Pharmacists sharpen patient care through UM micro-certificate

By Danica Hidalgo Cherewyk

Carolyn Capell graduated from the University of Manitoba’s College of Pharmacy in 1995.  

She has practised as a pharmacist ever since and now owns two Shoppers Drug Mart franchises in Steinbach and Selkirk, Man.

After more than 30 years, Capell returned to learning to strengthen her patient-care skills. She recently completed UM’s online micro-certificate in Essentials in Advanced Patient Care for Pharmacists in March. 

Capell said one of the most valuable skills she gained was how to approach patient care more critically through case studies and proper assessments.  

“It encouraged me to think beyond the prescription and apply clinical reasoning to patients in my stores,” she said. “I learned about resources like GeriRX and MedStopper, which encouraged me to support de-prescribing. I also discovered that some existing medications can now be used for additional medical conditions.” 

Providing personalized patient care

Katie Peterson, a hospital pharmacist at Health Sciences Centre (HSC) Winnipeg’s Transplant Wellness Centre, pursued the micro-certificate in 2024 — 10 years after graduating from UM’s College of Pharmacy.

Peterson specializes in kidney transplant care, helping Manitoba patients manage medications after transplant. She works as part of an interprofessional team alongside doctors, nurses, social workers and dietitians.

“I monitor drug levels, adherence and side effects, and manage conditions that can accompany kidney transplants — one of the biggest being diabetes,” Peterson said.

She said the program helped refresh and refine her clinical skills. She especially valued the cardiology section — an area she does not encounter regularly but finds useful when those cases arise.

Peterson also said the program’s flexibility allowed her to balance studies with work and family life with two young children. 

Learning from practicing pharmacists

Practising pharmacists across diverse settings teach the micro-certificate.

“It’s unique because you learn from instructors you wouldn’t normally interact with in your day-to-day practice,” Peterson said. “You get access to clinical experts who provide real-time feedback.”

Derek McCreath, one of the program’s eight instructors, is a hospital pharmacist at HSC Winnipeg.  

“I focus on how to assess and treat patients with infections,” he said. “We cover key questions to ask, lab results to interpret and how to assess antibiotic treatments, along with cultural considerations. We also review antimicrobial stewardship — the responsible use of antibiotics — and managing complex infections.”

He said pharmacists must continually advance their clinical skills as patient needs grow more complex.

“Patients are becoming increasingly complex as technology improves our understanding of their health,” McCreath said. “Pharmacists need a strong foundation to manage a wide range of situations, and this program helps build those skills.”  

Ruchi Kumra, director of professional development at the College of Pharmacy and program instructor, said pharmacists are among the most accessible health-care providers. 

“The micro-certificate helps pharmacists confidently step into this evolving role. It’s flexible and accessible, allowing professionals to stay current without leaving practice while making a meaningful impact on patient outcomes.”

Admissions for the September 2026 intake are open until July 27, 2026.