Lisa Yip is a clinical pharmacist/research support pharmacist at the B.C. Children’s Hospital in Vancouver, British Columbia. She also completed the PharmD bridging program in 2018.
Where They're Working
Lisa is from British Columbia, but Waterloo Pharmacy’s co-op program and innovative curriculum persuaded her to move to Ontario for pharmacy school.
“Looking back, I never regretted travelling to Ontario for school, as I made lifelong friends and learned many personal and professional skills that have stayed with me,” says Lisa.
After graduating from Waterloo Pharmacy, Lisa moved home to Vancouver. Today, she works at the B.C. Children’s Hospital which provides health care to seriously ill or injured children from across British Columbia.
“My love of children drew me to the pediatric field – children are the most resilient people I know, and I learn from them every day. It is both a privilege and an honour for me to be able to care for my patients. I remind myself daily how grateful I am to be able to do the two things I love - being a clinical pharmacist and working with children.”
Her career at the B.C. Children’s Hospital began as a residency in 2016, and she’s remained on staff ever since. Recently, she began the role as Research Support Pharmacist where she oversees oncology and non-oncology research studies.
Reflections
on
the
Program
“As a student, I had many opportunities to apply theory into practice at placement sites throughout Ontario and BC. These experiences ultimately helped pave my career as a clinical pharmacist.”
Lisa and the team at British Columbia Children's Hospital.
“Keeping up with all the new oncology studies and all the new agents to treat pediatric cancers is a significant challenge,” she reflects. “Despite its complexity, this research is fascinating and has the potential to improve patient outcomes.”
Lisa also makes time to mentor pharmacy students in the hospital and she hopes that her involvement in teaching will inspire her students to become versatile health care providers.
Alumni Answers
UW: You see many children with very serious health conditions. What do you find most rewarding about working with these patients?
LY: “Many children who are admitted stay in the hospital for quite some time. It’s so rewarding to see their health improve and to help them optimize their drug therapy as a member of the multidisciplinary team. Sometimes, even seeing a child come out of their room after being sick and in isolation, playing and smiling, brings us so much joy. Nothing really beats that!
UW: What advice do you have for pharmacists when working with young patients and their families?
LY: “The taste of oral medications matters! Young patients will not benefit from the drug if they are not compliant. If possible, choose formulations that are palatable to their taste buds. If there are no alternatives, provide education on how to make the medications taste better. CHEO offers activity sheets on tablets, liquids, and capsules with creative suggestions for making medications taste better, which can be accessed online.”
Non-Pharm Fun
“I enjoy spending time with friends, going out for walks, listening to music, and singing. I am an active member of the Vancouver Pops Choir (below). This summer, we made our debut in Japan, and that was one of the best experiences I have had in my life! Next spring, I will be going on my very first medical mission trip to Vietnam, which I am very excited about.”
