Pharmacy Check-in: Lisa-Kaye Williams
Lisa-Kaye Williams, BScPhm, MHM, CHE, CDE, RPh (she/her)
Pharmacist & Associate-Owner, Shoppers Drug Mart
Coach and Mentor
Oakville, ON
With more than 15 years of experience in community pharmacy, Lisa-Kaye Williams combines a passion for health care with a keen interest in business leadership, mentorship and continuous professional growth. A University of Toronto pharmacy graduate, Lisa-Kaye has spent the past 14 years as an Associate-Owner with Shoppers Drug Mart where she leads a dynamic team in delivering a wide range of services—from blister packaging and travel consultations to vaccinations and off-site clinics in congregate dwellings. Lisa-Kaye is especially attuned to the needs of a diverse and often transient patient population. She is a strong advocate for pharmacists’ expanded scope of practice, including minor ailment prescribing and point-of-care testing, and continues to look for new ways to enhance clinical care within the community setting. Beyond the dispensary, Lisa-Kaye is dedicated to community engagement and also serves on the Board of Directors for the Black Pharmacy Professionals of Canada (BPPC).
A life-long learner with a passion for mentorship, Lisa-Kaye continues to pursue advanced education opportunities that deepen her understanding of health systems and leadership. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from the University of Toronto, a Master’s in Health Management from McMaster University, and additional professional certifications to address gaps in the marketplace. What she values most about pharmacy is its versatility—the opportunity to engage in direct patient care, business ownership and system-level thinking all within one profession.
Q&A with Lisa-Kaye
We caught up with Lisa-Kaye in advance of Black History Month to talk about her career path, what she’s learned along the way, and why inclusive health care is important.
You’ve spent much of your career in community pharmacy—what has kept you inspired and engaged in this setting over the years?
My motivation to continue practising in the community has been rooted in the opportunity to develop long-term connections with patients as they navigate different stages of life and a broad range of medical conditions. Community pharmacists are among the most accessible health-care professionals, and each day brings new challenges and variety to my work. During any given day I may be counselling patients with acute conditions, prescribing for minor ailments, managing chronic diseases, supporting reproductive health concerns ranging from fertility to menopause, and engaging in health promotion initiatives such as smoking cessation and opioid use disorder treatment. Additionally, balancing pharmacy duties with front store and cosmetic operations as an Associate-Owner, while also serving as a Clinical Preceptor and offering co-op placements, has been rewarding.
The profession has changed significantly since you began your pharmacy career—what do you see as the most important shifts and how have they influenced your practice?
The pandemic accelerated pharmacy practice from traditional roles to clinical ones, making my work more dynamic and underscoring the need for innovation. A few years after I graduated, Ontario pharmacists had the opportunity to become injection certified and administer flu vaccines. This marked an expansion in the professional responsibilities for pharmacists—a milestone that I was eager to explore. During the heights of the pandemic, I developed and implemented protocols amid changing regulations, leading my team through COVID testing and vaccinations in addition to our traditional dispensary responsibilities. The subsequent implementation of minor ailments and enhanced point-of-care testing has been a game changer.
You’ve pursued a wide range of advanced certifications and learning opportunities. What drives your interest in ongoing education and professional development?
My ongoing commitment to advancing public health in a dynamic environment, coupled with a strong dedication to mentorship drives my ongoing pursuit of education. For example, during my pharmacology presentation as a STEM expert for the Canadian Association for Girls in Science (CAGIS) club, I was encouraged by the enthusiasm displayed by the youth as they were learning. Additionally, my experience as a clinical preceptor for pharmacy students has been enriched by gaining valuable insights from their diverse backgrounds. As the world changes, continuous learning is essential for ongoing growth. Investing in personal development, whether pursued formally or informally, can result in advantages that reach beyond an individual's professional career.
How do you balance the clinical responsibilities of pharmacy with the demands of business ownership and what have you learned along the way?
Balancing different initiatives in pharmacy practice has been enriching as each day brings new challenges and responsibilities. I have also operated various store formats, including a mall store with a Beauty Boutique and a large-format plaza store. Being adaptable and embracing challenges as growth opportunities have been fundamental to achieving success. Keen self-awareness helps me manage several responsibilities and look after my health so that I can support others effectively. Having a supportive family, cultivating a professional network and taking time to pause when faced with adversity has also been beneficial.
What advice would you give to pharmacists or students who want to explore the full range of possibilities within the profession?
I would advise folks to explore their options and pursue possibilities that align with their interests. Pharmacy offers diverse opportunities beyond community and hospital settings such as industry, research and informatics. Whether a recent graduate or a seasoned professional, it would also be invaluable to pursue experiences in rural, remote, urban and suburban communities. With scopes of pharmacy practice evolving, I am eager to see future developments within the profession.
You are a Board Director with the Black Pharmacy Professionals of Canada (BPPC) and are dedicated to providing safe and inclusive care for the Black community. Why is inclusive health care important, especially in a pharmacy setting?
As pharmacists, we see patients with a variety of medical needs and the Canadian population is multiculturally diverse. While there is limited data specific to Canadian populations, external research has shown disparities and health inequities in access to culturally competent medical care for marginalized groups. Anecdotally, patients and colleagues have shared the need for more inclusive care for underserved groups such as Black, Indigenous and other people of colour. My direct experience organizing clinics for adults with dementia, adults with developmental disabilities and youth with mental health issues further underscores the importance of providing adequate support for vulnerable populations and underserved groups.
What is the most rewarding part of your pharmacy practice?
The most rewarding aspect of my career to date has been engaging in opportunities to combine my passion for helping people with their health needs with mentoring and operating in business and leadership. Observing my students thrive as they deepen their understanding of pharmacy beyond the dispensary, engaging in meaningful discussions with youth about careers in STEM and connecting with women pursuing leadership opportunities has been invaluable.
Is there anything else you’d like to share about your practice, or about anything else that is important to you?
Even small actions can have a significant impact on the lives of others. Aim to improve your surroundings whenever possible.