Pharmacy Month

Employee spotlight : Caroline Beauchamp

Thank you, Caroline, and all your colleagues, for the excellent work you do.  Join us in March as we celebrate Pharmacy Month!

What led you to becoming an associate chief in the pharmacy department?

When I applied for the position of associate chief, I wanted to focus on projects that would optimize care for all MUHC patients, by efficiently allocating available resources. Since joining the MUHC, I've really enjoyed sitting on provincial committees where we discuss pharmacy issues and best practices. This allows me to develop new ideas to improve the care and services we offer.

That said, the most rewarding part of my job is accompanying MUHC pharmacists throughout their practice and career path, from the time they are hired to the moment they transition to retirement!

What is the best advice that someone at the MUHC ever gave you?     

I was really enjoying working as a pharmacist on the unit when I was asked to apply for a management position.  I had my reservations, so I told my manager that I would consider trying the job for six months. She told me to stick it out for a full year before considering a return to clinical practice. She was right! During a transition to management, it can take several months to fully settle into our new role.

Tell us about working with your fellow management colleagues in pharmacy?

I work closely with the head pharmacist, the two other associate chiefs and the assistants to the chief to meet the objectives of the department’s five-year plan. We also supervise pharmacy residents on the management component of the master's degree in advancedpharmacotherapy. We are also involved in clinical and administrative research projects.

Every week, we have a detailed meeting to monitor our indicators, plan changes in procedure and manage drug shortages. We speak with one another several times a week to deal with day-to-day issues.

How do you like to relax and unwind after a shift?   

Music has been part of my life since I was a child. I'm no longer a member of an amateur symphony orchestra, since I've chosen to devote more time to my family, but I still play the violin at home in my spare time, and occasionally, in public at special events!