2025 Future of Pharmacy: Dr. Daniel Martino

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. Daniel Martino is a shining example of these qualities, making him deserving of this recognition.

Since graduating from the University of Alberta’s Doctor of Pharmacy program in 2023, Dr. Martino has rapidly established himself as an empathetic and emerging leader in the pharmacy field. His commitment to patient care, advocacy for pharmacy practice, and drive for clinical and operational excellence have consistently set him apart, earning him recognition from colleagues and peers alike.

Dr. Martino’s passion for service began early in his career. He co-founded Boxed Blessings, partnering with The Mustard Seed to deliver over 400 care packages to Edmonton’s inner city, including food and essential health supplies. As a pharmacy student at Mint Health and Drugs: Community Members Pharmacy, he demonstrated exceptional leadership and accountability. Additionally, Daniel managed the non-profit Mint Communities, forging relationships with stakeholders like E4C, COBS Bread, Edmonton Food Bank, and Mustard Seed to redirect over 300 pounds of COBS Bread products weekly to shelters and transitional housing across Edmonton. His genuine passion for serving others and his ability to bridge relationships for the betterment of the community were clear from the start.

As Vice President of Finance for the Alberta Pharmacy Students Association, Daniel identified a gap in personal finance education. He delivered the first-ever financial literacy workshop series for pharmacy students. This initiative demonstrated his ability to recognize and address his peers’ needs while enhancing future pharmacists’ professional development.

After his graduation, Dr. Martino quickly made a mark in his early practice. His first role as a pharmacist in Sundre, Alberta allowed him to fill a crucial gap in care for rural patients who lacked easy access to family physicians. Driven by his commitment to patient care, Daniel earned his Additional Prescribing Authority within just six months of starting his practice. This achievement underscored his dedication to professional growth and his ability to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care in rural communities.

Although Daniel did not hold a formal managerial title in his first role, he naturally emerged as a leader at Sundre’s Pharmasave and Pharmachoice pharmacies, where his exceptional change management skills, advocacy for best practices, and innovative approach to clinical care set new standards. His work on anticoagulation management is one example of his ability to translate clinical expertise into meaningful outcomes. One memorable instance involved his work with a patient on warfarin, where Daniel adjusted the patient’s regimen and followed up regularly to ensure the patient’s INR levels stabilized, demonstrating his dedication to patient safety and care.

Just one year after graduating, Dr. Martino was promoted to Pharmacy Manager and Licensee at Glenmore Landing IDA, overseeing a dispensary, a pharmacist-led diabetes practice, and an infusion clinic. His clinical expertise, entrepreneurial spirit, and leadership abilities shine through in these roles, allowing him to implement innovative patient care models.

“I’m proud to work with infusion clinic stakeholders to expand the medications we offer and improve services for our patients. As a pharmacy manager I have reintroduced drug procurement and medication counseling to reduce barriers for patients. I enjoy the unique nature of the infusion clinic operation and am proud that my team successfully integrated it into our workflow.” says Dr. Martino.

Dr. Martino is also a strong voice in pharmacy education and advocacy. He has presented at the Minors Ailment conference in Vancouver, sharing insights on “Optimizing Pharmacy Workflow” with over 100 pharmacists, helping to improve practice efficiency across the profession. His involvement in RxA’s leadership cohort further emphasizes his dedication to promoting the role of pharmacy in patient care. Dr. Martino is currently part of a campaign to advocate for pharmacy and its essential role in patient care in response to Alberta’s budget cutbacks.

In addition to his clinical and leadership contributions, Dr. Martino’s academic research demonstrates his commitment to advancing the field. His work on anticoagulation management and pharmacist-led hepatitis C re-engagement clinics has made a tangible impact, helping cure over 50 individuals in Alberta who were previously untreated. His research on anticoagulant management has already been published in peer-reviewed journals, further solidifying his contribution to advancing pharmacy practice.

Dr. Martino is the embodiment of the Future of Pharmacy Award, consistently exceeding expectations and inspiring others with his professionalism, intellectual curiosity, and entrepreneurial spirit. His positive attitude, empathetic nature, and patient-centered mindset encourage those around him to raise their standards of care. His leadership and advocacy continue to impact the pharmacy profession significantly, and he is a role model for future generations of pharmacists.

With his exceptional accomplishments, leadership, and dedication to patient care, Dr. Daniel Martino is a well-deserving recipient of the Future of Pharmacy Award. His work inspires countless individuals, and his ongoing contributions to pharmacy will undoubtedly shape the profession’s future.