ESTEVAN - Donna George, who works at the Souris Family Pharmacy in Estevan, recently received the Pharmacy Professional of the Year Award from the Pharmacists Association of Saskatchewan.
"I was definitely not expecting it," said George. "To me, I'm just doing my job, and I don't feel like I need to be recognized for it. But it's truly an honour to serve the people of Estevan and win this award. Without them, it wouldn't be possible."
She has been with the pharmacy since it opened in August 2023. George worked previously at Walmart and Pharmasave's pharmacies, and she also worked full-time in the pharmacy at St. Joseph's Hospital from 2011 until 2023 when she joined Souris Family Pharmacy.
"I've been in the industry since 2001," she said.
George said she enjoys interacting with people and being able to problem solve, helping customers with questions about insurance, drug plans, coverage and special support. And she is happy to get to know people on a personal basis.
"It's not just in and out. We try to interact with people and build that relationship and get to know them a little bit better."
There have been a lot of advancements in the past few years for pharmacists and technicians, she said. Pharmacists can prescribe for minor ailments and perform therapeutic checks. Technicians like George can check prescriptions and make sure it is the right product for the patient with the proper number of pills. Also, technicians can perform flu and COVID-19 shots.
Her bio noted that she completed her training to be a certified Sigvaris compression stocking fitter, making sure that patients can receive as many services as possible at Souris Family Pharmacy.
"She is the primary professional responsible for completing all of the compliance packaging for our patients. She is the inventory guru and has managed all of the drug shortages faced this year. She has been integral in implementing a system to help assist clients who are part of the sober living program in the community."
Despite all of these duties, she still is often the one to answer the phone, greet patients or ring them through the till at the end of their encounter at Souris Family Pharmacy.
"With only three regular staff members on duty most days, Donna is asked to do it all. Not only does she do it all, she excels at it."
In addition to her duties at Souris Family Pharmacy, George has continued to work at St.
Joseph's Hospital in Estevan as a casual staff member.
"Over the past year, she has spent her 'days off' covering at the hospital, mixing chemotherapy for patients so that they don't have to travel for treatments. We are extremely fortunate to have Donna in our community."
Also, Matthew Walliser from Souris Family Pharmacy was a finalist for the Pharmacist of the Year Award. That honour went to Michelle Cooper, a former Estevan resident who is now in the Carlyle area.
