Education Blog

Chikungunya Virus – What Every Pharmacist Should Know

June 25, 2025

Travel health alert: Chikungunya is a viral illness that's becoming increasingly important for healthcare providers to understand—especially pharmacists. This blog covers key information every pharmacist should know including common symptoms, general care considerations, and preventative measures.

Introducing IXCHIQ® – The World’s First Chikungunya Vaccine!

May 8, 2025

With the rise of global travel and climate change expanding the reach of mosquito-borne illnesses, chikungunya virus is an emerging concern—even for Canadian travelers. With the recent approval of IXCHIQ®, the first-ever single-dose vaccine for chikungunya, you now have a vital tool to help protect your patients against this debilitating disease.

Businesses Everywhere Are Choosing Uber for Deliveries, Should your Pharmacy too?

October 4, 2024

With the rise of on-demand services, many businesses, from fast food restaurants to retail shops, are choosing delivery solutions like Uber rather than managing it on their own. With the launch of Uber pharmacy deliveries through MedEssist: Convenient, traceable, and compliant delivery is now available on demand for any pharmacy.

The Pros and Cons of IVR Phone Systems in Pharmacies

August 22, 2024

The pharmacy is a busy place. On average, the pharmacist’s workflow is interrupted at least once every 19 minutes1, and most of the time by patient enquiries2. Interactive voice responses (IVRs) are automated phone systems that allow callers to provide and receive information using voice or menu inputs without having to wait for a live representative. For many pharmacies, IVRs are a great way of managing patient requests while saving valuable time. So why isn’t it used in all pharmacies, especially independents? Let’s weigh in on some pros and cons.

An Introduction to HIPAA and PIPEDA for Community Pharmacies

August 7, 2024

As pharmacists, we handle sensitive information about our patients on a daily basis in order to provide them with the best care possible. But, with great power comes great responsibility! It’s crucial that we understand the laws and regulations that govern how much we can use and share personal health information.

Google - Your Pharmacy’s Digital Prescription for Virtual Success

May 31, 2024

While traditional methods, such as signage and word of mouth, remain relevant, they are often not enough to promote your pharmacy. In today’s digital age, the Internet plays a crucial role in shaping businesses. Learn how to leverage Google to optimize engagement with your pharmacy!

What to know about Florida’s plan to import prescription drugs for Canadian Pharmacists

March 15, 2024

You may have heard that the US FDA recently approved Florida to start importing prescription drugs from Canada. So you may be asking yourself: What does that mean and why would they do that? When would it start? Should I be concerned about it? And what do I tell my patients? If those types of questions come to mind, then keep reading.

Pharmacy Appreciation Month: What’s it like being a Pharmacy Student at MedEssist

February 29, 2024

As Pharmacy Appreciation Month dawns upon us, it is a fitting time for the pharmacy students here at MedEssist to reflect on their paths to pharmacy and their experience at MedEssist. Cassie, Nicole, and Madison are students from diverse backgrounds at different universities across Canada. In this article, we delve into their journeys to pharmacy and what they experience during their rotations at MedEssist.

Is AI ready for use in the pharmacy? How a recent study challenged ChatGPT with real drug-information questions

January 17, 2024

Recently, ChatGPT has emerged as a phenomenon with the potential to change many industries. It is a tool seemingly capable of providing answers to whatever question the user types into the chat box. Last February, ChatGPT passed the US Medical Licensing Exam. So what does that mean for AIs' place in the pharmacy and should pharmacists be implementing AI into their practice now?

How Much of a Difference Does Pharmacy Strep Throat Testing Make?

December 19, 2023

Sore throats are one of the most common complaints that patients have and many are prescribed antibiotics for suspected strep throat despite less than half of people actually having a bacterial infection. As pharmacists, we are the most accessible point of contact for patients with suspected strep throat to get tested and we can determine the appropriateness of antibiotic treatment.

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