civilian honour (this follows his appointment to the Order or Prince Edward Island in 2007). In 2016, Murphy was named Entrepreneur of the Year by the Greater Charlottetown Area of Commerce.

Within the profession of pharmacy, Murphy established Murphy’s Pharmacies in 1981. Today there are 13 locations across the province, as well as walk-in clinics, a home health care store and travel medicine clinic. His pharmacies offer a wide array of patient services, which actively incorporate authorities available under the province’s expanded scope of practice. He has received the Canadian Pharmacists Association’s (CPhA) Meritorious Service Award (2012) and the CPhA Patient Care Achievement Award (2008). He and his pharmacy team have also received multiple Commitment to Care and Service Awards from Pharmacy Practice + Business magazine.

His commitment to give back to the community is clearly evident, spanning numerous volunteer activities over the decades—from personal canvassing to chairing fundraising campaigns and serving as a board member for numerous charitable and non-profit organizations. His leadership by example includes countless community sponsorships by Murphy’s Pharmacies, culminating in the company’s ongoing support of Murphy’s Community Centre in Charlottetown.

CFP will honour Ray Murphy at its Pillar of Pharmacy Award reception and dinner this fall. CFP established the Pillar of Pharmacy Award in 1997 to celebrate the achievements of pharmacists who have demonstrated their dedication to advancing the profession of pharmacy.

With a career spanning more than four decades, Moleschi has consistently influenced positive change. After earning his pharmacy degree from the University of British Columbia in 1974, he started out as a community pharmacist in Kitimat, B.C. Only two months later, his employer gave him an opportunity to open and manage an 8,000-sq.-ft. pharmacy in Prince Rupert, where he developed and implemented the pharmacy’s first medication profiles for patients.

In 1977, he opened the first Co-Op pharmacy in B.C., then in 1981 he entered hospital pharmacy as the pharmacy manager at Shuswap Lake General Hospital. During a time when pharmacists stayed in the dispensary, Moleschi challenged the status quo by routinely visiting wards to share his knowledge. He also implemented a distance pharmacy service for 11 facilities spread out across 500 km.

After completing a Masters of Health Administration degree, Moleschi became Chief Operating Officer for the North Okanagan Health Region, and then in 1998 took an executive position with the Health Association of B.C. After 10 years in health administration, he returned to his clinical roots as Director of Pharmacy for the East Kootenay Health Region. During that time he worked with the College of Pharmacists of B.C. to pioneer telepharmacy services. He was recruited by the Northern Health region in 2002, where he worked to establish a medical school at the University of Northern B.C.

In 2005, Moleschi became Registrar of the College of Pharmacists of B.C. He guided the expansion of pharmacists’ scope of practice, the regulation of pharmacy technicians and updated the College’s Code of Ethics. He also took to the road as a public speaker at pharmacy conferences, to motivate pharmacists and technicians to take up their new responsibilities under expanded scopes of practice.

Moleschi moved on to the Ontario College of Pharmacists in 2011. As Registrar, he again helped guide the expansion of pharmacists’ scope of practice, and updated the College’s Professional Practice Principles and Code of Ethics. He evolved practice assessments away from the traditional checklists to include a more qualitative evaluation, which includes coaching pharmacists on how to enhance their delivery of services. Moleschi retired in 2016.

Graduating first in her class from the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Pharmacy, Carole has realized an illustrious career spanning more than four decades and covering multiple facets of pharmacy. During her early years, Carole was a pharmacy director for a rehabilitation hospital.  She later spent nine years providing pharmacy services to long-term care and retirement homes as a clinical and consultant pharmacist. She has also held senior management positions with pharmacy chains both provincially and nationally. Carole spent the last 15 years with MPGL in an executive capacity where she has guided and directed the development of the company’s integrated pharmaceutical care model, as well as spearheaded government relations. Recently retired from her position as Senior Vice President, she continues to influence MPGL’s future as a member of its Board of Directors. A central figure in advancing the profession, Carole has contributed to many pharmacy associations and government organizations throughout her career. One of her most significant achievements was in founding the Canadian Society of Consultant Pharmacists (CSCP), where she also served as president and led the council in developing the first-ever Canadian Standards of Practice for Long-Term Care. For five years, Carole was Chair of the Ontario Pharmacists Association Long-Term Care Working Group and a member of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Pharmacy Council. In fact, she brought a balanced perspective to many organizations, including the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA), Canadian Association of Chain Drug Stores (CACDS), Rx Canada, Ontario College of Pharmacists (OCP) and Canadian Pharmacist Association (CPhA)

In addition to 33 years as a member of the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Toronto, pharmacist Dr. Jake Thiessen was instrumental in spearheading the creation of the first co-op pharmacy program in Canada at the University of Waterloo.

Related link:

2014 news article - Spotlight on Jake Thiessen

Murray Koffler has contributed his time and funding to support pharmacy business education, scientific and medical research, the arts, the prevention of drug abuse and business programs for Aboriginal Canadians. The federal government named Koffler to the Order of Canada in 1977 and promoted him to Officer of Canada in 1996. He graduated with a Phm. B. degree from the University of Toronto in 1946.

Related links:

2013 news article - Murray Koffler receives CFP's Pillar of Pharmacy

Dr. Murray Brown has spent more than 30 years dedicated to the Canadian pharmaceutical industry through various roles in academia, professional associations and industry.  Most recently as Vice President, Scientific Affairs of Pfizer Consumer Healthcare, Murray was responsible for directing a team of professionals that oversaw the company’s Quality Assurance, Regulatory and Medical Affairs, Clinical Research and Medical Information capabilities. 

Derek Desrosiers is one of Canada's foremost authorities on economic and professional practice issues in pharmacy. After working in community pharmacy for 13 years, including time as a pharmacy manager and owner, Derek became the Director of Professional Services at the B.C. Pharmacy Association in 1995. In 1999 he took up a similar role at uniPHARM Wholesale Drugs Ltd., then became Chief Executive Officer in 2004. For more than 20 years, Derek has been a staff member or board member of BCPhA, including six terms as President. He has also served as a Director of the Board of the Canadian Pharmacists Association, and a Director and Chairman of the Board of the Canadian Association for Pharmacy Distribution Management.

Since graduating from the College of Pharmacy, University of Saskatchewan in 1973, Bev Allen has been involved in almost every aspect of pharmacy practice. Initially gaining experience in the backbone of pharmacy, Bev owned and operated a community pharmacy for the first 15 years of his career. During this period he also began his now continuous involvement with pharmacy students by participating in the preceptor program, and his desire to serve pharmacy through the profession’s decision-making bodies. He holds the position of Assistant Professor of Pharmacy and Coordinator of the Structured Practice Experiences Program (SPEP) at the College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan (since 1994 and 2000 respectively). 

For more than 40 years, Dr. Wayne Hindmarsh has been guiding the development of pharmacy students across the country. As Dean of the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Toronto for more than 11 years, Hindmarsh oversaw the significant transformation of Canada’s largest faculty of pharmacy. 

When named the 2008 recipient of the Pillar of Pharmacy Award, Aubrey Browne had served the profession of pharmacy for more than four decades. His untiring advocacy has earned him numerous recognitions within the profession as well as in the political arena; for example, he served as a healthcare advisor to two prime ministers.

Ray Joubert has defined the role of Registrar-Treasurer with the Saskatchewan College of Pharmacists through his kindness, generosity of spirit and integrity; these traits have also won him friends from coast to coast to coast. He has nobly served the pharmacy profession through his participation as a director, chair, and member of provincial and national organizations within the profession; he has also lent his experience and knowledge of regulatory affairs to other health professions. And since 1985, he has helped influence and shape the career success of future generations of pharmacists at the University of Saskatchewan. As guest lecturer he shares his extensive knowledge and experience … always challenges the students with his unique brand of ethical, legal and moral questions. 

Rita Winn has been a tireless advocate for community pharmacy for more than 30 years.

She worked for 22 years at Lovell Drugs, where she served as General Manager and Chief Operation Officer until her recent retirement. While at Lovell Drugs, Winn was always piloting new technologies, products and programs to advance the profession. As a result, the pharmacy was an early adopter of the pilot phase of PrescribeIT and represented the Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada (NPAC) on the PrescribeIT User Working Group. Winn continues to work part time for Rx Drug Mart as a Director on the Lovell Drugs Board providing guidance and support.

She has served on numerous industry organizations, including the Canadian Pharmacists Association and Ontario Pharmacists Association. She is currently the Vice-Chair of the Board for the Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada, where she chairs the Governance and Nominating Committee. Winn is a popular conference speaker, where she has presented on topics such as pharmacy business, workflow and human resources. She also speaks regularly to community groups, including senior centres and other allied health professionals.

Her pharmacy advocacy is also evident through her participation in critical moments for the profession. During the Bill 102 negotiations, for example, Rita worked behind the scenes to create educational videos for pharmacists, while also collaborating with associations and other stakeholders on discussions with the Ministry of Health around the reporting framework and creation of professional allowances. Then, as the co-chair of the Pharmacy Coalition in Ontario, she worked to educate pharmacists about the new funding realities and engaged them in a campaign to make the public aware of changes due to the funding cuts.

Winn is also one of the editors of CFP’s Pharmacy Management in Canada textbook. She used her extensive experience in retail and pharmacy business to find expert writers, while authoring several chapters herself.

Sherry Peister, volunteer extraordinare, Chair of Green Shield Canada and former pharmacy owner, is this year’s recipient of the Canadian Foundation for Pharmacy's celebrated Pillar of Pharmacy Award. 

“Sherry is truly a very deserving winner of the Pillar of Pharmacy Award,” says Bill Wilson, President of CFP.“Her involvement and leadership at all levels of the profession are a testimony to her commitment and passion to advance the role of the pharmacist as an essential healthcare provider.”

Peister’s impact on the profession of pharmacy in Canada began soon after graduating from the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, in 1982. She has put in countless volunteer hours serving on committees and boards for pharmacy associations at the local, provincial and national levels. She has served as President of both the Ontario Pharmacists Association (1994-1995) and Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA) (2013-2014). While President of CPhA, she was instrumental in building the relationships required to help the association successfully transition to a new membership and governance model.  

She has been a board member for Green Shield Canada (GSC) since 1997 and became the first female Chair in 2010. She has played an integral role with the company, serving on the Finance Committee, Pharmacy and Patient Issues Committee, Allocations Committee, Strategic Planning Committee, Search Committee for CEO, Nominations and Governance Committee. Prior to becoming Chair of GSC, Peister also worked as a pharmacist, pharmacy owner and consultant. 

While the Pillar of Pharmacy recognition is Peister’s latest award, it is far from her only accolade. She is a two-time winner of the Women’s Executive Network’s (WXN) Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award, in 2016 and 2017, and most recently she received the CPhA Meritorious Service Award in 2019.

Peister has also been recognized for her work in the community. For example, she worked with Hamilton Community Foundation to develop a new corporate model of philanthropy that focuses on building capacity across the country through community foundations. 

CFP will honour Sherry Peister at its Pillar of Pharmacy Award reception and dinner in November 2019. CFP established the Pillar of Pharmacy Award in 1997 to celebrate the achievements of pharmacists who have demonstrated their dedication to advancing the profession of pharmacy.

Ray Murphy, founder of Murphy’s Pharmacies in P.E.I., is the 2018 recipient of the prestigious Pillar of Pharmacy Award.

“Ray Murphy is very much a Pillar of Pharmacy, demonstrated by his lifelong commitment to the profession of pharmacy, to his patients and to his community,” says David Windross, president of CFP. “Ray is a passionate advocate for patient care and meeting the needs of his patients.”

Murphy’s accomplishments as a pharmacist, business owner and community leader are innumerable. Most recently, in December 2017, the Governor General of Canada appointed Murphy to the Order of Canada, this country’s highest civilian honour (this follows his appointment to the Order or Prince Edward Island in 2007). In 2016, Murphy was named Entrepreneur of the Year by the Greater Charlottetown Area of Commerce.

Within the profession of pharmacy, Murphy established Murphy’s Pharmacies in 1981. Today there are 13 locations across the province, as well as walk-in clinics, a home health care store and travel medicine clinic. His pharmacies offer a wide array of patient services, which actively incorporate authorities available under the province’s expanded scope of practice. He has received the Canadian Pharmacists Association’s (CPhA) Meritorious Service Award (2012) and the CPhA Patient Care Achievement Award (2008). He and his pharmacy team have also received multiple Commitment to Care and Service Awards from Pharmacy Practice + Business magazine.

His commitment to give back to the community is clearly evident, spanning numerous volunteer activities over the decades—from personal canvassing to chairing fundraising campaigns and serving as a board member for numerous charitable and non-profit organizations. His leadership by example includes countless community sponsorships by Murphy’s Pharmacies, culminating in the company’s ongoing support of Murphy’s Community Centre in Charlottetown.

CFP will honour Ray Murphy at its Pillar of Pharmacy Award reception and dinner this fall. CFP established the Pillar of Pharmacy Award in 1997 to celebrate the achievements of pharmacists who have demonstrated their dedication to advancing the profession of pharmacy.

With a career spanning more than four decades, Moleschi has consistently influenced positive change. After earning his pharmacy degree from the University of British Columbia in 1974, he started out as a community pharmacist in Kitimat, B.C. Only two months later, his employer gave him an opportunity to open and manage an 8,000-sq.-ft. pharmacy in Prince Rupert, where he developed and implemented the pharmacy’s first medication profiles for patients.

In 1977, he opened the first Co-Op pharmacy in B.C., then in 1981 he entered hospital pharmacy as the pharmacy manager at Shuswap Lake General Hospital. During a time when pharmacists stayed in the dispensary, Moleschi challenged the status quo by routinely visiting wards to share his knowledge. He also implemented a distance pharmacy service for 11 facilities spread out across 500 km.

After completing a Masters of Health Administration degree, Moleschi became Chief Operating Officer for the North Okanagan Health Region, and then in 1998 took an executive position with the Health Association of B.C. After 10 years in health administration, he returned to his clinical roots as Director of Pharmacy for the East Kootenay Health Region. During that time he worked with the College of Pharmacists of B.C. to pioneer telepharmacy services. He was recruited by the Northern Health region in 2002, where he worked to establish a medical school at the University of Northern B.C.

In 2005, Moleschi became Registrar of the College of Pharmacists of B.C. He guided the expansion of pharmacists’ scope of practice, the regulation of pharmacy technicians and updated the College’s Code of Ethics. He also took to the road as a public speaker at pharmacy conferences, to motivate pharmacists and technicians to take up their new responsibilities under expanded scopes of practice.

Moleschi moved on to the Ontario College of Pharmacists in 2011. As Registrar, he again helped guide the expansion of pharmacists’ scope of practice, and updated the College’s Professional Practice Principles and Code of Ethics. He evolved practice assessments away from the traditional checklists to include a more qualitative evaluation, which includes coaching pharmacists on how to enhance their delivery of services. Moleschi retired in 2016.

Graduating first in her class from the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Pharmacy, Carole has realized an illustrious career spanning more than four decades and covering multiple facets of pharmacy. During her early years, Carole was a pharmacy director for a rehabilitation hospital.  She later spent nine years providing pharmacy services to long-term care and retirement homes as a clinical and consultant pharmacist. She has also held senior management positions with pharmacy chains both provincially and nationally. Carole spent the last 15 years with MPGL in an executive capacity where she has guided and directed the development of the company’s integrated pharmaceutical care model, as well as spearheaded government relations. Recently retired from her position as Senior Vice President, she continues to influence MPGL’s future as a member of its Board of Directors. A central figure in advancing the profession, Carole has contributed to many pharmacy associations and government organizations throughout her career. One of her most significant achievements was in founding the Canadian Society of Consultant Pharmacists (CSCP), where she also served as president and led the council in developing the first-ever Canadian Standards of Practice for Long-Term Care. For five years, Carole was Chair of the Ontario Pharmacists Association Long-Term Care Working Group and a member of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Pharmacy Council. In fact, she brought a balanced perspective to many organizations, including the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA), Canadian Association of Chain Drug Stores (CACDS), Rx Canada, Ontario College of Pharmacists (OCP) and Canadian Pharmacist Association (CPhA)

In addition to 33 years as a member of the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Toronto, pharmacist Dr. Jake Thiessen was instrumental in spearheading the creation of the first co-op pharmacy program in Canada at the University of Waterloo.

Related link:

2014 news article - Spotlight on Jake Thiessen

Murray Koffler has contributed his time and funding to support pharmacy business education, scientific and medical research, the arts, the prevention of drug abuse and business programs for Aboriginal Canadians. The federal government named Koffler to the Order of Canada in 1977 and promoted him to Officer of Canada in 1996. He graduated with a Phm. B. degree from the University of Toronto in 1946.

Related links:

2013 news article - Murray Koffler receives CFP's Pillar of Pharmacy

Dr. Murray Brown has spent more than 30 years dedicated to the Canadian pharmaceutical industry through various roles in academia, professional associations and industry.  Most recently as Vice President, Scientific Affairs of Pfizer Consumer Healthcare, Murray was responsible for directing a team of professionals that oversaw the company’s Quality Assurance, Regulatory and Medical Affairs, Clinical Research and Medical Information capabilities. 

Derek Desrosiers is one of Canada's foremost authorities on economic and professional practice issues in pharmacy. After working in community pharmacy for 13 years, including time as a pharmacy manager and owner, Derek became the Director of Professional Services at the B.C. Pharmacy Association in 1995. In 1999 he took up a similar role at uniPHARM Wholesale Drugs Ltd., then became Chief Executive Officer in 2004. For more than 20 years, Derek has been a staff member or board member of BCPhA, including six terms as President. He has also served as a Director of the Board of the Canadian Pharmacists Association, and a Director and Chairman of the Board of the Canadian Association for Pharmacy Distribution Management.

Since graduating from the College of Pharmacy, University of Saskatchewan in 1973, Bev Allen has been involved in almost every aspect of pharmacy practice. Initially gaining experience in the backbone of pharmacy, Bev owned and operated a community pharmacy for the first 15 years of his career. During this period he also began his now continuous involvement with pharmacy students by participating in the preceptor program, and his desire to serve pharmacy through the profession’s decision-making bodies. He holds the position of Assistant Professor of Pharmacy and Coordinator of the Structured Practice Experiences Program (SPEP) at the College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan (since 1994 and 2000 respectively). 

For more than 40 years, Dr. Wayne Hindmarsh has been guiding the development of pharmacy students across the country. As Dean of the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Toronto for more than 11 years, Hindmarsh oversaw the significant transformation of Canada’s largest faculty of pharmacy. 

When named the 2008 recipient of the Pillar of Pharmacy Award, Aubrey Browne had served the profession of pharmacy for more than four decades. His untiring advocacy has earned him numerous recognitions within the profession as well as in the political arena; for example, he served as a healthcare advisor to two prime ministers.

Ray Joubert has defined the role of Registrar-Treasurer with the Saskatchewan College of Pharmacists through his kindness, generosity of spirit and integrity; these traits have also won him friends from coast to coast to coast. He has nobly served the pharmacy profession through his participation as a director, chair, and member of provincial and national organizations within the profession; he has also lent his experience and knowledge of regulatory affairs to other health professions. And since 1985, he has helped influence and shape the career success of future generations of pharmacists at the University of Saskatchewan. As guest lecturer he shares his extensive knowledge and experience … always challenges the students with his unique brand of ethical, legal and moral questions. 

Rita Winn has been a tireless advocate for community pharmacy for more than 30 years.

She worked for 22 years at Lovell Drugs, where she served as General Manager and Chief Operation Officer until her recent retirement. While at Lovell Drugs, Winn was always piloting new technologies, products and programs to advance the profession. As a result, the pharmacy was an early adopter of the pilot phase of PrescribeIT and represented the Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada (NPAC) on the PrescribeIT User Working Group. Winn continues to work part time for Rx Drug Mart as a Director on the Lovell Drugs Board providing guidance and support.

She has served on numerous industry organizations, including the Canadian Pharmacists Association and Ontario Pharmacists Association. She is currently the Vice-Chair of the Board for the Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada, where she chairs the Governance and Nominating Committee. Winn is a popular conference speaker, where she has presented on topics such as pharmacy business, workflow and human resources. She also speaks regularly to community groups, including senior centres and other allied health professionals.

Her pharmacy advocacy is also evident through her participation in critical moments for the profession. During the Bill 102 negotiations, for example, Rita worked behind the scenes to create educational videos for pharmacists, while also collaborating with associations and other stakeholders on discussions with the Ministry of Health around the reporting framework and creation of professional allowances. Then, as the co-chair of the Pharmacy Coalition in Ontario, she worked to educate pharmacists about the new funding realities and engaged them in a campaign to make the public aware of changes due to the funding cuts.

Winn is also one of the editors of CFP’s Pharmacy Management in Canada textbook. She used her extensive experience in retail and pharmacy business to find expert writers, while authoring several chapters herself.

Sherry Peister, volunteer extraordinare, Chair of Green Shield Canada and former pharmacy owner, is this year’s recipient of the Canadian Foundation for Pharmacy's celebrated Pillar of Pharmacy Award. 

“Sherry is truly a very deserving winner of the Pillar of Pharmacy Award,” says Bill Wilson, President of CFP.“Her involvement and leadership at all levels of the profession are a testimony to her commitment and passion to advance the role of the pharmacist as an essential healthcare provider.”

Peister’s impact on the profession of pharmacy in Canada began soon after graduating from the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, in 1982. She has put in countless volunteer hours serving on committees and boards for pharmacy associations at the local, provincial and national levels. She has served as President of both the Ontario Pharmacists Association (1994-1995) and Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA) (2013-2014). While President of CPhA, she was instrumental in building the relationships required to help the association successfully transition to a new membership and governance model.  

She has been a board member for Green Shield Canada (GSC) since 1997 and became the first female Chair in 2010. She has played an integral role with the company, serving on the Finance Committee, Pharmacy and Patient Issues Committee, Allocations Committee, Strategic Planning Committee, Search Committee for CEO, Nominations and Governance Committee. Prior to becoming Chair of GSC, Peister also worked as a pharmacist, pharmacy owner and consultant. 

While the Pillar of Pharmacy recognition is Peister’s latest award, it is far from her only accolade. She is a two-time winner of the Women’s Executive Network’s (WXN) Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award, in 2016 and 2017, and most recently she received the CPhA Meritorious Service Award in 2019.

Peister has also been recognized for her work in the community. For example, she worked with Hamilton Community Foundation to develop a new corporate model of philanthropy that focuses on building capacity across the country through community foundations. 

CFP will honour Sherry Peister at its Pillar of Pharmacy Award reception and dinner in November 2019. CFP established the Pillar of Pharmacy Award in 1997 to celebrate the achievements of pharmacists who have demonstrated their dedication to advancing the profession of pharmacy.

Ray Murphy, founder of Murphy’s Pharmacies in P.E.I., is the 2018 recipient of the prestigious Pillar of Pharmacy Award.

“Ray Murphy is very much a Pillar of Pharmacy, demonstrated by his lifelong commitment to the profession of pharmacy, to his patients and to his community,” says David Windross, president of CFP. “Ray is a passionate advocate for patient care and meeting the needs of his patients.”

Murphy’s accomplishments as a pharmacist, business owner and community leader are innumerable. Most recently, in December 2017, the Governor General of Canada appointed Murphy to the Order of Canada, this country’s highest civilian honour (this follows his appointment to the Order or Prince Edward Island in 2007). In 2016, Murphy was named Entrepreneur of the Year by the Greater Charlottetown Area of Commerce.

Within the profession of pharmacy, Murphy established Murphy’s Pharmacies in 1981. Today there are 13 locations across the province, as well as walk-in clinics, a home health care store and travel medicine clinic. His pharmacies offer a wide array of patient services, which actively incorporate authorities available under the province’s expanded scope of practice. He has received the Canadian Pharmacists Association’s (CPhA) Meritorious Service Award (2012) and the CPhA Patient Care Achievement Award (2008). He and his pharmacy team have also received multiple Commitment to Care and Service Awards from Pharmacy Practice + Business magazine.

His commitment to give back to the community is clearly evident, spanning numerous volunteer activities over the decades—from personal canvassing to chairing fundraising campaigns and serving as a board member for numerous charitable and non-profit organizations. His leadership by example includes countless community sponsorships by Murphy’s Pharmacies, culminating in the company’s ongoing support of Murphy’s Community Centre in Charlottetown.

CFP will honour Ray Murphy at its Pillar of Pharmacy Award reception and dinner this fall. CFP established the Pillar of Pharmacy Award in 1997 to celebrate the achievements of pharmacists who have demonstrated their dedication to advancing the profession of pharmacy.

With a career spanning more than four decades, Moleschi has consistently influenced positive change. After earning his pharmacy degree from the University of British Columbia in 1974, he started out as a community pharmacist in Kitimat, B.C. Only two months later, his employer gave him an opportunity to open and manage an 8,000-sq.-ft. pharmacy in Prince Rupert, where he developed and implemented the pharmacy’s first medication profiles for patients.

In 1977, he opened the first Co-Op pharmacy in B.C., then in 1981 he entered hospital pharmacy as the pharmacy manager at Shuswap Lake General Hospital. During a time when pharmacists stayed in the dispensary, Moleschi challenged the status quo by routinely visiting wards to share his knowledge. He also implemented a distance pharmacy service for 11 facilities spread out across 500 km.

After completing a Masters of Health Administration degree, Moleschi became Chief Operating Officer for the North Okanagan Health Region, and then in 1998 took an executive position with the Health Association of B.C. After 10 years in health administration, he returned to his clinical roots as Director of Pharmacy for the East Kootenay Health Region. During that time he worked with the College of Pharmacists of B.C. to pioneer telepharmacy services. He was recruited by the Northern Health region in 2002, where he worked to establish a medical school at the University of Northern B.C.

In 2005, Moleschi became Registrar of the College of Pharmacists of B.C. He guided the expansion of pharmacists’ scope of practice, the regulation of pharmacy technicians and updated the College’s Code of Ethics. He also took to the road as a public speaker at pharmacy conferences, to motivate pharmacists and technicians to take up their new responsibilities under expanded scopes of practice.

Moleschi moved on to the Ontario College of Pharmacists in 2011. As Registrar, he again helped guide the expansion of pharmacists’ scope of practice, and updated the College’s Professional Practice Principles and Code of Ethics. He evolved practice assessments away from the traditional checklists to include a more qualitative evaluation, which includes coaching pharmacists on how to enhance their delivery of services. Moleschi retired in 2016.

Graduating first in her class from the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Pharmacy, Carole has realized an illustrious career spanning more than four decades and covering multiple facets of pharmacy. During her early years, Carole was a pharmacy director for a rehabilitation hospital.  She later spent nine years providing pharmacy services to long-term care and retirement homes as a clinical and consultant pharmacist. She has also held senior management positions with pharmacy chains both provincially and nationally. Carole spent the last 15 years with MPGL in an executive capacity where she has guided and directed the development of the company’s integrated pharmaceutical care model, as well as spearheaded government relations. Recently retired from her position as Senior Vice President, she continues to influence MPGL’s future as a member of its Board of Directors. A central figure in advancing the profession, Carole has contributed to many pharmacy associations and government organizations throughout her career. One of her most significant achievements was in founding the Canadian Society of Consultant Pharmacists (CSCP), where she also served as president and led the council in developing the first-ever Canadian Standards of Practice for Long-Term Care. For five years, Carole was Chair of the Ontario Pharmacists Association Long-Term Care Working Group and a member of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Pharmacy Council. In fact, she brought a balanced perspective to many organizations, including the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA), Canadian Association of Chain Drug Stores (CACDS), Rx Canada, Ontario College of Pharmacists (OCP) and Canadian Pharmacist Association (CPhA)

In addition to 33 years as a member of the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Toronto, pharmacist Dr. Jake Thiessen was instrumental in spearheading the creation of the first co-op pharmacy program in Canada at the University of Waterloo.

Related link:

2014 news article - Spotlight on Jake Thiessen

Murray Koffler has contributed his time and funding to support pharmacy business education, scientific and medical research, the arts, the prevention of drug abuse and business programs for Aboriginal Canadians. The federal government named Koffler to the Order of Canada in 1977 and promoted him to Officer of Canada in 1996. He graduated with a Phm. B. degree from the University of Toronto in 1946.

Related links:

2013 news article - Murray Koffler receives CFP's Pillar of Pharmacy

Dr. Murray Brown has spent more than 30 years dedicated to the Canadian pharmaceutical industry through various roles in academia, professional associations and industry.  Most recently as Vice President, Scientific Affairs of Pfizer Consumer Healthcare, Murray was responsible for directing a team of professionals that oversaw the company’s Quality Assurance, Regulatory and Medical Affairs, Clinical Research and Medical Information capabilities. 

Derek Desrosiers is one of Canada's foremost authorities on economic and professional practice issues in pharmacy. After working in community pharmacy for 13 years, including time as a pharmacy manager and owner, Derek became the Director of Professional Services at the B.C. Pharmacy Association in 1995. In 1999 he took up a similar role at uniPHARM Wholesale Drugs Ltd., then became Chief Executive Officer in 2004. For more than 20 years, Derek has been a staff member or board member of BCPhA, including six terms as President. He has also served as a Director of the Board of the Canadian Pharmacists Association, and a Director and Chairman of the Board of the Canadian Association for Pharmacy Distribution Management.

Since graduating from the College of Pharmacy, University of Saskatchewan in 1973, Bev Allen has been involved in almost every aspect of pharmacy practice. Initially gaining experience in the backbone of pharmacy, Bev owned and operated a community pharmacy for the first 15 years of his career. During this period he also began his now continuous involvement with pharmacy students by participating in the preceptor program, and his desire to serve pharmacy through the profession’s decision-making bodies. He holds the position of Assistant Professor of Pharmacy and Coordinator of the Structured Practice Experiences Program (SPEP) at the College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan (since 1994 and 2000 respectively). 

For more than 40 years, Dr. Wayne Hindmarsh has been guiding the development of pharmacy students across the country. As Dean of the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Toronto for more than 11 years, Hindmarsh oversaw the significant transformation of Canada’s largest faculty of pharmacy. 

When named the 2008 recipient of the Pillar of Pharmacy Award, Aubrey Browne had served the profession of pharmacy for more than four decades. His untiring advocacy has earned him numerous recognitions within the profession as well as in the political arena; for example, he served as a healthcare advisor to two prime ministers.

Ray Joubert has defined the role of Registrar-Treasurer with the Saskatchewan College of Pharmacists through his kindness, generosity of spirit and integrity; these traits have also won him friends from coast to coast to coast. He has nobly served the pharmacy profession through his participation as a director, chair, and member of provincial and national organizations within the profession; he has also lent his experience and knowledge of regulatory affairs to other health professions. And since 1985, he has helped influence and shape the career success of future generations of pharmacists at the University of Saskatchewan. As guest lecturer he shares his extensive knowledge and experience … always challenges the students with his unique brand of ethical, legal and moral questions. 

Rita Winn has been a tireless advocate for community pharmacy for more than 30 years.

She worked for 22 years at Lovell Drugs, where she served as General Manager and Chief Operation Officer until her recent retirement. While at Lovell Drugs, Winn was always piloting new technologies, products and programs to advance the profession. As a result, the pharmacy was an early adopter of the pilot phase of PrescribeIT and represented the Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada (NPAC) on the PrescribeIT User Working Group. Winn continues to work part time for Rx Drug Mart as a Director on the Lovell Drugs Board providing guidance and support.

She has served on numerous industry organizations, including the Canadian Pharmacists Association and Ontario Pharmacists Association. She is currently the Vice-Chair of the Board for the Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada, where she chairs the Governance and Nominating Committee. Winn is a popular conference speaker, where she has presented on topics such as pharmacy business, workflow and human resources. She also speaks regularly to community groups, including senior centres and other allied health professionals.

Her pharmacy advocacy is also evident through her participation in critical moments for the profession. During the Bill 102 negotiations, for example, Rita worked behind the scenes to create educational videos for pharmacists, while also collaborating with associations and other stakeholders on discussions with the Ministry of Health around the reporting framework and creation of professional allowances. Then, as the co-chair of the Pharmacy Coalition in Ontario, she worked to educate pharmacists about the new funding realities and engaged them in a campaign to make the public aware of changes due to the funding cuts.

Winn is also one of the editors of CFP’s Pharmacy Management in Canada textbook. She used her extensive experience in retail and pharmacy business to find expert writers, while authoring several chapters herself.

Sherry Peister, volunteer extraordinare, Chair of Green Shield Canada and former pharmacy owner, is this year’s recipient of the Canadian Foundation for Pharmacy's celebrated Pillar of Pharmacy Award. 

“Sherry is truly a very deserving winner of the Pillar of Pharmacy Award,” says Bill Wilson, President of CFP.“Her involvement and leadership at all levels of the profession are a testimony to her commitment and passion to advance the role of the pharmacist as an essential healthcare provider.”

Peister’s impact on the profession of pharmacy in Canada began soon after graduating from the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, in 1982. She has put in countless volunteer hours serving on committees and boards for pharmacy associations at the local, provincial and national levels. She has served as President of both the Ontario Pharmacists Association (1994-1995) and Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA) (2013-2014). While President of CPhA, she was instrumental in building the relationships required to help the association successfully transition to a new membership and governance model.  

She has been a board member for Green Shield Canada (GSC) since 1997 and became the first female Chair in 2010. She has played an integral role with the company, serving on the Finance Committee, Pharmacy and Patient Issues Committee, Allocations Committee, Strategic Planning Committee, Search Committee for CEO, Nominations and Governance Committee. Prior to becoming Chair of GSC, Peister also worked as a pharmacist, pharmacy owner and consultant. 

While the Pillar of Pharmacy recognition is Peister’s latest award, it is far from her only accolade. She is a two-time winner of the Women’s Executive Network’s (WXN) Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award, in 2016 and 2017, and most recently she received the CPhA Meritorious Service Award in 2019.

Peister has also been recognized for her work in the community. For example, she worked with Hamilton Community Foundation to develop a new corporate model of philanthropy that focuses on building capacity across the country through community foundations. 

CFP will honour Sherry Peister at its Pillar of Pharmacy Award reception and dinner in November 2019. CFP established the Pillar of Pharmacy Award in 1997 to celebrate the achievements of pharmacists who have demonstrated their dedication to advancing the profession of pharmacy.

Ray Murphy, founder of Murphy’s Pharmacies in P.E.I., is the 2018 recipient of the prestigious Pillar of Pharmacy Award.

“Ray Murphy is very much a Pillar of Pharmacy, demonstrated by his lifelong commitment to the profession of pharmacy, to his patients and to his community,” says David Windross, president of CFP. “Ray is a passionate advocate for patient care and meeting the needs of his patients.”

Murphy’s accomplishments as a pharmacist, business owner and community leader are innumerable. Most recently, in December 2017, the Governor General of Canada appointed Murphy to the Order of Canada, this country’s highest civilian honour (this follows his appointment to the Order or Prince Edward Island in 2007). In 2016, Murphy was named Entrepreneur of the Year by the Greater Charlottetown Area of Commerce.

Within the profession of pharmacy, Murphy established Murphy’s Pharmacies in 1981. Today there are 13 locations across the province, as well as walk-in clinics, a home health care store and travel medicine clinic. His pharmacies offer a wide array of patient services, which actively incorporate authorities available under the province’s expanded scope of practice. He has received the Canadian Pharmacists Association’s (CPhA) Meritorious Service Award (2012) and the CPhA Patient Care Achievement Award (2008). He and his pharmacy team have also received multiple Commitment to Care and Service Awards from Pharmacy Practice + Business magazine.

His commitment to give back to the community is clearly evident, spanning numerous volunteer activities over the decades—from personal canvassing to chairing fundraising campaigns and serving as a board member for numerous charitable and non-profit organizations. His leadership by example includes countless community sponsorships by Murphy’s Pharmacies, culminating in the company’s ongoing support of Murphy’s Community Centre in Charlottetown.

CFP will honour Ray Murphy at its Pillar of Pharmacy Award reception and dinner this fall. CFP established the Pillar of Pharmacy Award in 1997 to celebrate the achievements of pharmacists who have demonstrated their dedication to advancing the profession of pharmacy.

With a career spanning more than four decades, Moleschi has consistently influenced positive change. After earning his pharmacy degree from the University of British Columbia in 1974, he started out as a community pharmacist in Kitimat, B.C. Only two months later, his employer gave him an opportunity to open and manage an 8,000-sq.-ft. pharmacy in Prince Rupert, where he developed and implemented the pharmacy’s first medication profiles for patients.

In 1977, he opened the first Co-Op pharmacy in B.C., then in 1981 he entered hospital pharmacy as the pharmacy manager at Shuswap Lake General Hospital. During a time when pharmacists stayed in the dispensary, Moleschi challenged the status quo by routinely visiting wards to share his knowledge. He also implemented a distance pharmacy service for 11 facilities spread out across 500 km.

After completing a Masters of Health Administration degree, Moleschi became Chief Operating Officer for the North Okanagan Health Region, and then in 1998 took an executive position with the Health Association of B.C. After 10 years in health administration, he returned to his clinical roots as Director of Pharmacy for the East Kootenay Health Region. During that time he worked with the College of Pharmacists of B.C. to pioneer telepharmacy services. He was recruited by the Northern Health region in 2002, where he worked to establish a medical school at the University of Northern B.C.

In 2005, Moleschi became Registrar of the College of Pharmacists of B.C. He guided the expansion of pharmacists’ scope of practice, the regulation of pharmacy technicians and updated the College’s Code of Ethics. He also took to the road as a public speaker at pharmacy conferences, to motivate pharmacists and technicians to take up their new responsibilities under expanded scopes of practice.

Moleschi moved on to the Ontario College of Pharmacists in 2011. As Registrar, he again helped guide the expansion of pharmacists’ scope of practice, and updated the College’s Professional Practice Principles and Code of Ethics. He evolved practice assessments away from the traditional checklists to include a more qualitative evaluation, which includes coaching pharmacists on how to enhance their delivery of services. Moleschi retired in 2016.

Graduating first in her class from the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Pharmacy, Carole has realized an illustrious career spanning more than four decades and covering multiple facets of pharmacy. During her early years, Carole was a pharmacy director for a rehabilitation hospital.  She later spent nine years providing pharmacy services to long-term care and retirement homes as a clinical and consultant pharmacist. She has also held senior management positions with pharmacy chains both provincially and nationally. Carole spent the last 15 years with MPGL in an executive capacity where she has guided and directed the development of the company’s integrated pharmaceutical care model, as well as spearheaded government relations. Recently retired from her position as Senior Vice President, she continues to influence MPGL’s future as a member of its Board of Directors. A central figure in advancing the profession, Carole has contributed to many pharmacy associations and government organizations throughout her career. One of her most significant achievements was in founding the Canadian Society of Consultant Pharmacists (CSCP), where she also served as president and led the council in developing the first-ever Canadian Standards of Practice for Long-Term Care. For five years, Carole was Chair of the Ontario Pharmacists Association Long-Term Care Working Group and a member of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Pharmacy Council. In fact, she brought a balanced perspective to many organizations, including the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA), Canadian Association of Chain Drug Stores (CACDS), Rx Canada, Ontario College of Pharmacists (OCP) and Canadian Pharmacist Association (CPhA)

In addition to 33 years as a member of the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Toronto, pharmacist Dr. Jake Thiessen was instrumental in spearheading the creation of the first co-op pharmacy program in Canada at the University of Waterloo.

Related link:

2014 news article - Spotlight on Jake Thiessen

Murray Koffler has contributed his time and funding to support pharmacy business education, scientific and medical research, the arts, the prevention of drug abuse and business programs for Aboriginal Canadians. The federal government named Koffler to the Order of Canada in 1977 and promoted him to Officer of Canada in 1996. He graduated with a Phm. B. degree from the University of Toronto in 1946.

Related links:

2013 news article - Murray Koffler receives CFP's Pillar of Pharmacy

Dr. Murray Brown has spent more than 30 years dedicated to the Canadian pharmaceutical industry through various roles in academia, professional associations and industry.  Most recently as Vice President, Scientific Affairs of Pfizer Consumer Healthcare, Murray was responsible for directing a team of professionals that oversaw the company’s Quality Assurance, Regulatory and Medical Affairs, Clinical Research and Medical Information capabilities. 

Derek Desrosiers is one of Canada's foremost authorities on economic and professional practice issues in pharmacy. After working in community pharmacy for 13 years, including time as a pharmacy manager and owner, Derek became the Director of Professional Services at the B.C. Pharmacy Association in 1995. In 1999 he took up a similar role at uniPHARM Wholesale Drugs Ltd., then became Chief Executive Officer in 2004. For more than 20 years, Derek has been a staff member or board member of BCPhA, including six terms as President. He has also served as a Director of the Board of the Canadian Pharmacists Association, and a Director and Chairman of the Board of the Canadian Association for Pharmacy Distribution Management.

Since graduating from the College of Pharmacy, University of Saskatchewan in 1973, Bev Allen has been involved in almost every aspect of pharmacy practice. Initially gaining experience in the backbone of pharmacy, Bev owned and operated a community pharmacy for the first 15 years of his career. During this period he also began his now continuous involvement with pharmacy students by participating in the preceptor program, and his desire to serve pharmacy through the profession’s decision-making bodies. He holds the position of Assistant Professor of Pharmacy and Coordinator of the Structured Practice Experiences Program (SPEP) at the College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan (since 1994 and 2000 respectively). 

For more than 40 years, Dr. Wayne Hindmarsh has been guiding the development of pharmacy students across the country. As Dean of the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Toronto for more than 11 years, Hindmarsh oversaw the significant transformation of Canada’s largest faculty of pharmacy. 

When named the 2008 recipient of the Pillar of Pharmacy Award, Aubrey Browne had served the profession of pharmacy for more than four decades. His untiring advocacy has earned him numerous recognitions within the profession as well as in the political arena; for example, he served as a healthcare advisor to two prime ministers.

Ray Joubert has defined the role of Registrar-Treasurer with the Saskatchewan College of Pharmacists through his kindness, generosity of spirit and integrity; these traits have also won him friends from coast to coast to coast. He has nobly served the pharmacy profession through his participation as a director, chair, and member of provincial and national organizations within the profession; he has also lent his experience and knowledge of regulatory affairs to other health professions. And since 1985, he has helped influence and shape the career success of future generations of pharmacists at the University of Saskatchewan. As guest lecturer he shares his extensive knowledge and experience … always challenges the students with his unique brand of ethical, legal and moral questions. 

Rita Winn has been a tireless advocate for community pharmacy for more than 30 years.

She worked for 22 years at Lovell Drugs, where she served as General Manager and Chief Operation Officer until her recent retirement. While at Lovell Drugs, Winn was always piloting new technologies, products and programs to advance the profession. As a result, the pharmacy was an early adopter of the pilot phase of PrescribeIT and represented the Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada (NPAC) on the PrescribeIT User Working Group. Winn continues to work part time for Rx Drug Mart as a Director on the Lovell Drugs Board providing guidance and support.

She has served on numerous industry organizations, including the Canadian Pharmacists Association and Ontario Pharmacists Association. She is currently the Vice-Chair of the Board for the Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada, where she chairs the Governance and Nominating Committee. Winn is a popular conference speaker, where she has presented on topics such as pharmacy business, workflow and human resources. She also speaks regularly to community groups, including senior centres and other allied health professionals.

Her pharmacy advocacy is also evident through her participation in critical moments for the profession. During the Bill 102 negotiations, for example, Rita worked behind the scenes to create educational videos for pharmacists, while also collaborating with associations and other stakeholders on discussions with the Ministry of Health around the reporting framework and creation of professional allowances. Then, as the co-chair of the Pharmacy Coalition in Ontario, she worked to educate pharmacists about the new funding realities and engaged them in a campaign to make the public aware of changes due to the funding cuts.

Winn is also one of the editors of CFP’s Pharmacy Management in Canada textbook. She used her extensive experience in retail and pharmacy business to find expert writers, while authoring several chapters herself.

Sherry Peister, volunteer extraordinare, Chair of Green Shield Canada and former pharmacy owner, is this year’s recipient of the Canadian Foundation for Pharmacy's celebrated Pillar of Pharmacy Award. 

“Sherry is truly a very deserving winner of the Pillar of Pharmacy Award,” says Bill Wilson, President of CFP.“Her involvement and leadership at all levels of the profession are a testimony to her commitment and passion to advance the role of the pharmacist as an essential healthcare provider.”

Peister’s impact on the profession of pharmacy in Canada began soon after graduating from the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, in 1982. She has put in countless volunteer hours serving on committees and boards for pharmacy associations at the local, provincial and national levels. She has served as President of both the Ontario Pharmacists Association (1994-1995) and Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA) (2013-2014). While President of CPhA, she was instrumental in building the relationships required to help the association successfully transition to a new membership and governance model.  

She has been a board member for Green Shield Canada (GSC) since 1997 and became the first female Chair in 2010. She has played an integral role with the company, serving on the Finance Committee, Pharmacy and Patient Issues Committee, Allocations Committee, Strategic Planning Committee, Search Committee for CEO, Nominations and Governance Committee. Prior to becoming Chair of GSC, Peister also worked as a pharmacist, pharmacy owner and consultant. 

While the Pillar of Pharmacy recognition is Peister’s latest award, it is far from her only accolade. She is a two-time winner of the Women’s Executive Network’s (WXN) Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award, in 2016 and 2017, and most recently she received the CPhA Meritorious Service Award in 2019.

Peister has also been recognized for her work in the community. For example, she worked with Hamilton Community Foundation to develop a new corporate model of philanthropy that focuses on building capacity across the country through community foundations. 

CFP will honour Sherry Peister at its Pillar of Pharmacy Award reception and dinner in November 2019. CFP established the Pillar of Pharmacy Award in 1997 to celebrate the achievements of pharmacists who have demonstrated their dedication to advancing the profession of pharmacy.

Ray Murphy, founder of Murphy’s Pharmacies in P.E.I., is the 2018 recipient of the prestigious Pillar of Pharmacy Award.

“Ray Murphy is very much a Pillar of Pharmacy, demonstrated by his lifelong commitment to the profession of pharmacy, to his patients and to his community,” says David Windross, president of CFP. “Ray is a passionate advocate for patient care and meeting the needs of his patients.”

Murphy’s accomplishments as a pharmacist, business owner and community leader are innumerable. Most recently, in December 2017, the Governor General of Canada appointed Murphy to the Order of Canada, this country’s highest civilian honour (this follows his appointment to the Order or Prince Edward Island in 2007). In 2016, Murphy was named Entrepreneur of the Year by the Greater Charlottetown Area of Commerce.

Within the profession of pharmacy, Murphy established Murphy’s Pharmacies in 1981. Today there are 13 locations across the province, as well as walk-in clinics, a home health care store and travel medicine clinic. His pharmacies offer a wide array of patient services, which actively incorporate authorities available under the province’s expanded scope of practice. He has received the Canadian Pharmacists Association’s (CPhA) Meritorious Service Award (2012) and the CPhA Patient Care Achievement Award (2008). He and his pharmacy team have also received multiple Commitment to Care and Service Awards from Pharmacy Practice + Business magazine.

His commitment to give back to the community is clearly evident, spanning numerous volunteer activities over the decades—from personal canvassing to chairing fundraising campaigns and serving as a board member for numerous charitable and non-profit organizations. His leadership by example includes countless community sponsorships by Murphy’s Pharmacies, culminating in the company’s ongoing support of Murphy’s Community Centre in Charlottetown.

CFP will honour Ray Murphy at its Pillar of Pharmacy Award reception and dinner this fall. CFP established the Pillar of Pharmacy Award in 1997 to celebrate the achievements of pharmacists who have demonstrated their dedication to advancing the profession of pharmacy.

With a career spanning more than four decades, Moleschi has consistently influenced positive change. After earning his pharmacy degree from the University of British Columbia in 1974, he started out as a community pharmacist in Kitimat, B.C. Only two months later, his employer gave him an opportunity to open and manage an 8,000-sq.-ft. pharmacy in Prince Rupert, where he developed and implemented the pharmacy’s first medication profiles for patients.

In 1977, he opened the first Co-Op pharmacy in B.C., then in 1981 he entered hospital pharmacy as the pharmacy manager at Shuswap Lake General Hospital. During a time when pharmacists stayed in the dispensary, Moleschi challenged the status quo by routinely visiting wards to share his knowledge. He also implemented a distance pharmacy service for 11 facilities spread out across 500 km.

After completing a Masters of Health Administration degree, Moleschi became Chief Operating Officer for the North Okanagan Health Region, and then in 1998 took an executive position with the Health Association of B.C. After 10 years in health administration, he returned to his clinical roots as Director of Pharmacy for the East Kootenay Health Region. During that time he worked with the College of Pharmacists of B.C. to pioneer telepharmacy services. He was recruited by the Northern Health region in 2002, where he worked to establish a medical school at the University of Northern B.C.

In 2005, Moleschi became Registrar of the College of Pharmacists of B.C. He guided the expansion of pharmacists’ scope of practice, the regulation of pharmacy technicians and updated the College’s Code of Ethics. He also took to the road as a public speaker at pharmacy conferences, to motivate pharmacists and technicians to take up their new responsibilities under expanded scopes of practice.

Moleschi moved on to the Ontario College of Pharmacists in 2011. As Registrar, he again helped guide the expansion of pharmacists’ scope of practice, and updated the College’s Professional Practice Principles and Code of Ethics. He evolved practice assessments away from the traditional checklists to include a more qualitative evaluation, which includes coaching pharmacists on how to enhance their delivery of services. Moleschi retired in 2016.

Graduating first in her class from the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Pharmacy, Carole has realized an illustrious career spanning more than four decades and covering multiple facets of pharmacy. During her early years, Carole was a pharmacy director for a rehabilitation hospital.  She later spent nine years providing pharmacy services to long-term care and retirement homes as a clinical and consultant pharmacist. She has also held senior management positions with pharmacy chains both provincially and nationally. Carole spent the last 15 years with MPGL in an executive capacity where she has guided and directed the development of the company’s integrated pharmaceutical care model, as well as spearheaded government relations. Recently retired from her position as Senior Vice President, she continues to influence MPGL’s future as a member of its Board of Directors. A central figure in advancing the profession, Carole has contributed to many pharmacy associations and government organizations throughout her career. One of her most significant achievements was in founding the Canadian Society of Consultant Pharmacists (CSCP), where she also served as president and led the council in developing the first-ever Canadian Standards of Practice for Long-Term Care. For five years, Carole was Chair of the Ontario Pharmacists Association Long-Term Care Working Group and a member of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Pharmacy Council. In fact, she brought a balanced perspective to many organizations, including the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA), Canadian Association of Chain Drug Stores (CACDS), Rx Canada, Ontario College of Pharmacists (OCP) and Canadian Pharmacist Association (CPhA)

In addition to 33 years as a member of the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Toronto, pharmacist Dr. Jake Thiessen was instrumental in spearheading the creation of the first co-op pharmacy program in Canada at the University of Waterloo.

Related link:

2014 news article - Spotlight on Jake Thiessen

Murray Koffler has contributed his time and funding to support pharmacy business education, scientific and medical research, the arts, the prevention of drug abuse and business programs for Aboriginal Canadians. The federal government named Koffler to the Order of Canada in 1977 and promoted him to Officer of Canada in 1996. He graduated with a Phm. B. degree from the University of Toronto in 1946.

Related links:

2013 news article - Murray Koffler receives CFP's Pillar of Pharmacy

Dr. Murray Brown has spent more than 30 years dedicated to the Canadian pharmaceutical industry through various roles in academia, professional associations and industry.  Most recently as Vice President, Scientific Affairs of Pfizer Consumer Healthcare, Murray was responsible for directing a team of professionals that oversaw the company’s Quality Assurance, Regulatory and Medical Affairs, Clinical Research and Medical Information capabilities. 

Derek Desrosiers is one of Canada's foremost authorities on economic and professional practice issues in pharmacy. After working in community pharmacy for 13 years, including time as a pharmacy manager and owner, Derek became the Director of Professional Services at the B.C. Pharmacy Association in 1995. In 1999 he took up a similar role at uniPHARM Wholesale Drugs Ltd., then became Chief Executive Officer in 2004. For more than 20 years, Derek has been a staff member or board member of BCPhA, including six terms as President. He has also served as a Director of the Board of the Canadian Pharmacists Association, and a Director and Chairman of the Board of the Canadian Association for Pharmacy Distribution Management.

Since graduating from the College of Pharmacy, University of Saskatchewan in 1973, Bev Allen has been involved in almost every aspect of pharmacy practice. Initially gaining experience in the backbone of pharmacy, Bev owned and operated a community pharmacy for the first 15 years of his career. During this period he also began his now continuous involvement with pharmacy students by participating in the preceptor program, and his desire to serve pharmacy through the profession’s decision-making bodies. He holds the position of Assistant Professor of Pharmacy and Coordinator of the Structured Practice Experiences Program (SPEP) at the College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan (since 1994 and 2000 respectively). 

For more than 40 years, Dr. Wayne Hindmarsh has been guiding the development of pharmacy students across the country. As Dean of the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Toronto for more than 11 years, Hindmarsh oversaw the significant transformation of Canada’s largest faculty of pharmacy. 

When named the 2008 recipient of the Pillar of Pharmacy Award, Aubrey Browne had served the profession of pharmacy for more than four decades. His untiring advocacy has earned him numerous recognitions within the profession as well as in the political arena; for example, he served as a healthcare advisor to two prime ministers.

Ray Joubert has defined the role of Registrar-Treasurer with the Saskatchewan College of Pharmacists through his kindness, generosity of spirit and integrity; these traits have also won him friends from coast to coast to coast. He has nobly served the pharmacy profession through his participation as a director, chair, and member of provincial and national organizations within the profession; he has also lent his experience and knowledge of regulatory affairs to other health professions. And since 1985, he has helped influence and shape the career success of future generations of pharmacists at the University of Saskatchewan. As guest lecturer he shares his extensive knowledge and experience … always challenges the students with his unique brand of ethical, legal and moral questions. 

Rita Winn has been a tireless advocate for community pharmacy for more than 30 years.

She worked for 22 years at Lovell Drugs, where she served as General Manager and Chief Operation Officer until her recent retirement. While at Lovell Drugs, Winn was always piloting new technologies, products and programs to advance the profession. As a result, the pharmacy was an early adopter of the pilot phase of PrescribeIT and represented the Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada (NPAC) on the PrescribeIT User Working Group. Winn continues to work part time for Rx Drug Mart as a Director on the Lovell Drugs Board providing guidance and support.

She has served on numerous industry organizations, including the Canadian Pharmacists Association and Ontario Pharmacists Association. She is currently the Vice-Chair of the Board for the Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada, where she chairs the Governance and Nominating Committee. Winn is a popular conference speaker, where she has presented on topics such as pharmacy business, workflow and human resources. She also speaks regularly to community groups, including senior centres and other allied health professionals.

Her pharmacy advocacy is also evident through her participation in critical moments for the profession. During the Bill 102 negotiations, for example, Rita worked behind the scenes to create educational videos for pharmacists, while also collaborating with associations and other stakeholders on discussions with the Ministry of Health around the reporting framework and creation of professional allowances. Then, as the co-chair of the Pharmacy Coalition in Ontario, she worked to educate pharmacists about the new funding realities and engaged them in a campaign to make the public aware of changes due to the funding cuts.

Winn is also one of the editors of CFP’s Pharmacy Management in Canada textbook. She used her extensive experience in retail and pharmacy business to find expert writers, while authoring several chapters herself.

Sherry Peister, volunteer extraordinare, Chair of Green Shield Canada and former pharmacy owner, is this year’s recipient of the Canadian Foundation for Pharmacy's celebrated Pillar of Pharmacy Award. 

“Sherry is truly a very deserving winner of the Pillar of Pharmacy Award,” says Bill Wilson, President of CFP.“Her involvement and leadership at all levels of the profession are a testimony to her commitment and passion to advance the role of the pharmacist as an essential healthcare provider.”

Peister’s impact on the profession of pharmacy in Canada began soon after graduating from the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, in 1982. She has put in countless volunteer hours serving on committees and boards for pharmacy associations at the local, provincial and national levels. She has served as President of both the Ontario Pharmacists Association (1994-1995) and Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA) (2013-2014). While President of CPhA, she was instrumental in building the relationships required to help the association successfully transition to a new membership and governance model.  

She has been a board member for Green Shield Canada (GSC) since 1997 and became the first female Chair in 2010. She has played an integral role with the company, serving on the Finance Committee, Pharmacy and Patient Issues Committee, Allocations Committee, Strategic Planning Committee, Search Committee for CEO, Nominations and Governance Committee. Prior to becoming Chair of GSC, Peister also worked as a pharmacist, pharmacy owner and consultant. 

While the Pillar of Pharmacy recognition is Peister’s latest award, it is far from her only accolade. She is a two-time winner of the Women’s Executive Network’s (WXN) Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award, in 2016 and 2017, and most recently she received the CPhA Meritorious Service Award in 2019.

Peister has also been recognized for her work in the community. For example, she worked with Hamilton Community Foundation to develop a new corporate model of philanthropy that focuses on building capacity across the country through community foundations. 

CFP will honour Sherry Peister at its Pillar of Pharmacy Award reception and dinner in November 2019. CFP established the Pillar of Pharmacy Award in 1997 to celebrate the achievements of pharmacists who have demonstrated their dedication to advancing the profession of pharmacy.

Ray Murphy, founder of Murphy’s Pharmacies in P.E.I., is the 2018 recipient of the prestigious Pillar of Pharmacy Award.

“Ray Murphy is very much a Pillar of Pharmacy, demonstrated by his lifelong commitment to the profession of pharmacy, to his patients and to his community,” says David Windross, president of CFP. “Ray is a passionate advocate for patient care and meeting the needs of his patients.”

Murphy’s accomplishments as a pharmacist, business owner and community leader are innumerable. Most recently, in December 2017, the Governor General of Canada appointed Murphy to the Order of Canada, this country’s highest civilian honour (this follows his appointment to the Order or Prince Edward Island in 2007). In 2016, Murphy was named Entrepreneur of the Year by the Greater Charlottetown Area of Commerce.

Within the profession of pharmacy, Murphy established Murphy’s Pharmacies in 1981. Today there are 13 locations across the province, as well as walk-in clinics, a home health care store and travel medicine clinic. His pharmacies offer a wide array of patient services, which actively incorporate authorities available under the province’s expanded scope of practice. He has received the Canadian Pharmacists Association’s (CPhA) Meritorious Service Award (2012) and the CPhA Patient Care Achievement Award (2008). He and his pharmacy team have also received multiple Commitment to Care and Service Awards from Pharmacy Practice + Business magazine.

His commitment to give back to the community is clearly evident, spanning numerous volunteer activities over the decades—from personal canvassing to chairing fundraising campaigns and serving as a board member for numerous charitable and non-profit organizations. His leadership by example includes countless community sponsorships by Murphy’s Pharmacies, culminating in the company’s ongoing support of Murphy’s Community Centre in Charlottetown.

CFP will honour Ray Murphy at its Pillar of Pharmacy Award reception and dinner this fall. CFP established the Pillar of Pharmacy Award in 1997 to celebrate the achievements of pharmacists who have demonstrated their dedication to advancing the profession of pharmacy.

With a career spanning more than four decades, Moleschi has consistently influenced positive change. After earning his pharmacy degree from the University of British Columbia in 1974, he started out as a community pharmacist in Kitimat, B.C. Only two months later, his employer gave him an opportunity to open and manage an 8,000-sq.-ft. pharmacy in Prince Rupert, where he developed and implemented the pharmacy’s first medication profiles for patients.

In 1977, he opened the first Co-Op pharmacy in B.C., then in 1981 he entered hospital pharmacy as the pharmacy manager at Shuswap Lake General Hospital. During a time when pharmacists stayed in the dispensary, Moleschi challenged the status quo by routinely visiting wards to share his knowledge. He also implemented a distance pharmacy service for 11 facilities spread out across 500 km.

After completing a Masters of Health Administration degree, Moleschi became Chief Operating Officer for the North Okanagan Health Region, and then in 1998 took an executive position with the Health Association of B.C. After 10 years in health administration, he returned to his clinical roots as Director of Pharmacy for the East Kootenay Health Region. During that time he worked with the College of Pharmacists of B.C. to pioneer telepharmacy services. He was recruited by the Northern Health region in 2002, where he worked to establish a medical school at the University of Northern B.C.

In 2005, Moleschi became Registrar of the College of Pharmacists of B.C. He guided the expansion of pharmacists’ scope of practice, the regulation of pharmacy technicians and updated the College’s Code of Ethics. He also took to the road as a public speaker at pharmacy conferences, to motivate pharmacists and technicians to take up their new responsibilities under expanded scopes of practice.

Moleschi moved on to the Ontario College of Pharmacists in 2011. As Registrar, he again helped guide the expansion of pharmacists’ scope of practice, and updated the College’s Professional Practice Principles and Code of Ethics. He evolved practice assessments away from the traditional checklists to include a more qualitative evaluation, which includes coaching pharmacists on how to enhance their delivery of services. Moleschi retired in 2016.

Graduating first in her class from the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Pharmacy, Carole has realized an illustrious career spanning more than four decades and covering multiple facets of pharmacy. During her early years, Carole was a pharmacy director for a rehabilitation hospital.  She later spent nine years providing pharmacy services to long-term care and retirement homes as a clinical and consultant pharmacist. She has also held senior management positions with pharmacy chains both provincially and nationally. Carole spent the last 15 years with MPGL in an executive capacity where she has guided and directed the development of the company’s integrated pharmaceutical care model, as well as spearheaded government relations. Recently retired from her position as Senior Vice President, she continues to influence MPGL’s future as a member of its Board of Directors. A central figure in advancing the profession, Carole has contributed to many pharmacy associations and government organizations throughout her career. One of her most significant achievements was in founding the Canadian Society of Consultant Pharmacists (CSCP), where she also served as president and led the council in developing the first-ever Canadian Standards of Practice for Long-Term Care. For five years, Carole was Chair of the Ontario Pharmacists Association Long-Term Care Working Group and a member of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Pharmacy Council. In fact, she brought a balanced perspective to many organizations, including the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA), Canadian Association of Chain Drug Stores (CACDS), Rx Canada, Ontario College of Pharmacists (OCP) and Canadian Pharmacist Association (CPhA)

In addition to 33 years as a member of the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Toronto, pharmacist Dr. Jake Thiessen was instrumental in spearheading the creation of the first co-op pharmacy program in Canada at the University of Waterloo.

Related link:

2014 news article - Spotlight on Jake Thiessen

Murray Koffler has contributed his time and funding to support pharmacy business education, scientific and medical research, the arts, the prevention of drug abuse and business programs for Aboriginal Canadians. The federal government named Koffler to the Order of Canada in 1977 and promoted him to Officer of Canada in 1996. He graduated with a Phm. B. degree from the University of Toronto in 1946.

Related links:

2013 news article - Murray Koffler receives CFP's Pillar of Pharmacy

Dr. Murray Brown has spent more than 30 years dedicated to the Canadian pharmaceutical industry through various roles in academia, professional associations and industry.  Most recently as Vice President, Scientific Affairs of Pfizer Consumer Healthcare, Murray was responsible for directing a team of professionals that oversaw the company’s Quality Assurance, Regulatory and Medical Affairs, Clinical Research and Medical Information capabilities. 

Derek Desrosiers is one of Canada's foremost authorities on economic and professional practice issues in pharmacy. After working in community pharmacy for 13 years, including time as a pharmacy manager and owner, Derek became the Director of Professional Services at the B.C. Pharmacy Association in 1995. In 1999 he took up a similar role at uniPHARM Wholesale Drugs Ltd., then became Chief Executive Officer in 2004. For more than 20 years, Derek has been a staff member or board member of BCPhA, including six terms as President. He has also served as a Director of the Board of the Canadian Pharmacists Association, and a Director and Chairman of the Board of the Canadian Association for Pharmacy Distribution Management.

Since graduating from the College of Pharmacy, University of Saskatchewan in 1973, Bev Allen has been involved in almost every aspect of pharmacy practice. Initially gaining experience in the backbone of pharmacy, Bev owned and operated a community pharmacy for the first 15 years of his career. During this period he also began his now continuous involvement with pharmacy students by participating in the preceptor program, and his desire to serve pharmacy through the profession’s decision-making bodies. He holds the position of Assistant Professor of Pharmacy and Coordinator of the Structured Practice Experiences Program (SPEP) at the College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan (since 1994 and 2000 respectively). 

For more than 40 years, Dr. Wayne Hindmarsh has been guiding the development of pharmacy students across the country. As Dean of the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Toronto for more than 11 years, Hindmarsh oversaw the significant transformation of Canada’s largest faculty of pharmacy. 

When named the 2008 recipient of the Pillar of Pharmacy Award, Aubrey Browne had served the profession of pharmacy for more than four decades. His untiring advocacy has earned him numerous recognitions within the profession as well as in the political arena; for example, he served as a healthcare advisor to two prime ministers.

Ray Joubert has defined the role of Registrar-Treasurer with the Saskatchewan College of Pharmacists through his kindness, generosity of spirit and integrity; these traits have also won him friends from coast to coast to coast. He has nobly served the pharmacy profession through his participation as a director, chair, and member of provincial and national organizations within the profession; he has also lent his experience and knowledge of regulatory affairs to other health professions. And since 1985, he has helped influence and shape the career success of future generations of pharmacists at the University of Saskatchewan. As guest lecturer he shares his extensive knowledge and experience … always challenges the students with his unique brand of ethical, legal and moral questions.