The Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada (Neighbourhood Pharmacies) announced Margaret Wing, CEO of the Alberta Pharmacists’ Association, as the 2019 recipient of the Len Marks Pharmacy Advancement Award and Dania Scott, Director of Pharmacy (Medical Cannabis) at Canopy Growth Corp., as its 2019 Distinguished Associate of the Year.

These awards recognize those individuals who work tirelessly day in and out to advocate for the delivery of more accessible care in our communities through pharmacy. The awards will be granted at the Annual Chair’s dinner on May 21, 2019, during Pharmacy EXPO 2019 in Toronto, Ontario.

“With this year’s awards, Neighbourhood Pharmacies is proud to recognize two remarkable individuals who have directed advancement and enhanced accessibility to pharmaceutical care,” said Justin J. Bates, CEO, Neighbourhood Pharmacies. “By advancing the important role pharmacists play, Canadians have access to healthcare services where and when they are most needed, ultimately providing more efficient care with better health outcomes. Neighbourhood Pharmacies believes that a sustainable pharmacy sector is integral to Canadian communities’ health and economic prosperity.”

Len Marks Pharmacy Advancement Award

In memory of Len Marks, Canadian Association of Chain Drug Stores (CACDS) Board Chair from 1997-2000, the Len Marks Pharmacy Advancement Award recognizes an individual who: supports the development and excellence of pharmacy advancement at the university level, encourages students to enter pharmacy as a career, provides an environment for education and training for pharmacy staff to advance the standards of healthcare delivery, promotes pharmacy as a community resource in providing healthcare services and brings the attention of government and industry partners to the valuable contribution of community pharmacy.

Margaret Wing is a passionate leader in pharmacy who brings a unique lens with multiple roles over the course of her career. Ms. Wing obtained her Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from the University of Alberta and her Master of Business Administration from Athabasca University. Her experience as a community pharmacist in urban and rural settings, in pharmacy operations as a corporate regional manager, and as a pharmacy owner has given her the depth of knowledge for her current role as CEO of the Alberta Pharmacists’ Association.

Since 2010, Ms. Wing has been advocating for pharmacists across Alberta, providing leadership for many important initiatives which have significantly advanced the practice of pharmacy. She has successfully negotiated the participation of pharmacists in public health campaigns such as the Alberta Public Health Influenza Immunization Program, the Pharmacy Services Framework, the Alberta Blue Cross Pharmaceutical Provider Services Agreement and the Memorandum of Understanding between Alberta Health and the Alberta Pharmacists’ Association.

Past recipients of the Len Marks Pharmacy Advancement Award include: Darcy Stann, 2018; John Tse, 2017; Sandra Aylward, 2016; David Windross, 2013; Russell Cohen, 2012; Barbara Wells, 2010; Albert Falardeau, 2009 and Sean McKelvey, 2008.

Distinguished Associate of the Year Award

The Distinguished Associate of the Year Award honours a Neighbourhood Pharmacies Associate in good standing who displays commitment to Association initiatives and/or committees, and who contributes to the advancement of the community pharmacy industry.

Dania Scott earned a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy in 1998 from the Lebanese American University and is a licensed pharmacist in Lebanon. She currently lives and works in Toronto as Director of Pharmacy (Medical Cannabis) at Canopy Growth Corp. Ms. Scott has developed a unique skill set which includes cannabinoid education and business development within the cannabis space. She has led the training of thousands of Canadian pharmacists about all aspects of cannabinoids. She is particularly interested in cannabinoid medicine and polypharmacy reduction.

Prior to joining Canopy, between 2015 and 2017, Ms. Scott worked on the cannabis file at Shoppers Drug Mart where she led and supported Shoppers launch initiatives within the cannabis space. Her work in this area included pharmacy education, strategy, marketing and medical cannabis operationalization.

Prior to this, Ms. Scott assumed diversified leadership roles with the pharmaceutical industry, in sales management, marketing and medical functions. She contributed to the growth and launch of several pharmaceutical products in varied therapeutic areas in the Middle East and North Africa region and Canada.

Past recipients of the Neighbourhood Pharmacies Distinguished Associates of the Year Award include: Kimberly Schroeder, Amgen Canada Inc., 2018; Jaiveer Singh, Mint Pharmaceuticals Inc., 2017; Peter Hardwick, Apotex Inc., 2016; Don Bird, WN Pharmaceuticals, 2013; Carol MacDonald, Pfizer Canada Inc., 2012; Paul Porter, Advantage International, 2010; Jean Legault, Beiersdorf Canada Inc., 2009; Rita Egan, AstraZeneca Canada Inc., 2008; Rod Sturtridge, Carlton Cards Limited, 2007 and Jack Kay, Apotex Inc., 2001.

SOURCE Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada