The Pharmacist Will See You Now

Abstract

Priya Samuel was a semi-finalist in the 2026 UBC Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition. Priya presented the research titled “The Pharmacist Will See You Now.” In June 2023, pharmacists in British Columbia gained the authority to prescribe independently for 21 medical conditions, improving healthcare accessibility. However, pharmacists have shared that they are uncomfortable with the new responsibility because they worry about making the wrong decision or causing side effects. The purpose of this research is to understand how pharmacists working in the community setting, across British Columbia, navigate the challenges of prescribing on their own. Priya Samuel is completing a MSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences under the supervision of Drs. Teri Charrois and Kerry Wilbur. #3MT is an academic competition that assists current graduate students with fostering effective presentation and communication skills. Participants have just three minutes to explain the breadth and significance of their research project to a non-specialist audience. For more information or to participate in UBC’s Three Minute Thesis (3MT) visit https://3mt.grad.ubc.ca.