Pharmacy Check-in: Nadia Filippetto

Nadia Filippetto, RPh, BPharm, PharmD, MPH (she/her) 
Clinical Pharmacist, Barrie & Community Family Health Team
Barrie, ON 

Nadia Filippetto is a clinical pharmacist with the Barrie & Community Family Health Team, where she plays a central role in providing personalized care to patients with complex needs. She holds a Bachelor of Pharmacy from Laval University, a PharmD from the University of Toronto and a Master of Public Health from the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, reflecting her commitment to both clinical excellence and public health leadership. With nearly 20 years of pharmacy experience spanning practice in both Québec and Ontario, including 15 years of pharmacy ownership in North York, she offers a unique and well-rounded perspective that bridges individual patient care with complex system-level health-care challenges.

Since joining the Family Health Team, Nadia has become one of just two pharmacists supporting over 120 referring physicians and nurse practitioners. She works directly with patients managing chronic conditions, medication resistance, mental health concerns and more. Nadia is also an integral part of the team’s weight management initiative, where she not only provides clinical care but also contributes to data collection and analysis to evaluate the impact of pharmacist-led interventions.

What distinguishes Nadia’s work is the depth of time and trust she builds with patients. Initial consults can last an hour, with follow-ups of 30–60 minutes, enabling thoughtful medication reviews, deprescribing strategies and person-centered care. She collaborates closely with dietitians, social workers and other health providers to ensure patients receive coordinated support—including for issues such as food insecurity, caregiver burden and health literacy challenges.

Nadia’s career path—spanning public health, academia, and front-line care—reflects her passion for collaboration, advocacy and patient-centered care. She continues to mentor pharmacy students, emphasizing that impactful care starts with listening, not rushing. Nadia exemplifies how pharmacists can lead within interdisciplinary health teams to improve both care quality and patient experience.

Q&A with Nadia

What drew you to primary care practice, and how has being part of a Family Health Team changed the way you deliver pharmacy care?

My transition into primary care was driven by the opportunity to engage directly in patient care, beyond the traditional dispensing role. In a Family Health Team (FHT) setting, I have access to comprehensive patient records, laboratory data and interdisciplinary care plans. This integrated model allows me to apply clinical pharmacotherapy expertise to optimize treatment regimens, identify medication-related problems proactively and contribute meaningfully to chronic disease management, preventative care and transitions of care. The collaborative environment allows for a patient-centered approach, where pharmacy care extends beyond medications to address broader health goals.

You’re one of only two pharmacists serving a large interdisciplinary team—how do you prioritize your time and referrals?

Prioritization is key. I focus on patients with the most complex medication needs—polypharmacy, high-risk medications, poorly controlled chronic conditions or recent hospital discharges. I also prioritize urgent referrals from other team members when medication issues are contributing to acute symptoms or care transitions. Close communication with the team helps ensure I’m addressing the most pressing needs while also balancing proactive chronic disease management and preventative care.

What are some of the advantages of having time for longer patient consultations, and how does that impact the pharmacist-patient relationship? What are you hearing from your patients?

Longer patient consultations are a distinct advantage in primary care pharmacy practice. These sessions provide the necessary time to conduct comprehensive medication assessments, address adherence barriers, clarify patient misconceptions and tailor education to individual needs. Patients consistently express appreciation for the time dedicated to reviewing their medications in depth. These extended consultations give patients the time and space to share their concerns, ask questions and actively participate in their care. This strengthens the therapeutic relationship, supports meaningful engagement and allows for shared decision-making that leads to better adherence and improved health outcomes.

Can you describe how pharmacists are uniquely positioned to support patient care in primary care settings? How do you help patients and other health team members see the value of pharmacy input in decision-making and care planning?

Pharmacists bring specialized knowledge in pharmacotherapy, drug interactions, clinical guidelines and deprescribing strategies that are increasingly vital in complex patient care. Within the interdisciplinary team, I contribute by assessing medication regimens, adjusting therapy based on clinical parameters such as renal function or laboratory markers, recommending evidence-based treatment adjustments and providing medication counselling. By integrating pharmacy input into clinical decision-making, I support both patients and providers in developing safe, effective and individualized care plans that align with best practice guidelines and patient-specific factors.

What would you say to pharmacists who are curious about working in a primary care setting—what makes this role meaningful for you?

This role allows you to practice at the full scope of your clinical training. It involves ongoing clinical decision-making, problem-solving and building long-term relationships with patients. The work is dynamic—you are actively involved in chronic disease management, preventative care, medication safety and system navigation. The collaborative team environment creates opportunities for continuous learning and allows pharmacists to see the direct impact of their care on patients’ health and well-being.

What makes you proud to be a pharmacist?

I’m proud to be a trusted resource for both patients and colleagues. Knowing that my expertise helps prevent medication-related problems, improves quality of life and empowers patients to take charge of their health is incredibly fulfilling. I take pride in being part of a profession that contributes meaningfully to patient care and supports better health outcomes.

Is there anything else you’d like to share about your practice, or about anything else that is important to you?

The evolving role of pharmacists in primary care highlights the importance of integrating pharmacy expertise early in the care process to optimize patient outcomes. I remain committed to advancing pharmacist-led chronic disease management and promoting the full utilization of pharmacists’ clinical knowledge to support patients in managing their health effectively and safely.