Pharmacy Check-in: Tolu Okubote
Tolu Okubote, MPharm, PGCert, RPh (she/her)
Clinical Pharmacist, Alberta Health Services
Edmonton, AB
Tolu Okubote is a dual-licensed clinical pharmacist trained at Kingston University School of Pharmacy in London, UK. Her experience in community pharmacy in the UK strengthened her dedication to patient care, which she further developed in Canada. Tolu transitioned to clinical pharmacy with Alberta Health Services (AHS), where she focus on the health-care needs of the geriatric population. This role continues to fuel her passion for improving patient care and addressing health disparities.
Beyond her clinical practice, Tolu is committed to advancing pharmacy within the Black community. As Director for Alberta and BC with the Black Pharmacy Professionals of Canada (BPPC), Tolu leads initiatives promoting equity for Black pharmacy professionals and improving health-care access through advocacy, outreach and student mentorship. She is also developing a skincare webinar series addressing dermatological conditions prevalent in Black populations and has a growing interest in mental health initiatives that incorporate faith and cultural context. Through these efforts, Tolu strives to create meaningful change in health care, empowering individuals and communities.
Q&A with Tolu
We caught up with Tolu during Black History Month 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?
I believe the most important step pharmacists can take to create a safe and inclusive space for the Black community is to actively listen and engage with patients in a meaningful way, respecting their experiences. This involves key practices such as being culturally competent, understanding the cultural backgrounds and health disparities affecting Black individuals without generalizing, providing culturally relevant educational materials and health-care guidance and participating in community events to demonstrate commitment and connection.
Why is inclusive health care important, especially in a pharmacy setting?
Inclusive health care in a pharmacy setting not only improves individual patient outcomes but also strengthens community health by ensuring that everyone has equitable access to care and resources.
Many marginalized communities, including the Black community, experience significant health disparities due to factors like socioeconomic status, historical injustices and limited access to quality care. An inclusive pharmacy environment helps address these disparities by ensuring that all individuals receive the attention and care they need. It also plays a crucial role in improving health literacy by recognizing the diverse backgrounds of patients and tailoring communication to meet their unique needs. Pharmacists who take the time to ensure that patients understand their medications and health conditions empower them to make informed decisions about their health.
Cultural competence is a key component of inclusive health care. When pharmacy staff are trained to understand and respect cultural differences, they are better equipped to provide high-quality care that considers patients’ backgrounds and beliefs. This leads to more effective health interventions and stronger relationships with patients.
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 health-care providers make in caring for Black patients is failing to recognize and address the impact of systemic racism and implicit bias on health outcomes. This often manifests in assumptions about a patient's needs, behaviors or abilities based on stereotypes, or in dismissing their concerns due to preconceived notions. To improve care, health-care providers must first educate themselves on implicit bias through training and workshops. Acknowledging personal biases is a critical step toward offering more equitable care. Additionally, providers should practice cultural competence by learning about the social, historical and health challenges faced by Black communities. This understanding enables more empathetic and relevant care. Health-care providers must also address structural barriers, such as limited access to transportation, affordable medications and culturally relevant health education. By advocating for systemic change in these areas, providers can help remove obstacles that hinder effective care for Black patients.
What is the most rewarding part of your pharmacy practice?
The most rewarding part of my pharmacy practice is the profound impact I have on my patients' lives. Every interaction is an opportunity to address their medication needs, educate them about their health and advocate for better health-care access in the community.
Working with the geriatric community is particularly fulfilling, as I address their unique health-care challenges and witness the positive outcomes of our collaborative efforts. Being part of initiatives that promote health equity, like the work we do at BPPC, allows me to contribute to meaningful change.
There’s nothing more inspiring than seeing patients feel heard, understood and empowered to take charge of their health. This drives my passion for continuous improvement in both my practice and my community.
Is there anything else you’d like to share about your practice, or about anything else that is important to you?
I am dedicated to bridging the often-invisible gap between faith-based Black communities and mental health, a cause that deeply resonates with my passion. My goal is to challenge and dismantle the biases and barriers that Black communities face in accessing essential mental health care. By fostering dialogue and understanding, I aim to create pathways for support and healing, ensuring that everyone can embrace their mental well-being without hesitation or fear.
Community engagement is central to my work. Through collaboration with local organizations and involvement in outreach initiatives, I strive to address the broader health determinants impacting my patients, particularly those from marginalized communities. Ultimately, my practice is not just about dispensing medication; it’s about empowering individuals and communities to live healthier lives. Every step toward health equity aligns with my values and vision as a pharmacist.