He’s only been practising for four years, but Hugo Leung is already shaping the future of pharmacy in Alberta. And he gives some of the credit to learning photography.
APEX Future of Pharmacy recipient, 2013
Hugo Leung
College Plaza Medicine Shoppe
Edmonton
Hugo Leung embodies a multifaceted and multidisciplinary approach to pharmacy. “I find pharmacy to be great balance of human skills, conversation, and motivation combined with the science of healthcare.” He counts learning photography as one of the most important additions to his career. “Balance and composition are an important aspect to my career.” It is, Hugo believes, the balance of art and science that makes him a better professional.
Hugo tailors treatments for patients and looks to facts as well as creativity. “Pharmacists are there to supply the right information for patients, take the patient’s values combined with the pharmacist’s values, and meet in the middle.”
Hugo is playing an active role in how pharmacists practice in the future. As a teaching assistant, Hugo encourages interactions with colleagues and learning in a team environment. Currently, he is teaching three university lectures about shared decision making; pharmacy layout and design; and the use of technical tools, such as social media, in pharmacy. “Teaching and mentoring these students can build the future of pharmacy and a passion for the profession.”
Hugo is constantly trying new initiatives, incorporating new studies from the university and adjusting existing procedures to streamline and provide better care for patients.
One initiative he is particularly proud of is the creation of a social network dedicated for just pharmacists. Pharmbase.ca is an open discussion about pharmacy in Alberta. “We created an online conference center with dedicated rooms to create more collaboration within pharmacy.”
Hugo acknowledges his co-workers for their support “They help share and facilitate the ideas as well as become creative instigators of change within the practice of pharmacy.” Hugo observes pharmacy as a profession in transition, and he has a vision for his pharmacy progression. “It’s really about doing what I enjoy and what I love.”
