2021 M.J. Huston Pharmacist of Distinction: Carlene Oleksyn

Carlene Oleksyn
Owner and Licensee
Mint Health + Drugs: Meridian, Stony Plain

The M. J. Huston Pharmacist of Distinction is awarded to a pharmacist who has demonstrated leadership and advanced the pharmacist profession through a long-time commitment to innovation, continual professional development, and quality patient care.

This year’s M.J. Huston Pharmacist of Distinction is Carlene Oleksyn, owner and licensee at Mint Health + Drugs: Meridian in Stony Plain.

Carlene opened Mint Health + Drugs: Meridian in 2012 with the goal of providing personal and individualized care and has remained dedicated to patient advocacy and person-centred care. She successfully implemented a “pharmacist first” model where patients are engaged with a pharmacist for assessment when they first present at the pharmacy.

Within her practice, she developed many patient care initiatives and received her certificate in Travel Health in 2015 through the International Society of Travel Medicine to provide travel health services in her community.

In 2016, Carlene added to her clinical portfolio by becoming a Certified Diabetes Educator. Her practice expanded to provide primary care for her patients with diabetes with the initiation of new therapy and adjusting of current medications to help patients reach their personal goals as well as clinical goals.

Carlene is also a consultant in medical/pharmacy continuing education as well as in the area of practice change. Carlene presents sessions to pharmacists across the country, inspiring pharmacists to push forward in their practices and enhance their engagement with patients

Carlene has dedicated both time and resources towards improving pharmacy professional practice by being at the forefront of practice change initiatives and the development of tools required to provide excellent care to patients.

“Carlene spends a portion of her time mentoring other pharmacists who wish to advance their practice,” said Kit Poon, Director of Mint Health + Drugs, and co-nominator for the award. “She exemplifies what many pharmacists are striving for as they walk the road of professional practice change.”