2025 Future of Pharmacy: Dr. Ashley Yim

The Future of Pharmacy Award is presented to up to three pharmacists per year who exude a passion for pharmacy and offer extraordinary promise to the profession. Nominees demonstrate strong leadership skills and the initiative to become role models within the field. Dr. Ashley Yim perfectly embodies these qualities, making her deserving of this award.

Ashley is a dedicated and innovative pharmacist whose commitment to advancing healthcare for vulnerable populations has impacted her patients and the pharmacy profession. As the Assistant Manager at Mint Health + Drugs: Blue Bottle, Ashley has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a passion for improving healthcare delivery, particularly for individuals experiencing homelessness and those facing addiction.

Since joining Mint Health + Drugs: Blue Bottle in 2022 as an outreach pharmacist at the Calgary Drop-In Centre, Ashley has been at the forefront of transforming healthcare services for marginalized communities. Her advocacy for pharmacists practicing to their full scope has expanded access to vital healthcare services, ensuring that individuals, regardless of their socioeconomic status, receive quality care.

Ashley’s role as Assistant Manager has allowed her to spearhead several innovative initiatives that have improved both patient care and operational efficiency. One of her key accomplishments includes the development of the “Pharmacy Resources Portal,” a centralized platform designed to streamline pharmacy operations and provide easy access to essential clinical resources for her team. This tool has been instrumental in improving patient safety, facilitating efficient documentation, and supporting her team in providing high-quality care.

Under Ashley’s leadership, the pharmacy team has implemented several impactful programs, including the Medical Detox Program, the Pre-Treatment and Recovery Program, and the Opioid Agonist Therapy Daily Witnessed Ingestion Program. These initiatives have helped address the unique healthcare needs of individuals battling addiction and chronic conditions, offering services such as medication reconciliation, smoking cessation, and chronic disease management.

In addition to her operational contributions, Ashley is a strong advocate for the expanded role of pharmacists in healthcare. She has worked closely with physicians to optimize medication practices, created pharmacist-led clinics to address minor ailments, and provided mentorship to pharmacy students, all while reducing barriers to care for those without access to family physicians.

One of Ashley’s most notable achievements is leading the HepC MicroElimination Project, which screened hundreds of individuals for hepatitis C and ensured timely treatment for those in need. This project is a testament to her dedication to improving healthcare outcomes for underserved populations.

Ashley has demonstrated a deep commitment to fostering a supportive, collaborative, and efficient workplace environment throughout her career. She believes that motivated and supported teams are essential to delivering the highest level of patient care, and she takes pride in ensuring her colleagues feel accomplished and fulfilled in their roles.

Ashley’s work has improved patient care and set a new standard for what pharmacy practice can achieve in multidisciplinary settings. Her innovative approach to pharmacy and her unwavering dedication to improving patient outcomes make her a deserving recipient of the Future of Pharmacy Award. With her continued passion and leadership, Dr. Ashley Yim will undoubtedly inspire future generations of pharmacists and healthcare professionals to break down barriers and improve access to care for all.