Pharmacy Check-in: Olivia Nwaokocha
Olivia Nwaokocha, BSc, PharmD (she/her)
Pharmacy Intern, Shoppers Drug Mart
Field Case Manager, AbbVie Care Immunology (Cencora)
Burlington & Oakville, ON
Olivia Nwaokocha is a Doctor of Pharmacy graduate from the University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy and holds an Honours Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from the University of Guelph. With more than 8 years of experience spanning clinical, hospital and community pharmacy, Olivia is dedicated to patient care, advocacy and health equity. Currently, employed as a Pharmacy Intern at Shoppers Drug Mart while preparing for her licensing exam, Olivia also works as a Field Case Manager at Cencora (AbbVie Care), where she helps patients navigate complex medication access and reimbursement pathways. Beyond pharmacy practice, she is the Event Committee Chair for the Black Pharmacy Professionals of Canada (BPPC), where she led the planning of BPPC’s inaugural AGM Summit at the University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy in February 2025. As a grassroots contributor, Olivia has played a key role in BPPC’s initiatives to foster professional growth and advance Black health equity in pharmacy. At the national level, Olivia volunteered as a Working Group Associate with the Federation of Black Canadians (FBC), where she contributed insights on health data and outcomes affecting Black Canadians to help inform policy and advocacy efforts. In recognition of her work, she received the Federation of Black Canadians Change Maker Award and was a panellist on the Public Health Agency of Canada–sponsored Black Health Panel, where she shared her expertise on Black health equity and pharmacy. Olivia has further demonstrated her commitment to health-care access and equity through her role in vaccine pop-up clinics across Ontario and her role as a COVID-19 Assessment Centre Educator, improving health-care access and outcomes in underserved communities. Additionally, Olivia has served as an admissions interviewer for the University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy, helping to shape the next generation of pharmacy professionals. With her clinical training, leadership experience, and a dedication to patient-centered care, Olivia continues to be a strong advocate for health equity and pharmacy advancement.
Q&A with Olivia
We caught up with Olivia to chat about the importance of inclusive pharmacy care.
What is the #1 thing pharmacists can do to create a safe and inclusive space for members of the Black community?
Creating a safe and inclusive space for the Black community isn’t just good for patients, it’s also good for pharmacists, too. When we talk about equitable health care, it is important to highlight how these efforts benefit everyone involved. Advocating for change doesn’t just improve patient care; it can also enhance your practice. One of the most impactful things pharmacists can do is actively hire or mentor Black pharmacy professionals, including interns and students. Representation matters and having Black professionals in pharmacy creates a more inclusive and welcoming space. Supporting organizations like the Black Pharmacy Professionals of Canada (BPPC) is also a great step, whether through mentorship programs, conferences, networking opportunities or ally memberships, these efforts go a long way in fostering a more inclusive profession.
Why is inclusive health care important, especially in a pharmacy setting?
Inclusive health care allows pharmacists to provide culturally competent care, which helps build trust, improve adherence and ultimately leads to better health outcomes for ethnically diverse patient populations. Access does not look the same for everyone, and recognizing that is key to closing gaps in care. By prioritizing inclusivity, we can work toward more equitable health care for all.
How can pharmacists play a greater role as advocates for inclusive health care, especially for the Black community?
Pharmacists have a huge opportunity to raise awareness about chronic health conditions that disproportionately affect Black patients, like sickle cell disease, type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease. It’s important to keep these conversations going beyond just Black History Month and to highlight these conditions throughout the year. Pharmacists can also take a more active role in chronic disease management, patient education and policy advocacy to drive meaningful change in the Black community.
What’s the biggest mistake health-care providers make in caring for Black patients and how can they do better?
One of the biggest mistakes that health-care providers make in caring for Black patients is overlooking the intersectionality of race, lived experiences and health outcomes. I believe that when providing care for a patient, it’s not just about treating or advising on a condition, it’s about holistically understanding the patient. Health-care providers should actively listen, acknowledge systemic barriers and adapt their approach to care to better meet their patients' unique needs.
What is the most rewarding part of your pharmacy practice?
As a new graduate, I aim to continue to make advocacy be at the core of my practice. Whether I’m ensuring patients have access to their medications, advocating for them with physicians or addressing systemic health-care barriers, I find fulfillment in making a difference. Listening to my patients, validating their experiences and working toward real health improvements is what keeps me motivated. Fighting for my patients is never a lost cause.
Is there anything else you’d like to share about your practice, or about anything else that is important to you?
I believe that organizations like CPhA should have ongoing working groups that bring together both patients and pharmacists to address Black health inequities year-round, not just during Black History Month. This kind of consistent action is what creates real, lasting change.