Pharmacy Check-in: Hannah Szwarc

Hannah Szwarc, RPh (she/her)
Primary Care Pharmacist, Health PEI
Charlottetown, PE

Hannah Szwarc is a primary care pharmacist working in a Patient Medical Home in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. At the Patient Medical Home, otherwise known as a Family Health Team, Hannah works with an interdisciplinary team including physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, physiotherapists and social workers to deliver exceptional patient care.

Hannah recently completed Team Primary Care’s Advanced Primary Care Pharmacist Training Program. This program has increased her ability and confidence to deliver collaborative primary care and refined her abilities as a clinical teacher and leader to instruct and mentor patients, peers, students, and interprofessional colleagues, showcasing the significance of pharmacists in primary health care.

Hannah has developed a special interest in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia and is passionate about reducing chronic use of hypnotics and z-drugs.

In her spare time, when she is not spending time with her husband and toddler, you may find Hannah competing at local CrossFit competitions.

Q&A with Hannah

We caught up with Hannah in advance of Pharmacy Appreciation Month 2024 to talk about her role as a primary care pharmacist and what the power of pharmacy means to her.

This year’s Pharmacy Appreciation Month (PAM) theme is “The power of pharmacy.” What does that mean to you?

For me, the power of pharmacy is closely connected to showing how valuable the profession is, unlocking its full potential by working to full scope, and actively working towards implementation of pharmacy services that make a positive difference in health care and the well-being of individuals.

One of the most exciting things about a career in pharmacy is the variety of roles pharmacists take on and the impact they can have in so many different ways. Tell us about your role and what makes it unique?

In my role as a primary care pharmacist, I regularly work together with fellow health-care professionals to guarantee that patients are receiving the best possible care. This teamwork enables me to gain a more comprehensive perspective when interacting with patients. I follow patients regularly, assisting with their medication management, and engage in a continuous exchange of knowledge with my colleagues. Our Patient Medical Home conducts group patient visits on specific topics like menopause, which allows us to learn from each other and adds excitement to my job. I have a particular interest in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia, and I can focus on this extensively in my practice at the Patient Medical Home.

What inspired you to take on this role? What makes it rewarding?

I was inspired to take on this role because I wanted to be able to work to full scope, challenge myself and be part of positive change in health care. Additionally, the dynamic and collaborative nature of the role provides a constant learning environment. The ability to contribute to positive changes, coupled with continuous learning from my peers in different health professions, makes this role exceptionally rewarding. Building relationships with patients and demonstrating the value of pharmacy services at the Patient Medical Home allows for both personal and professional growth, enabling me to actively contribute to the advancement of pharmacy practices.

What makes you proud to be a pharmacist?

In the dynamic landscape of health care, now is the perfect time for pharmacists to showcase our significance. Our scope of practice continues to expand, and I take pride in actively supporting and pushing for positive change.