When most people think of pharmacists, they likely imagine someone counting pills or handing over a prescription.
But pharmacists like Sig Pfahl of Pfahl’s Drugs in Winkler want people to know there's much more they can offer, and that oftentimes, they’re the first stop for trusted advice.
“We do a lot of work with people when they need it,” said Pfahl. “You know, we don't push everyone through the mills.”
A big way that Pfahl says they can go about doing that is by talking over symptoms and helping to come up with a solution.
Personalized support for everyday concerns
That individual attention is the thing that makes community pharmacists an accessible health care option, especially when looking for quick guidance.
“Even this morning, I spent now 20 minutes with somebody. It's up to the people and what they feel they need,” he said. “There are people who just pick up their meds and go, you know.”
For minor ailments like skin irritations, cold sores, or bladder infections, a person may be better suited to have a quick visit to the pharmacist and avoid a lengthy trip to a walk-in clinic.
Though keep in mind, Pfahl says, pharmacists can only offer assessments and prescriptions for certain conditions, and those activities are closely regulated.
“And that list is quite a bit more restrictive than the doctor's."
He also let people know that some pharmacists may elect to charge a fee for their time, should the consultation require extensive work.
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A shifting role in Manitoba’s Health System
Pfahl says that the pharmacist’s expanded role is a relatively new development in the province, having only been implemented in the last five or so years.
While the scope is still limited, he’s optimistic for the future and is content with how the role functions in the community. Taking on a mission that will never fully be completed, helping people get better.