CAPhO Member Spotlight - Amy Smith 
Amy Smith, Pediatric Oncology Pharmacist
Saskatchewan Cancer Agency, Saskatoon, SK
What is the best part of your job?
The patients. It amazes me how kind oncology patients are. Even when they are faced with terrible side effects they are still such a pleasure to be around. The pediatric patients I work with are no exceptions. They are such a pleasure to speak with and provide care to.
What inspired you to work in oncology pharmacy?
As a practitioner, I knew I would provide the best care for my patients if I specialized in an area of pharmacy practice. I feel as though retail pharmacists are expected to be a "jack of all trades" and this is not a situation I thrive within. After completing a hospital residency program, I knew which areas of pharmacy I enjoyed and which areas I did not enjoy. So I looked for ways I could specialize in an area I enjoyed and therefore I pursued employment at the cancer centre in Saskatoon.
Where was the last conference you attended?
The last conference I attended was NOPS in beautiful Saskatoon.
Where did you go to university?
My university years were spent at the University of Saskatchewan followed by a year with the Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region completing a hospital residency program.
What job did you do before working in oncology pharmacy?
I worked in different retail pharmacies prior to joining the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency. I floated between various stores including Shoppers Drug Marts and Costco. I served a lot of different demographics of patients floating as a pharmacist and learned a lot about over the counter products. I still work casually at Costco pharmacy in Saskatoon. It really helps to maintain some knowledge of the retail side of pharmacy and it's surprising how many oncology patients I come in contact with at Costco.
What sports and/or hobbies do you do?
About a year ago, I began strength training to improve on my half marathon time and after completing the 2012 Saskatoon half marathon, I placed running on the back burner to train in power lifting. Since, I have competed at Saskatchewan's provincial competition and currently hold three provincial records. At our provincials I qualified for the Canadian National Power lifting competition where I placed 1st in the women's open 57kg this past March. Training at that level can be very time consuming so it takes up a lot of my spare time.
Also, I can't pass up an opportunity to mention my Patterdale terrier, Marlo. She is the best dog who has ever lived (definitely not an overstatement).
What book are you reading right now?
I always read two books at the same time so right now I am reading Emperor of All Maladies and 411. Emperor of All Maladies is an excellent read but it is taking me a long time to get through because it's a lot of history.
Where would you want a mystery flight to take you on vacation?
I enjoy taking the road less traveled so I would want a mystery flight to take me to Russia.
Where were you born?
I was born in Swift Current, Saskatchewan because Abbey, the small town I grew up in, doesn't have a hospital. Just a grocery store, skating rink, post office, and a bar but isn't that the story of most small towns in Saskatchewan?
