Spotlight

Tell us a bit about yourself, what is your role?

I’m a pharmacist who strongly believes in ActionADE and its purpose and vision. My role is to support this initiative.

What does your average day at work look like?

It’s a constant juggling act—balancing clinical responsibilities, research, education, precepting, meetings, and administrative duties.

What do you enjoy about this work?

If I can make a meaningful difference in patient care, then it’s all worth it.

If you weren’t a clinical pharmacist, what would you have been?

I’d be an architect. I enjoy designing and thinking creatively. Architects work with structured building blocks but also have the freedom to think outside the box, which I find inspiring.

Do you have any fun hobbies?

Lately, I’ve been pretty busy, but when I have the chance, I enjoy playing hockey. It’s a great way to stay active, have fun, and socialize with friends.

You have always had interest in movies, if you get stuck on an island which movie would you bring? Why?

The Shawshank Redemption! It’s the most impactful movie I’ve ever seen—well-directed, with an incredible storyline and stellar acting. It’s thought-provoking with a powerful message that resonates. I think everyone should see it at least once!

You have always been and continue to advocate for an all-expense paid Cruise as one of our rewards for the competition. But if you could go on a month-long cruise, where would you go?

Mediterranean. I’d love to explore the culture and history of the various countries in that region. Europe has always been a dream destination, and a cruise would combine great food with the opportunity to visit unique cities. Each place has its own character, and I think it would be an unforgettable experience.

Being one of the top reporters for ActionADE, we also wanted to pick Anthony’s mind regarding Patient Safety, Adverse Drug Events, and ADE reporting.

So, how would you explain what an adverse drug event is, in your own words?

Simply put, an ADE occurs when a patient experiences a negative reaction to a drug, whether expected or unexpected, as a result of their medication.

How do ADE’s impact public health or your work in general?

ADEs are a critical issue because they offer an opportunity for pharmacists to optimize medication therapy and prevent future harm. When someone presents with an ADE, it’s a chance to intervene and ensure the patient doesn’t experience it again.

Have you ever come across a particularly tricky or unexpected ADE in your work? What happened?

Medications interact differently in each patient. While we understand how drugs are supposed to work, variability between individuals can lead to unexpected outcomes. Sometimes, we encounter rare side effects that haven’t been well-documented. These cases remind us of the complexity of pharmacology and the importance of vigilance.

How would you handle situations where there is ambiguity or uncertainty about the cause of an adverse event?

It’s a collaborative process. My role is to provide input and thoughts on whether a drug might be contributing to a patient’s condition. I share my thoughts with the emergency team and together, we determine whether the drug is the cause or if there’s another explanation. It’s a team effort and I’m fortunate to work with a supportive team. I’m lucky that the team is good to us and we collaborate very well. It is a pleasure and privilege to work alongside my colleagues every day.

Why do you think it’s important to report and track ADEs in a timely and accurate manner?

Reporting ADEs is essential because it improves communication across healthcare settings—between inpatient, outpatient, and clinics. Without it, critical information can be missed, potentially putting patients at risk. For example, if a life-threatening ADE isn’t reported, a patient could unknowingly be re-exposed to the same drug in the community. Reporting ensures continuity of care and helps prevent harm.

What do you find most rewarding about ensuring patient safety through effective ADE reporting?

Knowing that I’ve advocated for patients and improved their outcomes is incredibly fulfilling. Whether it’s discontinuing a harmful drug or improving outpatient monitoring and counselling, these interventions can have lasting impacts. It’s rewarding to know I’ve made a difference.

Are there any challenges or risks that arise from ADE reporting?

The workload can be a challenge, but I remind myself of the importance of advocacy. If I were the patient, I’d want someone to take the time to ensure my safety. Reporting doesn’t take long and even when things are busy, the potential to save a life makes it worthwhile.

What’s been your experience with ActionADE and how does it compare to other platforms you have

ActionADE stands out for its convenience. Other systems often involve lengthy paperwork and faxing, which can be time-consuming. With ActionADE, reporting takes just seconds to a minute, making it much more user-friendly. It also integrates critical information into PharmaNET, allowing healthcare providers to access real-time updates. Other systems are more focused on identifying trends, but ActionADE combines pharmacovigilance with meaningful, patient-level interventions.

Just out of curiosity, what’s your go-to strategy for staying organized and managing your workload, especially when things get busy?  that is, how do you integrate ActionADE reporting into your workflow?

If I can’t report right away, I jot it down and add it to my to-do list. Triaging helps ensure the report gets done later, even on busy days.

Any last thoughts? Is there a message do you want to share to your colleagues about reporting ADEs?

Reporting ADEs is more than just a task—it’s about improving communication and advocating for patients. By ensuring harmful drugs are discontinued and sharing critical information across settings, we can prevent future harm. ActionADE improves patient outcomes and integrating it into our workflow is an extension of the care we already provide. Let’s think about the lasting impact our reports can have and keep patients at the center of everything we do.